Basic Shortbread

Makes one 9 inch round of shortbread

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for sprinkling
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  With nonstick cooking spray, lightly coat a 9 inch round tart or spring form pan.

In large mixing bowl, beat butter, 1/3 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until light in color and fluffy.  With mixer on low, gradually beat in flour, mixing thoroughly.  Dough will be soft and crumbly.

Pat dough into pan and sprinkle with the 1 tbsp of sugar.  cut into 12 to 16 wedges; prick dough with fork.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until firm to touch and pale golden.  Shortbread should not brown.  Let cool slightly.  Remove pan rim; cut completely through lines you make before, separating the wedges.  Cool completely on wire rack.

With this basic recipe you can create many different flavored cookies; add 2 tbsp of orange zest to recipe for a delicate orange cookie, dip the shortbread in dark, melted chocolate, roll in chopped nuts, use your imagination.