Christmas Eve 2021: History, Quotes And The Best Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Christmas is not just a day, it's the whole season filled with indulgence, cheer and merriment leading up to Dec. 24, which is officially known as Christmas Eve.

The evening is, however, so much more special than the whole month because it provides us with plenty of excitement and anticipation while we embark on the creative endeavor of decorating the Christmas tree with pretty ornaments, stringing up our lawns with lights and all the merriment that we look forward to all year long.

Christmas preparations are in full swing right now and Santa is all set to pop presents under the Christmas tree. This calls for taking a peek at history, tracing back to the origin of the celebration, which is based on the birth of Jesus. Although there are no clear biblical explanations, the early Christian and Pagan communities believed Jesus Christ was born the night before the actual Christmas Day and therefore marked it with festivities.

Before you soak into the Christmas cheer, here are some quotes to set the tone for the celebrations. (Courtesy: Wisesayings.com)

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."- Calvin Coolidge

"Blessed is the season, which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."- Hamilton Wright Mabi

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; the heart of Christmas which is love."- Ada V. Hendricks

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."- Charlotte Carpenter

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together."- Alexander Smith

For most people, the true meaning of Christmas is baking. Cookies, especially the shortbread cookies are hands down the best things baked on Christmas and below is one such recipe which is nothing like the everyday ones. (Courtesy: Nadia's Healthy Kitchen)

Gluten-free vegan gingerbread millionaires shortbread recipe:

Ingredients:

For the shortbread base

Gluten-free plain white flour- 120g

Dairy-free butter- 70g

Maple syrup- 1 tbsp

A small pinch of salt

For the gingerbread caramel center

Smooth almond butter- 130g

Maple syrup- 2 tbsp

Molasses or date syrup- 2 tbsp

Coconut oil- 1 tbsp

Cinnamon- 1/2 tsp

Ginger- 12 tsp

Allspice- 1/4 tsp

A pinch of salt

For the topping

Dark chocolate- 150g

Coconut oil- 1/2 tbsp

Gingerbread men for decoration

Method:

• Pre-heat the oven to 180C/160C. Combine the flour and chilled butter, maple syrup and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until a smooth dough is formed.
• Transfer into a loaf tin lined with baking paper and press to create an even base. Now, prick the base with a fork and bake it for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
• Set it aside to cool while you prepare the caramel layer. Add all the ingredients needed for caramel into a saucepan and heat it until it's melted and you get a smooth texture.
• Pour it over the base and spread evenly. Freeze for 30 minutes, then pour the melted chocolate on top and top it up with gingerbread.
• Pop it into the refrigerator and let cool for 2 hours. Slice them into 8 squares and refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an air-tight container before serving.