Why I Bake at Christmas

As I am spending a rainy west coast Friday baking Christmas shortbread and listening to a stream of Christmas songs, I find my mind softly drifting to my memories of Christmases past. I'm sure like you, there are good memories and some not so good but I hope you are like me and the good ones shine through and you smile.

My memories around shortbread are sweet. Over the years I perfected MY shortbread recipe which originated from a bar recipe and evolved based on comments from friends and family, but mostly my mom. She is a picky eater (although she claims not to be!) but she knows what she likes. Each year in my 30s she would give me feedback and I would adjust. Once I reached my 40s she only gave me praise so I figured I had it perfected.

Over the years my family has come to expect Tupperware containers filled with shortbread, butter tarts, mincemeat tarts (the core staples) along with new goodies I tried out. Even as adults they start hinting at when they will get their supply or when my kitchen will start wafting with the lovely aroma of Christmas baking. My colleagues at work would also look forward to indulging in these delectable treats.

Shortbread is my favourite holiday treat as I prefer a less sweet treat. For me it is a key indicator that Christmas season has begun. So it all starts today with some early batches for an event we are hosting this weekend and will flow into next week when I am up all hours baking for our pop-up farm stand. I am so excited to be baking for my community next week. I hope the love and joy that I associate with Christmas baking is shared with you all in every bite. And if you don't live near us I hope you make some yourself or get your hands on some at a local bakery or farm stand!

One Dozen Shortbread Available at our Pop Up Farmstand Sat. December 13th or order now and pick up sooner!