At our house these days, it's everything cowboy for my teenage son! Yup. From the boots to the buckle! Most of all, the attitude is all cowboy!

I have to say, living with this cowboy has changed my attitude and view about cowboys. I have to admit, I didn't want my son to grow up to be a cowboy! Guess I bought into the song and the stereotype!

My son has taught me a lot about cowboys.

• The cowboy loves the outdoors and nature.
• He loves the simple life and is very direct.
• He believes in liberty for all
• He's honest
• He knows his parents are his best friends
• He respects others and is free from racial and religious prejudice
• He works hard
• He doesn't brag
• He loves country music!
• Most of all - he loves his mother's cooking!

In his honor, I want to share a recipe that I found, honoring the hearty appetite of all cowboys! It's a recipe for Cowboy Cookies, a blend of several I found. The cookies are basically a monster oatmeal cookie!

Cowboy Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 Cup peanut butter
• 3/4 Cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 Cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 Cups old fashioned oats
• 2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 Cup pecan pieces
• 1/2 Cup sweetened coconut

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butters, sugars, and salt. Add in eggs and vanilla. Then, slowly add flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Fold in oats, chocolate chunks, pecan and coconut. Use a tablespoon (heaping tablespoon) and drop onto a greased baking sheet. (I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper instead.) Bake 10-15 min. Should yield about 3 dozen cookies.

Serve with a large glass a milk - another cowboy favorite! Giddy up!