Cinnamon and Cloves

 

Much as I have thoroughly enjoyed working this week, I know that by tomorrow afternoon I'll be relieved to finish for the holidays. I feel exhausted. My decision to drop off a Christmas card 'only fifteen minutes out of my way' after Lily's swimming lesson this evening, and at the end of an already long day, was not one of my better ones, so I won't be long out of bed. The recipients were not even in, so I just had to put it through the letterbox. I should have just posted it in the first place. I'll know better next year :)

This morning I was reading Sue's blog, when she happened to post about one of my most favourite things to eat - shortbread. I love it. And I meant it when I commented that I would happily pass on any type of cake or biscuit for  piece of good shortbread. For something so simple it really is delicious. And I also meant it when I said I would then have to bake some for myself, which I did, except I added a generous pinch of cinnamon and cloves to mine, just to give it a Christmassy flavour. I'm glad I remembered to pick up some more at the supermarket last week, as I've recently been adding it to my compote and I will also be using it in my mincemeat shortbread when I finally get around to making it next week. I always associate both flavours with this time of year.

This is the recipe if you would like to bake some yourself. 

Tomorrow is the last day of the school term, and that means Christmas parties. Lily is so excited and will be wearing her 'something sparkly' for the occassion. I've sent all my cards, I've bought all my gifts. Now I'm looking forward to having the time to relax and make the most of the festive season. 

J. X