Classic British recipes : Scottish Shortbread

History : Shortbreads along with whiskey must be one of the most successful Scottish inventions. Its history goes back hundreds of years (apparently Mary Queen of Scots loved shortbread Petticoat Tales). Good all year round but traditionally eaten at Christmas time as a teatime treat. What should it taste like? The perfect shortbread biscuit should be crumbly and sweet and melt in your mouth with a lovely buttery taste. Did I also mention that this is incredibly easy to make?

Recipe
Ingredients
125g(4oz) Salted Butter
55g (2oz) Caster sugar
180g (6oz) Plain flour

Method
- Preheat the oven to 190 degrees(Gas Mark 5)
- Beat the sugar and the butter until pale
- Stir in the flour and mix until makes a nice smooth pasty dough
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board and gently roll out till its about 1cm thick.
- Cut into rounds or fingers and then sprinkle over the tops with a bit more caster sugar
- Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes and then place in oven for 15-20 minutes until the biscuits are pale golden.
- Cool on a wire rack and enjoy with a nice cup of tea!