No. 2 homemade on the handmade Christmas gift list. Shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate.
During a conversation with my Aunt Vivian last Christmas she told me how she was preparing Scottish shortbread to give to friends at Christmas. I really like the idea of one cookie gift rather than 5 or 6 that I usually bake.
Offering one special cookie allows more time to make the other list of handmade things and include a nice variety to fill baskets.
While on a recent jaunt to the craft store I spotted baskets priced under a dollar! They were quite nice in size and what I think will be perfect to hold the other gourmet goods.
Shortbread recipes tend to be pretty much the same. Years ago I used to make shortbread and place the dough in large square molds with pretty embossed designs. After baking and cooling I would turn the mold upside down and the decorative shortbread could be cut in squares and dusted with powder sugar. Although simple and easy, the presentation was elegant and deserving of even the most fastidious in cookie couture.
I think I'll dig out those molds when I make the shortbread!
I found this shortbread recipe from Ina.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/shortbread-cookies-recipe/index.html
I liked the dipped in chocolate recipe. Who doesn't like chocolate and shortbread together? Seriously!
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Warmly,
Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)
