Shortbread

I know it seems like people either love or hate this stuff....but I'm one who loves it!  I certainly couldn't eat it all the time or anything, but every once in a while it's a great little snack!  It especially goes well with coffee or tea!  :)

I know I've mentioned it before, but when I worked at that coffee shop we made lots of things from scratch.  Like cinnamon rolls, cakes, brownies, pound cakes, breads...and shortbread!  My boss was a little particular when it came to the way that all of us made his shortcake especially.  I guess I can see why...you know, he wanted it perfect, and if it's not done right it could get messed up.  But now I'm realizing that shortcake is something that I'm pretty sure no one could mess up....ok, maybe I shouldn't say that.  But it's easy peasy and great!  Here's my recipe, and yes it only has 4 ingredients!  :)

Shortbread:
1 Stick Butter (Unsalted)
1 c. Powdered Sugar
1 c. All Purpose flour
Pinch Salt

1.  Start with the stick of butter.  Just pull it out of the fridge and plop it in a bowl.  Then with a pastry blender (or fork) make it into smaller pieces like so.

 2.  Add the powdered sugar and combine with the butter using the pastry blender.

 3.  Add flour and salt, and again combine using the pastry blender until it looks about like this below...

4.  Pour the mixture into an 8" or 9" pan, then compact the mixture using a glass and finally add texture to the top using a fork.

Pour, compact and texture.

5.  Bake the shortbread in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

6.  Pull out of the oven and set pan on cooling rack for about 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes have passed slice the shortbread (or cut out with cookie cutters).  It's much easier to cut while warm, trust me.  :)

Enjoy!  It'll be crisp, crumbly and just perfect shortbread consistency!  Yum.  :)