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Shortbread

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ShortbreadDavid Bowers

"Real" shortbread is typically made with a little rice flour, which gives it that dry and delicate crunch. Instead of seeking rice flour, you can get an excellent result by using cornstarch to help achieve the classic texture. Sprinkle on a little green sanding sugar to celebrate "the day that's in it," as the Irish say.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 8-inch round

Ingredients

1

/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

3

/4 cup flour

1

/4 cup cornstarch

1

/4 cup sugar

Pinch salt

1

/2 teaspoon vanilla

Green sanding or decorating sugar

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1 Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease an 8-inch round cake tin.

    Step 2

    2 Put the butter in a medium bowl and use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with your fingertips, and chill for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

    Step 3

    3 Sprinkle generously with the green sugar and bake for 15 minutes, until just turning golden brown. While still warm, cut into 16 wedges with the tip of a paring knife. Let cool completely before removing from pan.

From Real Irish Food by David Bowers, © 2012 Skyhorse Publishing