Trains and Treats

Hello readers,

I am once again on the train! I finished my homework and so now I can attempt to write a post with this horrible internet connection. I had a fabulous weekend and it was just what I needed. I have been wanting to visit my friends and family for a while and I knew if I didn't get all my stops done on this trip, I probably never would. My first stop was a visit with my friend Steph, from high school. She goes to HEC Montréal and it was neat to see another business school. Hers seemed so intense and the big city just enhanced the image. While I was at her apartment I got to see my friends Alexis and Ysabelle, who also went to De La Salle in Ottawa. We had a few good laughs thinking about our up and downs at school. 

Then I left for Toronto on Friday morning and headed to the Glendon campus of York, where Zoe, one of my best friends, is in her second year. I've taken more subways in the past few days than I have in my life (side note: there are no subways in Ottawa) and I felt like a country girl cause I was so rattled and jumpy for all my rides. Speeking of subways... My friend Elizabeth's aunt is the woman who announces the station names on the Toronto subway. Cool eh? We went for a nice Italian meal at Fusaro's downtown and I got to put a face to all her friends' names.

Saturday Afternoon, I met my cousins, Ali and Monica, my Aunt Ann, and my sister Steffi and we headed to Mississauga for our 41st annual Farlow Family Golf Tournament. I love my family so much and I get along well with all of them so it's great when we get together. I ate like a king and I'm still full from all the wonderful food. Last night, I went back downtown and stayed with Ali and Moni at their beautiful apartment in an old brick house. Their street is so nice and you'd never know it was in the middle of a bustling city. This morning I woke up bright and early and caught the train.

So now I'm here, and I'm going to brighten your rainy day by sharing THE BEST cookie recipe. They're so delicious that I made them on my last day at OAG this summer to say thanks to my coworkers. The other night I had a brainstorm to put jam in the center instead of the cranberries and white chocolate. They were ah-ma-zing and a must-try.

White Chocolate and Cranberry Shortbread

Adapted from Kraft

Ingredients:

- 2 cups butter, softened
- 1 cup superfine sugar (sometimes I cheat and use regular white sugar)

- 3½ cups flour

- ½ cup cornstarch

- 1 pkg. (170 g) Baker's White Chocolate, chopped or 1 cup of white chocolate chips

- ½ cup dried cranberries

** If you're making thumbprint jammies, you can make a dent with your thumb in the dropped cookies and place a tsp of raspberry jam in the middle of each one (pre baking).

Directions:

✿ HEAT oven to 350°F.

✿ BEAT butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. Mix flour and cornstarch. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate and cranberries.

✿ DROP by tablespoonfuls, 1 inch apart, onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

✿ BAKE 20 min. or until just lightly browned. Cool 5 min. on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. 

Enjoy these cookies and don't be afraid to take a little vacation for yourself once and a while. It was totally worth it!!

xox

Gaby

p.s I took my pumpkin spice latte virginity this weekend at the Chapter's Starbucks in the Yorkdale mall. It was a defining moment in my life. I just had to see what all the fuss was about. ;)

p.p.s I found out that my cousin's girlfriend's sister is dating Harry Styles. One moment while I die. Does Harry golf? He will soon! (Wishful thinking?)