My cookie inspiration comes from living in the Coachella Valley where dates are one of our local delicacies. I like incorporating local ingredients into my cookies, so I paired dates with an all-time favorite—peanut butter—and combined with oatmeal for a twist on the basic oatmeal cookie. My Vita Mix makes whipping up fresh peanut butter a breeze, and It is good to exercise my Kitchen Aid mixer from time-to-time to keep it and me sharp. By adding a few spices, including cardamom, I created a holiday cookie that was crispy outside, with moist, holiday spice inside. This cookie is great for snacking, dipping, or making ice cream sandwiches!