Tuesday 23 December 2008

RECIPE: 'TURKISH DELIGHT' SHORTBREAD


Talk about divine, which this shortbread truly is. Another recipe that I found in a magazine but I changed the name as I thought this name to be more appropriate for the shortbread. The use of rosewater in this recipe really makes it taste like Turkish Delight; without the same amount of calories, I think. But it’s Christmas, so who needs to count the calories! Save that for your new year’s resolution (and mine – so need to lose weight)

BTW, I had to make these twice because the first batch did not even see it to Christmas. It was half gone the day I baked them!!! So here it is, my TURKISH DELIGHT SHORTBREAD.


Ingredients

180 g unsalted butter
1/3 cup pure icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp rosewater (NOT Rose essence) - see glossary post on ROSE WATER
2 cups plain flour
1/3 cup corn flour
Extra plain flour - for kneading
Pure sifted icing sugar – to dust

Method

Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Beat butter, sugar, vanilla and rosewater with electric beaters until very light and creamy.

Using a wooden spoon to combine, add in the flours.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently with your finger tips. Form a flat disc, in the shape and size of a bread and butter plate, cover completely with baking paper (in on other words, wrap as you would a parcel) and refrigerate for 20 mins or until firm.

Roll out dough between two sheets of baking paper to 2 to 3 mm thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes in the dough and carefully place them on the paper lined baking tray and bake for 10 to 12 mins until golden. Stand on wire racks until cookies are cold and then dust them with icing sugar. Store (if you actually have any left) in airtight containers.

PS: You could also make holes in your cookies and hang them on your Christmas tree for Christmas day. Use Christmassy cookie cutter shapes instead and make holes using the bottom end of a thin chopstick. When cool, thread some cotton or ribbon through the holes, dust with icing sugar and decorate your tree.

18 comments:

Uj said...

Looks delicious.. its new to me.. :D

VG said...

Hi Uj, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It really is delicious, if I may say so *Grin*. Hope to see you back here.

Uj said...

hey VG,
Extremely sweet of you to take so much time to let me know where the mistakes can happen. I really needed the suggestions :) I will bake again in some time and keep in mind all the pointers. I will also make a post so that it will be helpful for everyone. Thanks a lot dear

VG said...

Hi Uj

My pleasure. I know how frustrating it can be when something is not perfect, no matter how edible or nice it is. Hope my tips helped and looking forward to your pointers. Cheers, VG

AnuSriram said...

That looks awesome. Nice presentation!

Retno Prihadana said...

the cookies look sooooo cute and delicious!

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

VG, hello. Sorry I haven't been posting or commenting very much lately. Life kind of took over. I love these cookies. And I love the photo you took. It looks so pretty and so dainty (and delicious). I also posted a short little bitty about Weeweechu" on my chocolate blog. Hey, great minds. May you and your family have a most glorious Christmas and holiday season my friend. Someday I hope all foodie friends can get together and celebrate with each other. Would't that be fun? Big hugs sweetie.

VG said...

Anu: Thank you for your kind comments.

Retno: Terima kasih. Mine is just so simple, compared to your great recipes.

Teresa: Time getting away? I know exactly what you mean. I've been busy at work too. Getting together would be great fun. You never know, your wish may come true! Take care and once again, Merry Christmas.

Andhra Flavors said...

Beautiful presentation. It should be tasty.

Tina Butler said...

VG those look so good. My husband loves shortbread. Merry christmas and happy new year to you and your family.

Adlak's tiny world said...

Wow VG pretty bread with beautiful shapes.. useful tips on decorating the christmas tree.. good idea...

Who drank the tea from the cup man when i am planning to take it hm...

Dora said...

Nice and yummy cookies for X'mas. They taste good with a hot cup of chocolate or coffee. :)

VG said...

AF - Thank you and very tasty if I may say so. A hit in the house.

Tina - Thank you. I am sure your hubby would appreciate these too. Merry Christmas to you too.

Hema - Thank you for your nice comments...sorry about the cuppa. Don't worry, I'll make you a fresh cup of chai, okay? Just tell me when. :D

VG said...

Hi Dora. Indeed they would be nice with some cocoa and coffee. In my case however, a nice cuppa tea. I am a tea lover!

Anonymous said...

Lovely cookies VG. Never heard of rose water before so both your posts have been very informative.

Grace

Anonymous said...

Very tempting & yummy looking... would also be nice if the cup was filled with hot tea!!! pure bliss...

VG said...

Thank you Grace. Glad to know that you are more 'informed' after the posts, he!he!

VG said...

Hi Somi. Ok, ok, I get the hint. Just tell me when and I'll make you a cuppa, alright? BTW, I got let off early today, woo hoo! No more work till the 5th of January!!!!