12 Cookies of X-Mas: Clove-Spiced Shortbread

These wedges are based on a recipe that appears in Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. And they turned out so well, in fact, that I actually brought them into work. My coworkers were apprehensive at first -- because they know I often bake with "strange" ingredients.

But they were happy to learn that these treats are pretty traditional. Real butter. Real sugar. White flour. But they are somewhat healthier. I cut the butter with some oil. I used some whole wheat flour. Little substitutions here and there that didn't impact the flavor, just the nutritional value.

Oh, yeah! And I got my new lens this weekend -- a 50mm. It's working out wonderfully so far. Great for food photography. Great for portraits. I can't wait to get some more time to play around!


CLOVE-SPICED SHORTBREAD
Print this Recipe!

What you'll need . . .

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

Method . . .

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Set out a springform or tart pan (with a removable bottom).
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, oil, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined.
3. Then whisk together the flours, pecans, cloves, and salt in another bowl and add to the wet to form a soft dough.
4. Then turn this dough into the prepared pan and press to fill it uniformly.
5. Place in the oven and lower the temperature to 300 degrees F. Let bake for 30 minutes.
6. Then remove from the oven, cut into wedges, and prick with a fork (if you wish, it's only to make a design). Return to oven for another 15 minutes.
7. Bake until lightly browned. And then let cool before removing from pan.

And before you know it, you have a delicious shortbread that EVERYONE will enjoy!


JOY TO THE EARTH -- eBook!

Amy (from be.you.ti.fully a.musing) has written a super awesome eBook for the holiday season called Joy to the Earth. It's all about having a "Meaning -Filled, Eco- Conscious and Thriftastic Holiday" -- click here to learn more on Amy's site.


Of course, we're really into the whole concept of an eco-conscious holiday. We, too, have been more and more thoughtful this season, simplifying, saving money, etc. And Amy was nice enough to give us a sneak peek of the book. I must say -- there are some great ideas inside!

From gifts to wrapping to gathering to the tree (more contents info here)!

12 COOKIES OF X-MAS

• Day 1 (Salted Cornmeal Sugar Cookies)
• Day 2 (Mexican Hot Chocolate Chippers)
• Day 3 (Festivus Bars)
• Day 4 (Julie's Chocolate Chai Tea Cakes)
• Day 5 (Chocolate Chunk Oaties)
• Day 6 (Fudge-Topped Chai Bars)
• Yes. We're behind! But we'll catch up later today . . .

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