I had the privilege of being invited to the home of my 86 year old neighbor. Her objective was to teach me how to make her delicious Scottish shortbread cookies. What fun we had measuring, stirring, chatting and baking. She is an incredible woman and I discovered that night that it doesn't take a lot of effort to plan an enjoyable girls' night in.
In this fast paced world, we often forget just how amazing simplicity can be. Some of the best moments in life are remembered fondly because they were spent building relationships, enjoying each other's company, and discovering the histories that shaped us and the dreams that propel us forward.
So, the next time you're searching for the perfect activity to share with your friends, why not keep it simple and invite them over for an evening of baking, cooking, scrapbooking or any other activity or hobby you all enjoy. Learn from each other and enhance the depth of your friendships.
I wish you could all meet my 86 year old neighbor, but since you can't, I'll share with you what she shared with me... her recipe for Scottish shortbread cookies.
Ingredients:
1/2 pound butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup fruit sugar
1/2 cup rice flour
2 cups sifted all purpose flour
Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar together.
Add rice flour and stir to a creamy consistency.
Gradually work in the flour (using a sifter).
Knead the mixture till smooth.
Note: You may not need all of the flour. When there is about 1/4 of a cup of flour left, start kneading the mixture so that you will be able to feel when the dough changes from too wet to just right.
Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and pat each piece into its own 8 inch foil pie plate.
Run a knife around the edge of the dough about an eighth of an inch from the sides.
Precut the dough into the number of slices/pieces you would like to have upon completion (You will use these same lines to cut the cookies out after baking.
Prick each piece several times with a fork.
Bake for 20 minutes and then turn the oven down to 275 degrees.
Bake for 25-40 minutes to complete (depending on your baking pans and oven).
Remove from oven, cut, cool and enjoy with a hot beverage and good friends.
Note: You can make these cookies in other pans and cut them into different shapes and sizes. What you MUST get right is the texture of the dough and the pierce marks before baking. Also, be careful not to overbake.
