Who doesn't enjoy baking at Christmas time? Maybe I should put it this way; who doesn't love the delicious aroma of shortbread cookies, or sugar cookies, freshly pulled out of the oven?

Here are a few of our family favourites, the ones that disappear quickly from the trays at the Christmas parties and gatherings.

SCOTCH SHORTBREAD
(one of my favourites)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix 3/4 cups butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix in 1 and 1/2 cups flour.

Roll about 1/2" thick on lightly floured surface. Place about 1/2" apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake until set, about 15 minutes. Immediately remove from cookie sheet.

SUGAR COOKIES
(Matthew's favourite)

3/4 cup shortening                               2 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar                                           1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Mix first 4 ingredients thoroughly. Blend flour and baking powder, add to other ingredients. Cover and chill in fridge for 1 hour. Roll
1/8" thick. Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees F.

RUSSIAN TEACAKES
(my Mom's favourite)

1 cup butter, softened                               2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar                         3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix in flour and nuts until dough holds together. Shape dough into 1" balls. Place about 1" apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake until set, but not brown; 10 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar over tops while warm.

Other variations:

Ambrosia Balls: Omit nuts. Mix in 1 cup flaked coconut and 1 tbsp grated orange peel.

Surprise Cherry Teacakes: Mold dough around 1 maraschino cherry, which has been patted dry.

CHERRY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
(Robert's favourite)

Cream shortening and sugar until well blended.
Add eggs and almond extract (substitute vanilla if allergic to almonds).
Beat until light and creamy. Combine flour and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture gradually, beating with spoon.
Stir in chips, coconut and cherries.
Drop dough by small spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F; 10 minutes.