Here's to 2022
The end of this crazy year is fast approaching, and just like last year, the festive season will no doubt play out a little differently for many of us. What is usually a time of family and togetherness, may not quite be possible for all of us just yet due to the border restrictions and the current COVID mandates. However, it does look like there may be an end in sight.
Until then, it is important to remember the good things that have happened this year. How many of these things can you tick off the list below?
- If you are/were working from home – you don’t always have to be up and showered as early as you would be if you had to make your way to the office.
- Our petrol bills should not be as large as normal.
- We have become Zoom experts.
- Online shopping is now a new way of life – whoops!
- We became good at baking, crafting, and teaching our kids life skills. Some of us may even want to become teachers - who knew?
- As there was time, we were able to catch up on watching TV and streaming those movies we missed at the cinema.
- We were home to share mealtimes with our family.
- We had time to learn a new skill, language, or hobby.
- We exercised more.
- We slowed down a bit from our crazy life.
- When we were able, we visited our states and explored the areas usually reserved for tourists.
It has no doubt been another difficult year. Most of us have cried, laughed, wondered what was going to happen next, been scared of the unknown, unsure of our new normal, worried about the daily press conferences and what new restrictions will be in place, but we have made it. Like being married to 2021, we may be better or worse, we may be richer or poorer, we may even be sicker, or hopefully healthier, but just as the sun rises every day and the months roll by Christmas is again nearly here.
I have found a great quote from baseball great Babe Ruth, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
I want to leave 2021 on a positive note and while most of us are just starting our super busy period, I thought I would leave you with a family favourite Christmas recipe – especially now that baking is a thing we do! So, sit back enjoy your surroundings and make time for yourself as we embrace whatever the silly season and 2022 has in store for us.
Cranberry & Orange Shortbread
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- ½ teaspoon almond essence
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, or more to taste
- 2 cups sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Beat the butter and icing sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the vanilla, almond and orange zest. Mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the cranberries; mixing just enough to evenly combine.
Step 2
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions, then roll into logs about 7 inches long. Wrap each log in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Step 3
Preheat an oven to 175 deg C.
Step 4
Cut the cookie dough into slices. Arrange the slices on a baking tray with space.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until firm but not browned, about 10 minutes.