Vegan Shortbread Cookies

I wanted to bring something to work to share with everyone and to show that vegans can also have some pretty yummy desserts and baking at Christmas time. Let's just say, it didn't take long for these babies to disappear. People loved them and couldn't believe, first off that I made them and second, that they were vegan! Woo hoo! (I'm in the process of making a second batch to bring in tomorrow!)

I found this recipe under Dairy free cooking on About.com

Vegan Shortbread Cookies

1 Cup (2 sticks) Non-Dairy Shortening - I use Earth Balance Shortening 4 come in a box
2/3 cup Icing Sugar
2 Cups flour of choice
1/8 Tsp Salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the non-dairy shortening using an electric hand mixer until creamy (I have a kitchenaid mixer and it works really well.) Add the icing sugar and beat until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt until the mixture forms a thick, soft dough.

Form the dough into 1" balls with your hands, placing on the sheet as you work. To squish them down I dipped a wooden spoon into flour and pressed down on the balls and then added some sprinkles. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire cooling rack.

These cookies are quite buttery and yummy. I really think you should make some...like, right now :)

A homeless dog

Myyyyyyy goodness... I'm so glad they found her!

Fall and Winter

Why is it that when fall and winter hit, we seem to accelerate? I find that everything needs to be done yesterday and I am forever trying to catch up. It's really important to try to keep things at an even pace and take care of yourself.

I volunteered for a few things this season that have taken some of my time away from making delicious meals and baked goods. I find that even though I love to give my time to things that I care about, being at home making food and relaxing are probably my favorite things :)

This fall was Slideluck Vancouver. It's a night of food, fun, friends and photography. It started in NY and it has grown to include cities from around the world. I highly recommend you attend if you find one in your city. I had the pleasure of being the Social Media Coordinator this session and for about a month before the event, I was Tweeting, Facebooking and telling everyone about it. The night of the event I helped set up and take the event pictures.

Another thing I have volunteered for this winter was "Pet Pictures with Satna" for the Burnaby SPCA. We raised over $2,100!

This little charmer is named Guillaume

I find when I volunteer I forget about me. I forget about eating properly and getting enough rest. The one thing I tried to do differently this time around was give myself permission for breaks and even walk away from the computer (when I was processing pictures or doing the social media stuff) for a couple hours. There is nothing worse than sitting at your computer for hours at a time in the same position.


Now that all of my fall/winter volunteer jobs are over for this season, I hope to get back to cooking, baking and more relaxing! I'll post some yummy pics soon, I promise :)

I wish you a wonderful Holiday Season with those you love, filled with laughter and a lot of yummy comfort foods :)

My Christmas gift to you....you're welcome.