Perfect for a Cold Day

It’s frigid on the Oregon coast today. Icy winds and snow, which turned into freezing rain, then hail, then more rain. The snow actually stuck for a little bit, until the rain started. Now it’s just cold–which means it’s the perfect weather for staying inside and eating comfort food, right? Right. Yummy food, warm slippers, and a good book. Perfection.

When I was in college, I babysat for this family with two young boys. Their Scottish grandmother came to visit and she made melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. It was to die for. I’ll never be able to make shortbread as good as hers, because she was magical and I am only a muggle. Nevertheless, I can share a simple recipe with you, so you too can partake.

This is really easy. Melt two cups of butter in a large bowl (if you use a glass bowl, you can do this in the microwave). Then stir in one cup of powdered sugar and three cups of flour. Mix it well and pour the batter into an ungreased 9″ x 9″ pan.

Even out the surface (I like to use a fork to make a pattern). Then sprinkle sugar on the top, or, alternatively, chocolate chips. If you go with chocolate chips, you’ll want to spread them with a knife after they melt during baking, and then let them cool.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes. Then cut the shortbread into squares and serve them warm. Easy, amazing, and perfect for a cold day.

© Melissa Eskue Ousley 2016