Shortbread

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: "Shortbread"

Shortbread is a biscuit of Scottish origin and greatly appreciated by the English and Americans. With a crumbly texture and rich in butter, it pairs well with a hot cup of tea. Traditionally it may be presented in three different ways: either the dough is shaped into a large circle and cut into individual wedges after being baked or it is cut into individual round biscuits or fingers prior to baking. Today I decided to make a large circle using a round springform pan.

2 cups flour

¾ cups icing sugar

a pinch of salt

1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

Pre-heat oven to 150ºC. Grease a round springform pan 25cm in diameter.

Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Beat butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well until flour is well incorporated. The dough will be very thick. Spread dough in the pan and pat it down in order to get an even thickness. With a wooden skewer poke holes all over the biscuit dough. Bake for about 50 minutes. Remove from pan and cut into wedges while still hot. After completely cooled keep in an airtight container.

Crispy Oatmeal Cookies

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: “Bolachas de Aveia Estaladiças”

¾ cup/140g butter at room temperature

½ cup/120g white sugar

½ cup/100g brown sugar

1 egg

1 cup/150g flour

1 ½ cups/100g fine oats

½ tsp baking soda

Pre-heat oven to 190ºC.

Cream butter. Add sugars and mix well. Add the egg and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

Break small pieces of dough onto lined baking sheet spacing them about 4cm apart. Flatten with fork dipped in hot water. Bake for 10 minutes until golden.

Old Hag's Fingers

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: “Dedos de Bruxa Velha”

To make the fingers you will need: 

Slivered almonds

Food colouring in different colours

Some jam or jelly

For the cookie dough:

½ cup/100g butter

½ cup/110g sugar

2 cups/300g flour

1 egg

½ tsp vanilla

With a small brush paint the almonds with food colouring and set aside.

Pre-heat oven to 180º.

Cream butter with sugar and vanilla. Add egg and mix well. Fold in flour and mix. The dough should be firm and easy to mold. Take pieces of dough and shape into fingers. Place a piece of painted almond on the tip for the nail. With a knife make a few dents to imitate the knuckles. With the help of a toothpick, dot some jam/jelly around the almond to give the fingernail a messy look. Bake for 15 minutes until golden coloured.

Cookie Logs

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: “Biscoitos Familiares”

1 cup/200g butter

1 cup/220g sugar

4 cups/600g flour

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Zest of 1 lemon

Pre-heat oven to 180º.

Cream butter with sugar. Add 1 egg, vanilla and lemon zest and mix well. Fold in half the flour and mix. Add the other egg and mix followed by the remaining flour and mix well. Shape small balls and then rolling them between your hands form small cilindrical logs. Bake for 15 minutes until golden coloured.