Spice Shortbread

Shortbread is so wonderful and versatile and easy. This simple spice shortbread is one of my favorites. It's an unassuming cookie that kind of knocks your socks off. A few of these, a mug of hot cocoa, and a good magazine, and I can endure any winter day.

Spice Shortbread

1 1/4 c flour
3 T brown sugar
3/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t ginger
1/8 t cloves
1/2 c butter, room temp

-combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
-cut in butter until mixture is in pea sized crumbs and holds together a bit
-using hands, form mixture into a ball and knead until smooth
*if you are not used to making shortbread, you may think that the dough is not right.
this recipe takes a bit of work and kneading to get everything to hold together.........
perservere for the cookie's sake!
-roll and pat (again-a bit of work!) into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick
-using a knife, cut into 1x3 inch strips
-mark top with fork
-transfer to a cookie sheet
-bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, until light brown
-cool on wire rack