Christmas Shortbreads, a old tradition...


We will celebrate Christmas soon and it's now the time to prepare delightful biscuits!

According to the tradition, Christmas biscuits are usually star shaped and do you know why ? In the past, peasants said that shortbreads' pointed ends protected people against curses, chased away evil spirits and brought good luck for the new year.

I decide to make a crown with my little Christmas vanilla flavored shortbreads. It's easy to make at home, and the presentation is nice too.

INGREDIENTS (4 serving)

420g all-purpose flour
170g granulated sugar
200g soft salted butter
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp icing sugar & a drop of water
2 eggs
Gold color powder
Star shaped cookie cutters


DIRECTIONS

In a the bowl of your food processor, put flour, butter cut in cubes, sugar and baking powder. Mix on low speed until you get a sandy dough. Then add the eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix again until the dough has a smooth consistency.

Wrap the dough in plastic film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

Lightly flower your table. Roll out the dough to get a 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut biscuits in using cooking rings. Place it on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Keep space in between biscuits as it will spread in baking.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Shortbreads will be lightly gold...

Cool on a rack. Brush some biscuits with the gold powder. 

In a bowl, combine icing sugar with a drop of water to get a paste.

Display the shortbreads one upon each other and glue it with the icing sugar mixture, as shown on the photo.

Merry Christmas to all of you and Happy Holidays !

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