Here is the latest article I wrote for Weekly Biz Japanese Newspaper. Read and enjoy!
Healthy
Homemade Christmas Cookies
Every year for Christmas, there is the big problem of
giving gifts. I want every gift to be thoughtfully picked out. My daughter
tells me that that’s too much stress. Her idea of Christmas gifts is always
healthy homemade Christmas cookies. She will package them in pretty boxes for
each individual person. She will make hand painted tags also. I think next year
I will “order” some of her cookies as gifts as well.
As the holidays are coming around, it’s important to stay
with your healthy habits. Too many
people end up eating a lot of snacks and junk food.
“It’s because of the holidays! Christmas and New Year
comes around only once a year! I’m allowed to have fun!” they tell me. OK. Junk
food is allowed but only in moderation. And if you are out partying late into
the night, please remember to brush your teeth and floss before falling into
bed.
Last night, I saw my daughter starting to make her Christmas
cookies. She had a blender and a big bowl out and mixed in carrots, apples,
oatmeal, peanut butter and ripe bananas. They smelled really good coming out of
the oven. While they were cooling on the kitchen counter and while she was not
looking, I took one and started eating it. Not bad at all! A little bit on the
crunchy side but quite tasty!
As I was brushing the crumbs off my mouth, my daughter turns
to look at me and asks, “How did it taste, Mommy?” I told her with a proud smile,
“Very good! Very healthy! Did you use a recipe? Who did you make these for?” She smiled at me and said,” First of all,
Mommy, you should have asked before you took a cookie. Second of all, it IS
very healthy. I used all healthy natural ingredients. Third of all, I don’t
have a recipe. I just threw everything together. But the most important answer
to your question of who they are for…. They are for Auntie’s dogs. These are DOG
cookies that you just ate.” OK, I should have asked her first. I will be sure
to next time.
Hope your Christmas and New Year will be happy, healthy,
full of friends and family and after
reading this, also with a big smile on your face!
