Ginger Icebox Shortbread Cookies

What I'm about to discuss today has nothing to do with ginger shortbread cookies whatsoever. But I want to talk about it, so leave me alone.

I want to talk about couples who make out in public.

Uh-huh. You read that right.

The most intense couple award goes to these two kids from my high school who found the space and time to lock lips during crowded locker breaks. The guy was a wrestler (I think) so he had these massive arms that bulged out of his already tiny T-shirts. He also looked like he was ready to bench press some serious weight at any given moment. Anyway, when classes dismissed and the halls filled with all of us trying to get places, he would lift his tiny girlfriend by the waist, slam her against the top lockers (ouch!), and proceed on with their business. Naturally it was very awkward trying to get my geometry book from two lockers over.

But the most memorable couple award goes to the kids who were making out smack dab in the- get THIS- middle of a 4-way stop at the park. In front of the Senior Center, no doubt. I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble understanding how that's even remotely romantic. I mean, if that's what floats your boat, then sure...but in front of folks who are getting ready for their ballroom dance night? If someone else gets this, by all means please let me know.

A part of me finds these couples a bother, and thinks they should honestly just get a room. Preferably where I can't hit them while driving.

But another part of me understands, believe it or not, and sympathizes. After all, it must take some major attraction, some uncontrollable rush to display all that even while teachers are rolling their eyes and telling them to break it up. That same part of me is happy for them, even, that they're young and impulsive and hopelessly in like/love/lust, whichever one it is. That they're just going for it.

I've never been kissed before in my entire life. I don't know what it feels like to walk holding hands with someone. Consequently, I've never gotten a nasty look from anyone for excessive public display of affection.

Instead, I've been a good student. I've been a good volunteer. I made some really awesome friendships, some of them with the best guys I know. I thought seriously about my future career(s). I wrote. I ran. I baked yummy cakes.

I guess my time will come one day, a day when I won't care if people are watching as my guy and I kiss each other goodbye at the airport. I won't ever be the type to suck face in public, but I will kiss that man goodbye. Or a hello. Hopefully a hello.

I sure hope he likes cookies.


Ginger Icebox Shortbread Cookies

*makes about 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
• 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Directions:

1. With an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. With mixer on low speed, add flour and spices, mixing just until a dough forms. Stir in crystallized ginger.
2. Divide dough in half; place each half on a piece of floured waxed or parchment paper. With floured hands, gently roll each into a 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. Dividing evenly, rolling log (to help coating adhere) and pressing in gently. Wrap logs tightly in the paper, and refrigerate until firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (To store longer, wrap log and paper tightly with plastic wrap.)
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap logs; with a serrated knife, slice dough 3/8 inch thick (if dough crumbles, leave at room temperature 5 to 10 minutes). Arrange slices, about 1 inch apart, on baking sheets.
4. Bake until lightly golden around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slightly adapted from Martha Stewart