Shortbread

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shortbread rounds

Shortbread is a type of biscuit (cookie) which is traditionally made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three parts plain white flour, although other ingredients like ground rice or cornflour are sometimes added to alter the texture. Shortbread is so named because of its crumbly texture (from an old meaning of the word short). The cause of this texture is its high fat content, provided by the butter. The related word "shortening" refers to any fat that may be added to produce a short (crumbly) texture. ^[1]

1 Baking procedure
2 Shapes
3 Cultural associations
4 External links
5 References

[edit] Baking procedure

It is baked at a low temperature to avoid browning; and when cooked, it should be white or a light golden brown.

[edit] Shapes

Shortbread fingers

Shortbread is traditionally formed into one of three shapes: one large circle, which is divided into segments as soon as it is taken out of the oven ("Petticoat Tails"); individual round biscuits ("Shortbread Rounds"); or a thick (¾" or 2 cm) rectangular slab cut into "fingers." It is made from a stiff dough that retains its shape well during cooking. The biscuits are often patterned, usually with the prongs of a fork before cooking; they are then sprinkled with more sugar while cooling. Shortbread biscuits are often associated with normal egg-based biscuits, but they hold their shape under pressure, making them ideal for packed meals.

Shortbread is often found in biscuit selections or made by hand and given as a gift. It has a sweet buttery taste and a firm but crumbly texture and is suitable for dunking. Shortbread and tablet (a type of crumbly fudge) can be found in every tourist shop in Scotland and is just as popular with the locals.

Shortbread is not to be confused with shortcake, which is similar to shortbread but made using vegetable fat instead of butter, giving it a different texture.

[edit] Cultural associations

Shortbread is generally associated with Scotland, although it is also made in other countries like Denmark, England, Ireland and Sweden. In the latter a popular recipe of it is called "Drömmar", literally meaning "dreams" in English. The Scottish version is the best-known.

[edit] External links

Scottish Shortbread Recipe Website covering biscuits from around the world
The Origins of Shortbread Article that traces shortbread as far back as medieval times, from the Vermont Shortbread Company
Shortbread Secrets and Entertaining Ideas Shortbread recipes you can download or print
Shortbread Short Stories, a website for authors