Coconut Chai Shortbread Cookies

According to our son, we’re old now because Tony evidently drives slower than he used to and I like to keep track of the weather.

 I actually thought we were getting old because Tony is losing his hair, I can no longer hide my crow’s feet, and now we both have to wear reading glasses to be able to see anything up close.

Tony bought this weather station for me last Christmas in New Hampshire. It was too cold to go outside and set it up so it was put in a closet for a later date. Once we moved back to Washington I came across it and was very excited when Tony set it up. It now sits on the back of the kitchen sink where we can comment on the weather every day.

One of those comfortable, conversational pieces old people enjoy.

The “spinny thing” that keeps track of the wind is attached to the fence post outside. I have no idea why, but I love it.

What does this have to do with shortbread cookies, you might be wondering? Well…

I’ve been looking for excuses not to go outside and walk the dogs all morning. First it was laundry, then it was cookies…and oh look, now it’s almost lunch time!

I took one look at the weather thing early this morning, and thought…17 degrees and 12 mile an hour winds. Maybe we should wait until the weather “calms down” a bit. Truly old people talk. And I said it out loud to the dogs which probably proves that I’m a geriatric now.

Now it’s warmed up to a balmy 27 degrees. Cold weather can cause heart attacks and broken hips for us old folks, ya know.

I’m thinking now I’ll need lunch before we go and maybe a couple more cookies for extra energy…

Abigail sniffing to decide whether I had made something she needed to taste.

Nope.

She sat at the edge of the couch while I photographed the food with that tiny little, very persistent growl that says, “I would like you to tuck me in now”. “NOW please. RIGHT now. I NEED to be tucked in NOW please.”

She’s become very fond of my Pottery Barn cable knit throws.

I also have a thick chocolate brown one our bed that she likes to be wrapped up in every night. An expensive dog with expensive taste.

She is the Queen of the palace after all.

Romeo is more happy-go-lucky and usually just content with being near wherever you are.

When I cover him up he gives me a slow, deep, sigh of thanks, but would never go as far as to insist on being covered with cable knit. He’ll stick to a more manly fleece, thank you very much.

A couple of cookies and a cup of my Coconut Chai Sipping Chocolate and I’ll have plenty of energy to keep me warm.

Coconut Chai Shortbread Cookies

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees (makes 12)

5 Tablespoons of Organic Coconut Flour

6 Tablespoons of Organic Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (whiz in food processor if they aren’t shredded) plus more for dipping

6 Tablespoons of Non Dairy Butter

A Small Pinch of Fine Sea Salt

1/4 teaspoon of Chai Mix

2 Tablespoons of Pure Maple Syrup

2 Organic Medjool Dates, pitted and diced

In a medium bowl combine the flour, coconut flakes, butter, and salt with a fork. Add the chai spices, dates, and syrup. Mix with fork until thoroughly combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Roll dough lightly into 12 small balls. Flatten dough with a glass dipped in shredded coconut. (Rub a little dough on the bottom of the glass to begin). Once flattened, sprinkle with a little more coconut.

Bake in a preheated oven for 9 minutes (I use convection, keep your eye on them) or until edges are golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.