Even more cookies

Shortbread cookies are as necessary to Christmas celebrations as a decorated tree, in my humble opinion. I make these every year, as does my mom, as did her mom. Simple, easy, a delicate, vanilla flavoured cookie that's a cinch to roll out and cut in shapes.

Here's the recipe:

Shortbread Cookies

1 cup (two sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 300 F.

Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, cornstarch and salt, and stir into butter mixture until well blended. Roll dough to approx. 1/8 inch thick (err on the side of thicker), cut in shapes and place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes (no colour on edges). Transfer to rack and cool.

These cookies are perfect with a nice hot cup of tea. Or a glass of cold milk. Or a splash of sherry or port. Ooh, the hint of nutmeg in eggnog is a lovely accompaniment to the vanilla in the cookies. And if you put a splash of brandy in the eggnog, you're golden.

Here's hoping that whatever tradition you celebrate, you find joy, peace and love.