These cookies may be heavenly sweet but the circumstances around which I came to make them were anything but. We made this on the weekend that friends were moving away. A perfectly easy and tasty finish to our last meal together; we made Tortilla Soup while their house was being packed for the move to their new home. I’m sorry to see these friends move on but it’s been a long time coming for them, so I can’t help but be happy as well. This was another friendship where we didn’t have everything in common but the ties we had were dear and special. Our interests in living as naturally as possible lead to a lot of really great conversations, some shared meals and their first son was born at home in the same pool that Leif was born in!
All the moving we’ve done over the years and the experience of many friends moving away, has made me put myself out there quicker and take chances when it comes to making new friends. Not any easy feat for someone like me, I’ve always identified myself as being “shy”. I cherish both my new and old friendships a great deal. I’ve long realised that I don’t need to have everything in common, to become great friends with others. I don’t want to change who I am to fit in with anyone. They’ll either like the way I am, or not. I still hold dear my friendships, that were made online, which in some ways I couldn’t live without. They meet my need for mutuality, intimacy and inclusion.
So here’s to all the friends in my life! For all the shared smiles and laughs (even if it leads to one of us peeing in our pants- not that that’s ever happened…), for the shoulders offered when I needed to cry, for the caring and empathetic listening when I needed to be heard, for pushing me to work harder or challenging my ideas, for supporting me unconditionally and allowing me to do the same… for all of it. Thank you for being there.
No Bake Chocolate Chip Cashew Cookies
- 1 3/4 cups Cashews
- 3/4 cup Oats
- 1/4 cup Honey (or Maple Syrup)
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil, soften or melted for better combining
- Chocolate Chips
- Coconut, Cocoa or other for rolling cookies in
- In a food processor, process cashews and oats until a coarse to fine powder.
- Combine the honey, vanilla and coconut oil into a large bowl. Add the ground cashews and oats and mix with a wooden spoon or by hand. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Cover dough with wax paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (or don’t if you’re rushed!)
- Roll dough into balls and coat with coconut, cocoa or a mixture of both or try something different to dust your cookies with!
(-: I find people who are not afraid to share what they create or learn, like yourself, are genuinely the kindess of mankind. Whether sharing a photograph, a story or helping in a compassionate way, “IS” more important then having something in common. :-)
oh. yum. yum. yum.
And I agree. I know I would never have everything in common with people and go by more of a feel of energy, connectedness. Sadly people are not like that here in the midwest. If my kids don’t go to the same school as theirs, or we don’t attend their church, or we don’t attend the same group activities then they really won’t even talk to ya. Making friends is hard where people are more closed. I loved New Mexico – people were so open and friendly and accepting and creative. Loved it there! :)
Thank you, Lise. So incredibly kind. xx
You got it, Denise. A friendship must feel good and then it matters little beyond. It works the other way also, more similar interests won’t save a friendship if it’s not healthy and without connectedness. I feel for you. Living without enough closer community would be difficult. Have you thought about moving one of these days? More community and less crazy weather! I’m so glad to know you, even if it is just online.
As someone who is definitely shy myself, I’ve never been good at meeting new people, although I cherish the friendships I have developed over the years. Somehow online relationships seem to come a bit easier – perhaps because any rejection isn’t face to face? Or perhaps because it is easier to narrow in on folks you have stuff in common with.
These cookies look awesome – yet another great recipe you have shared!
This was an awesome post Annie. I hope you have many years to build up more shared memories even if there is distance between you.
As someone who has moved way too much, I know all too well the feeling of saying goodbye to wonderful people. What a sweet send off you gave them, as hard as it must have been to say goodbye. And YUM! I’m so going to make these. Your recipes never disappoint, sweet Annie!
Beautiful heartfelt post Annie. After three years here I am just starting to develop what I would call friendships. I takes me much too long to get to know others. I need to be more like you and just jump in!
Thanks for the recipe… these looks yum!
Those are some CUTE boys Annie! They look as delicious as the cookies! :) WE MISS YOU!
Umm can i substitute another kind of nut for the cashews? :) This recipe looks awesome btw! would almonds work the same?
These make awesome cookies for sure. I don’t see why you couldn’t substitute the cashews for almonds. Perhaps I’ll try that the next time I make them… maybe tomorrow!