… not at any of you but at companies like Loblaws, Metro and T&T. Why, you ask? I was working out the other day at the Goodlife on the upper floor of Loblaws and for my “cool down”, I like to browse each grocery aisle slowly, perusing the product selection and finding inspiration in random ingredients. I get so excited when I find something like Australian Tim Tams or Peach Passion Fruit curd that can spice up an old cupcake recipe or better yet, create a new one.

To my utter disbelief, I saw a whole section at the back dedicated to boxed Christmas cookies, holiday chocolates and pretty packages wrapped in red, green and gold. It was only the first week of November and Christmas gift boxes were already on sale?! That can’t be. Working in the restaurant industry, I know you have to plan your menus and promotions ahead of time but this was a bit too early for me.

Think about how much preservatives are used in those baked treats for them to last 2 months+. You won’t find the words, “FRESHLY BAKED” on any of those boxes–I guarantee it! That’s why I’m so thankful that I know how to bake–because I can say that my cookies are FRESHLY BAKED and actually mean it. My family/friends deserve the best and not some cookies waiting in a tin box on a shelf to be picked up on Christmas Eve because the giver needed a last-minute hostess gift.

I’m in the process of perfecting all my holiday cookies and packaging. I’m so incredibly excited to reveal them… so excited that I have to withhold myself from doing so on this site and on Facebook. This is a daily battle for me but one that will reap rewards very soon. I got Aiden’s approval tonight on my latest flavour when he kept saying, “COOKIE?” and looked for the box of treats. He’s taller now and can barely see over the counter (he’s only 2!) but that won’t stop his little hands from reaching around to find that magical box.

One thing I know from experience is that if Aiden approves, then it’s here to stay!