Giz,
Of course, I hadn’t even thought about the credit rating issue! And Sucanat is unrefined evaporated cane juice; stands for SUgar CAne NATural.

Mihl,
I love being a baking feminist! Yay for the cookies WE choose!

Johanna,
I think for a lot of people born in or after the 1970s, these freedoms have always been there, so there’s no sense that they could ever be missing (or taken away–again–heaven forbid!) I agree, we still have a ways to go. . . and thanks about the cookies!

These cookies look so perfect. I love their shape.

Your cookies look great, but coconut oil, hmm.

Shelby,
And they’re pretty easy to make, too (at least I think so!)

Shellyfish,
I love this comment from you, the boots-at-her-own-wedding, Craftier-than-anybody, Great-Mom-to-a-Guppy Feminist! The Gupster is lucky to have you both as parents (and to share both your names)

VeggieGirl,
I have a feeling the 1950s were a lot more fun than most of us realize (if Mad Men is any indication. . . )

Courtney,
Very cool! And how nice to have that choice. (Oh, and your sister’s husband ROCKS). PS Re: Cookies–come over any time, and I’ll have a parcel for ya! (And there’s plenty of room to bunk with The Girls)

Melody,
Right on! (Oh, that’s actually from the 60s. . . but you know what I mean!)

Sara,
I’m with you on the “F-Word”: to me, it always held very positive connotations; I don’t know where we got the idea that feminists are all mean-spirited, men-bashing people! Maybe we need a new word that everyone can be comfortable with(I’ve heard the suggestion of “humanist,” but somehow that sounds too philosophical). And from now on, every time I dust or wash dishes, I’m going to crave a Cosmo!!

Lisa,
Thanks so much! I think many women feel that pull in more than one direction, but unfortunately our society doesn’t make it so easy for us to accomplish everything. Bravo to you–I love what you do. And look forward to meeting up again at the next event!

lisa(show me vegan),
Good question! But I guess bloggers need to have a certain degree of independence and forward-thinking to jump into this crazy blog world to begin with, so maybe!

River,
I have to admit that Mrs. Jennings did kick butt, even if she was just a little bit harsh at the time! And thanks for the sweet words.

CCV,
For once–a non-chocolate-covered moment!! (Bet it felt a bit weird. . . )

Georgia,
Some of the recipe testers found the same thing. . . I think in many places, there’s only one type of spelt, which is kind of an all-purpose blend (of light and whole). Since spelt is actually grown here in Ontario, we get to choose among light (slightly refined and more delicate, like an all-purpose wheat flour in texture), whole (very dark and whole grain-filled, bran and all), and all-purpose (a mix). I’d say go with the spelt you have and it should work, though you may need to add an extra tbsp. (15 ml.) or so to achieve the same texture. And thanks again for the award–much appreciated! Hope your holidays are great as well.

Andrea,
Why didn’t I think of that response when I was asked to do chores???? (Oh, yeah, maybe because I had no brothers!). Funny how we change our attitudes with age, isn’t it? And I love your point about choice–yes, it would be great if we all, women and men, had the same opportunities to choose what we wanted in our lives! I do think we’ve moved forward an incredible amount since I was a girl, but still a way to go, I’m afraid. Spatula will be raised! (I love that line–it should be a new slogan!).

Deb,
How awesome are YOU?? That is amazing. You go, girl! And I wish I’d known about your mom’s book when I was studying nutrition–it would have been a perfect resource. Well, it would be a perfect resource now, too, come to think of it (And glad you like the cookies)

Second, I’m Ms. Schiff and also didn’t take John’s last name when we married (mainly because I publish under my name).

Third: I’m a feminist from way back: http://hereandthere123.blogspot.com/2007/03/five-things-you-dont-know-about-me.html.

Finally, my best role model for feminism is my mom. Too long to explain here, but I’m a huge fan of hers.

Here’s a link to one of her books: http://www.amazon.com/Preventive-Nutrition-Comprehensive-Health-Professionals/dp/1588294455/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229790341&sr=1-2

I also said I would only have kids if I could live on a kibbutz and they could live in the “children’s house” and be cared for by others. Right. (I have three and of course I loved caring for all of them.)

Respect for and being open to the unlimited positive choices people are free to make is what’s important. Raise that spatula with pride!

The cookies look delicious. And yes, the lime strips are perfect.

The cookies look awesome and very christmassy.

You deserved the award.

Have a great christmas.
xg