Shortbread Cookies and "The Holiday"

Christmas is now under a week away and it's a frantic race to get everything done before the big day. One item in particular for me that always comes down to last minute is my cookie baking. My favorite cookie of all time is a freshly baked shortbread. Sweet and buttery with a strong vanilla flavor, it's impossible to just have one of these! Shortbread cookies can't be an easier to make and chances are you always have the ingredients you need on hand. On top of all that, the shortbread dough is perfect for using your favorite festive cookie cutters you have stored away.

3 sticks of very soft room temperature butter
1 cup of Sugar
½ Tablespoon of pure Vanilla extract 
½ teaspoon of Kosher Salt
3½ cups of all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
Whip the room temperature butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla together with an electric mixer on high speed or by hand with a wooden spoon until the two or completely combined and the mixture is very light and fluffy - about 5 minutes. Turn your mixer on low and gradually add the flour a cup or so at a time until all the flour is mixed in. Form the dough into a disc and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can make this dough a few days ahead and keep it chilled until you're ready - just make sure it's thoroughly covered with saran wrap. 

Removed the chilled dough and place onto your working station (A table top, counter, or cutting board)  that you've dusted with a little bit of flour. Flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out in all directions until it's about a quarter inch thick but no need to be exact. Use your cookie cutters to cut out your cookie shapes and place on an un-greased baking sheet. Now is the time to decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar if you desire. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Baking time will depend on the size and shape of your cookies, if they are smaller they obviously won't take as long. The best way to tell if the cookie is done is the check the edges of the cookie, if you can see that it's turning golden brown the cookie is done. Remember just because we pulled the cookie from the oven the tray and cookie is still warm so it will continue to bake a little once you've removed them from the oven.

Once you're cookies are all done why not kick back and check out a new Christmas movie favorite of mine called "The Holiday". The 2006 film written and directer by Nancy Meyers follows the life of two young women in different parts of the world but with similar problematic love lives. Cameron Diaz plays Amanda, a workaholic movie trailer producer who finds her boyfriend cheating on her and Kate Winslet plays Iris, a journalist who recently discovers that her on and off again flame and co-worker has just gotten engaged.  While searching for a holiday hideaway, Amanda comes across a home exchange website where people switch houses and cars with each other for their vacations. Seeing a quaint English cottage listed, Amanda messages the owner to see if they are interested in spending time in her house in Beverly Hills - it just so happens Iris is the home owner and is eager to make the switch. Hours later both women are on their plans heading for a holiday vacation to spend some time alone and mend their broken hearts. Turns out they both might find exactly what it was they were running from. Judd Law and Jack Black play supporting roles in this romantic holiday comedy. Check out the trailer for sneak peek.