Friday, October 29, 2010

Shortbread

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago - one of my presents (actually two of my presents) was/were two shortbread pans. I've been wanting one for years - but they are surprisingly hard to find.  I should probably warn the ladies I visiting teach...I'm thinking these pans will come in handy for Christmas... Valentines... Easter... Mother's Day... Memorial Day...

From the look of the final product, I think I need to work a little on my technique - but the taste is spot on. I do love a recipe that uses staples that I always have on hand. Here's the recipe that came with my pans:

Classic Shortbread

3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
Preheat oven to 325'. Grease pan.

Cream butter until it's light. Cream in powdered sugar, then vanilla. Finally, work in flour. Knead dough on an unfloured board until smooth. Firmly press dough into pan. Prick surface with a for (I forgot to do this). Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Loosen the edges and invert on cutting board. Cut into serving pieces while warm. Yum.


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Style is My Middle Name

Steve has a campout this weekend with the Scouts.  That's fine, I got three new videos for my birthday...I shall don my awesome new Totoro slippers, pop some popcorn and cozy up in the recliner for a vid-fest.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Wishful Thinking

Steve has been hinting at me lately that I need a 'birthday wish list'.  Yes, my birthday is coming up soon...but I'm fairly stymied.   I told him he could fall back on an Amazon gift card...but he's not too thrilled about that.  So here goes:
My Birthday Wish List
  • A Pony. Oh, wait, I mean, I DON'T want a pony.
  • Amazon gift card.  Really honey, I wouldn't be insulted.
  • Kindle??? I'm not convinced I need one - so you'd have to do some fast talking. Very fast talking.
  • a weekend getaway (I've got a 3 day weekend this week).
  • i-tunes gift card.  I've got a few songs I'd like to buy.
  • um...
  • um...
  • ...
Sorry, I guess there's just not that much that I want for my birthday.  Last year's was so great - I can handle having a more laid back one this year.