Justice for the Grinch
with my favorite Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe (these are different than google!)
WITH SOUL
It's Christmas week which means two things are happening in my life:
I'm listening to Dominick the Donkey on repeat,
and, I'm watching my two favorite Christmas movies: National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and The Grinch.
No, not that weird, new animated one- the Jim Carrey one.
In a moment of self-awareness, I'd argue that I have some Grinch-like tendencies. No, I am not green, although my legs get a little hairy in the winter (where's the lie, ladies?)
I don't eat onions or scare little kids away from my home.
I do have a shaggy dog who simultaneously judges me, loves me, and embarks on every adventure with me.
Like the Grinch, I often tear apart my closet to find something to wear, only to harumph and claim I'm not going. (Of course, also like the Grinch- I go)
And, like the Grinch, I have a soft spot, I just protect it.
But, enough about me and my Grinch-like tendencies. Today is all about justice. I declare, Justice for the Grinch. My thesis is solely based on the aforementioned Jim Carrey Movie and any argument for the Grinch's justice should be based on that movie and that movie alone.
Every year, the Grinch gets stigmatized, and that God-awful song about him gets played across the land. And, every year, I remind people that the Grinch is not inherently bad, he just hates the way people act, and that's relatable. Many people will argue that it is the precious Who-Villes who change the Grinch for the better, but I disagree. I'd argue that it's the Who-Villes frenzy to "one up" each other at every turn during the Christmas season that drives the Grinch mad. From the battles of the lights to the buying frenzy all, he finds it all just a little much... once again, relatable. Have you been to the mall during Christmas?
The Grinch is not mean. In the instance where he and Max scare away the intruders, he is simply protecting his home from entitled, Gen X Who-Villians, who think that the Grinch is an object for their entertainment, not a being with feelings. The Grinch isolated himself from the "perfect world of Who-Ville" because he sought authenticity in a place whose foundation was built on lies and bullying. If you didn't fit into the norm, you were shunned- just look at poor Cindy Lou-Lou.
Moment after moment throughout the film, the Grinch shows us that his behavior is a reaction, not a defining trait of his. Sure, he's sarcastic. Sure, he's mischievous. And, while they haven't invented smell-o-vision yet, I am sure he is stink, stank, stunk. But, does that mean we have to write mean songs about him or perpetrate a false narrative around his being?
In fact, here are 9 other lessons we all can learn from the Grinch:
The Grinch is authentic and he only sought authenticity in his relationships.
The Grinch didn’t like consumerism: to quote him directly, "maybe Christmas didn't come from a store".
The Grinch showed compassion to animals and those deemed "un-loveable"
The Grinch had body positivity and always talked himself out of a spiral.
The Grinch learned that Christmas is a spirit focused on joy. Some could argue, The Grinch believed in presence over presents.
The Grinch shows us that people can change, as long as they’re not doing it alone.
The Grinch shows us that while there will always be bad in the world, it’s what you focus on that you attract. The moment he focused on the good, the good surrounded him.
The Grinch shows us that just because someone is different, it doesn’t mean we can’t get along. From his appearance to his upbringing, the Grinch was diametrically opposite to all those around him, but he tried to forge relationships. Eventually, he succeeded.
The Grinch showed us that if you let go, and trust, trust can bring us joy.
With just a few days until Christmas eve, and a few days into Hanukah already, I hope you all remember that it's okay to have a little Grinch inside you. Toxic positivity is a real thing (looking at you, Santa- threatening us with coal if we have one bad day isn't cool, dude. Talk about a guilt trip... "I flew all around the planet and you couldn't behave?!" Sorry we're human.) and I hope that this holiday season you remember that these next ten days are not about who's lights look better, or who won the ornament exchange. It's about being grateful and appreciating all of those who surround you with love all the months of the year. Be authentic, wear the shimmering pants, don't worry if "you got enough gifts" and just enjoy the moment. They're fleeting.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
xx,
L
WITH SALT
I took a poll on my two Instagrams last week (@leannegelishstudio and @salt_withsoul) to see what your favorite Holiday cookies are and the top three are:
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Italian Fig Cookies (I have never made these, but I have been begging my boss/mentor for her recipe. She's straight off the boat so she'll probably take it to the grave, but I'm trying!)
Last week I shared our Rainbow Cookie aka Lithuania Flag Cookie, recipe, and this week I'm giving you my rendition of Peanut Butter Blossoms. One year, I made six different types of cookies for Christmas, and the only one that was eaten was this recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms. So now it's all I make because, why stray from what you know works?
These cookies are super straight forward and the biggest change I make to them is the use of Evaporated Milk. This is a pretty dry cookie dough, and I love how the evaporated milk adds a little sweetness and allows the cookies to live a little longer. In terms of the "chocolate part" I alternate between using Rollo's or Kisses. I tend to bake them with the chocolate already on top, but the best method is to bake them for 2-3 minutes, remove them, add the chocolate topping, and then bake them for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 stick of butter, at room temperature
1 cup smooth peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
½cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick spray or vegetable oil for cookie sheet (optional)
1 bag of kisses or rollos, the foil removed (that feels obvious?)
STEPS:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
put your peanut butter, butter, and sugars in a mixer and blend together
Once blended, add in your vanilla, evaporated milk and egg. Mix until blended
Slowly add in your baking soda and salt
Slowly add in your flour
Blend for 2-3 minutes at a medium speed until fully mixed and the dough should be soft
take your dough and make one inch balls, and roll them in your extra granulated sugar
Bake em, and enjoy em.
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