like this, please, give them a cookie, toss them a tart or a piece of fudge. Heaven knows, they too need to taste the magic of Christmas. If you aren't a baker, you are probably thin... and hungry. Make this season your time to don the oven mitts and introduce yourself to a mixer and measuring spoon. What's the worst that can ha ? Try a simple recipe... a no-bake cookie... you won't have to worry about burning the house down and just think of how impressed your family and friends will be! Note that any calo- ries consumed on or about December 25th do not count; which covers sugary cookies, fancy coffees and wine Christmas is a wondrous season filled with traditions, magic and memories like no other holiday and the delicious marriage to the kitch- en’s baked treats is a tasty testament to that! Make this the year you create memorable home-baked traditions of your own... and no, WHIPPED ‘melt in your mouth’ SHORTBREAD 1 pound butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla pinch salt 1/2 cup comstarch 3 cups all-purpose flour buying cookies at the bakery or out of a bag Preheat oven to 350 F. don‘tcount! . ‘Method: Cream together butter, icing sugar, vanilla and salt. Gradually Here's to wishing you and yours magical add cornstarch and flour. Whip with an electric mixer until fluffy. Drop by holidays and cookie-laced dreams; have the spoonfuls, roll into balls or place into a cookie press and press out cookies merriest of Christmases and all the best in the on cool baking sheet, Decorate with candied cherries, nuts, chocolate or New Year! sprinkles if desired. ‘Tammy Horvath Bake 12-15 minutes, Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet, then Focus on Scugog remove to wire rack to cool completely. Christmas Cookies Dotch Stollen Bread am LE Festive is Traditional Pies i ee fruit cake mond S -- Holiday Cakes ; 204 Queen St., Port Perry 905-985-2172 BETTER! FOCUS - DECEMBER 2009 23