Christmas Pep Talk!

Christmas is amazing for so many reasons, but for us fatties and closet fatties alike, one of the best parts of the season is the grub! I mean everywhere you go there's a platter of food in front of you; from cheeses to fruits to crackers to cookies to fruitcakes to chocolates and candies, it's a smorgasbord of treats that will tempt even the most hardcore healthy eater. This doesn't even include the chocolates you get as gifts, or the special drinks and booze you will consume while being merry. Oh! and let's not forget the celebratory meals like Christmas Dinner or New Years Dinner, or the fact that you have a constant source of junk in your house, 'cause God forbid you not have anything to offer visitors should they stop by.

You may as well admit it now, you're probably going to be a little cushier by the new year... but then again, that's what New Year's resolutions are for, right?! Christmas is really the one time each year (aside from the scattered vacay) that you can indulge yourself without guilt. You are alive. You are with friends and family. Friends and family that have baked you all kinds of treats (or at least spent the money on them), to bring YOU joy as you visit. So don't deny them the pleasure of making you happy with deliciousness, and more importantly, don't deny yourself. It's Christmas for god's sake! Cut yourself some slack! Now get out there, spread some cheer, and have a very Merry Christmas!!

The reason I get a little 'cushier' during the holidays, Mom's Christmas Spread (2011)  Top plate: Newfie Hor D'oeuvres, Sociables Crackers; Middle Plate: Baguettes; Bottom Plate: L-R Moirs Cake, Shortbread Wreathes, Dream Squares, Boiled Fruitcake, Date Squares, Dominoes, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and in the middle Dutch Dainties.

Easy Shortbread

Not sure if you've ever noticed but shortbread dough and pie crust look a lot alike before they're shaped and baked. Back in the day, any time I ever saw my mom mixing a batch of dough, the first words out of my mouth were 'cookies or pie?' If it was cookies, game on, I'd be stealing me a hunk, if it was pie... not so much! Shortbread are delicious both pre and post baking, and they're also very versatile; not only can you shape them how you like, but you can also add all kinds of super delicious toppings like icing, sprinkles, or candied cherries.

These cookies are a regular at the house during Christmas, and during many other times of the year when the mood strikes. They are so good I've seen them convert shortbread haters into lovers... honestly, they're amazing!