SC - shortbread

[Philip & Susan Troy]

Helen wrote:
> 
> > I've never seen a period shortbread recipe. The oldest documentable
> > shortbread recipe I've seen is probably late 17th century, unless I'm mistaken.
> 
> The best shortbread cookie I ever made, said you had to make it with
> cold butter by very slight hand kneading.  The hand warmth melted the
> butter the right amount and they were very tender cookies.

Sugar also acts as a tenderizer, and the note about hand warmth having a
detrimental effect is true. I was taught that using the finger_tips_
rather than the entire hand was a good way to do it; the warmth of your
fingertips is outweighed by the advantage of being able to find and
exterminate lumps quickly. The other important thing that makes
shortbread shortbread, instead of merely a sweet pastry, is that it
generally contains no liquid ingredients.

Adamantius
- -- 
Phil & Susan Troy

troy at asan.com
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