So it's not like I haven't been baking - in fact I have been doing a TON of baking and trying out new recipes - it's just that I am terrible about blogging about it. BUT my New Years resolution is to commit to doing this on a regular basis; so I might as well start now.
I made the most delicious shortbread, seriously I am a shortbread snob. My grandmother made the most amazing shortbread with me when I was growing up, and now I turn my nose up at store bought breaded cakes that pretend to be the decadent shortbread I know and love. BUT here's the other thing - I recently discovered a new love (don't tell J) BROWN BUTTER, **note to reader: be prepared for a lot of capitals when speaking about BROWN BUTTER**. If you haven't entered the world of this heavenly caramelized flavored butter, drop what your doing and brown it!!
So here's what happened, I am eating a super delicious healthy really good after my workout lunch of lettuce wraps, quinoa spinach and goodness, because in two hours I will be powering through an entire pie pan of brown butter shortbread slices. The recipe is below - I don't have an after picture yet because I ATE the first batch already (well I did share with my son and neighbour) - try them! I can't say they are as good as the traditional shortbread, b/c my grandmother would roll over, and nothing beats tradition, but they are certainly on that level!
Brown Butter Shortbread taken from Lottie + Doof
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter BROWNED
1/2 cup lightly packed dark brown sugar - I used light brown and it was just as good!
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Spray down a pie plate - you can use a tart pan to be fancy if you own one. I didn't use tinfoil to line the pan - but I will next time
In a medium pan put your butter in and begin browning on medium heat. STAY CLOSE, I had a toddler running around and had to be careful b/c it can spit.
It would be easy to burn the butter, but honestly just keep stirring it until the colour changes. About 8 min or so.
Scrap ALL the goodness from that pan - all the fleck and brown stuff off the bottom (that's what heaven is made of)
Combine butter, sugar and salt together and mix in the flour. Pour it into the pie dish and let it sit in the oven at least two hours (overnight if you can contain yourself)
Preheat oven to 300
Bake for 45 min and remove and sprinkle sanding sugar or regular sugar (you can be Christmas colourful if you want - I give you permission). Let it cool, cut the pieces and enjoy!!
