Short on Peace Shortbread

A Sort of Advent Musing and A Recipe

I made a make-shift advent wreath out of mismatched candlesticks and a faux garland I found at Target on clearance. We’ve sort of remembered each Sunday night to light a candle and have talked about Hope and Peace and Joy in terms a five year could grasp; because that’s about all I can handle, and I have an actual five-year old.

I’ve been both overwhelmed at the delight of a rush of holiday sacredness, and a strong desire to walk swiftly in the opposite direction of all open church doors. I weep at the first opening measure of, “Oh Holy Night” and simultaneously never want to hear it again.

If you find yourself in this strange push and pull of the in-between this Christmas season- this, open-shut-ed-ness feeling like when you wade in slowly in the shallow end of the public pool only to have the neighbor kid cannonball directly over your shoulder, you’re in good company. And also in dire need of a cookie recipe that is not really a cookie recipe.

You can make this festive for Christmas with cookie cutters and frosting; or you could make them as gentle as a snowy evening if you find you’re in need of a quiet comfort.

I hope that whatever side you fall, they bring you peace.

Shortbread Cookies

8 oz/1 lb or 1 package kerrygold, unsalted butter

¼ sea salt ( this could be upped, in my opinion)

¾ powdered sugar

2 cups King Arthur flour

½ tsp vanilla

Use any cookie cutters of choice, or simply cut into squares and place on baking sheet . Sprinkle with granulated sugar before baking. Don’t worry about overcrowding the baking sheet- these don’t spread.

Bake for 20 mins at 325 degrees F (depending on thickness)