The holidays are an exciting time but for many it can often be difficult — especially in the face of grief, loss, illness and heightened emotions. 

The idea for Shortgirl Shortbread was dreamed up in October 2016, when I expressed to my partner, Patrick, how much I was dreading what would be the first Christmas celebrated without my Dad. He suggested baking my Dad's favourite holiday treat as a way to raise money and awareness for an important cause. And in that moment, Shortgirl Shortbread was born. 

When you purchase a dozen of Shortgirl Shortbread, every penny will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in memory of Dr. Gennaro (Jim) Saraco.

My hope for Shortgirl Shortbread is to make what can be a difficult season a little bit brighter for others by doing some good and baking some tasty treats along the way.

If you loved the cookie kits last year, you're in luck — I'm bringing back the cookie kits but with a twist. In addition to holiday shortbread, my dad was also *very* fond of my late mom Maria's lemon biscotti. This is her FAMOUS recipe that I am sharing with you all this year. Maria's biscotti are perfect for dunking into an espresso or as a not-too-sweet treat after a meal.

Each biscotti kit is BYOW (Bring Your Own Wet Ingredients ) and will include everything you need to bake about 2-3 dozen lemon biscotti Feel free to add to the recipe and make it your own (I personally love adding in some orange juice and zest or even some almonds or chocolate chips)

As you make your biscotti and share in the SGSB story, I hope you think of someone who could use a little love this holiday season and are inspired to share some of that love (and cookies) with them.

Similar to last year, the flour + sugar included in your cookie kit is generously donated by Saputo. THANK YOU SAPUTO (specifically Brad, a human angel).