Lime Shortbread

Has spring really arrived? Today was one of those glorious days where I just felt the need to get outside, walk barefoot in the grass, lounge on the deck and relax.

Spring and warm weather really do pose challenges with baking. First off - I'd rather be outside than in the kitchen, and second, in the spring and summer, eating heavy, rich baked goods seems a little overkill. Like eating a warm bowl of Vietnamese pho soup on the beach.

My solution? Bake these lime-infused shortbread cookies. You get the buttery, rich taste and texture you would expect from shortbread but with the refreshing twist of lime. A perfect springtime cookie to enjoy while watching people frolic in the great outdoors.

Lime Shortbread
Makes about 50 cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated lime peel

Cream, to brush over, and granulated sugar to sprinkle on top.

1. Combine flour, powdered sugar and cornstarch in medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat butter in large bowl at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture and all remaining cookie ingredients. Beat until dough forms.
3. Shape dough into two (10-inch) logs on lightly floured surface. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (2 hours).
4. Heat oven to 300°F. Reshape logs, if necessary. Cut into 1/4-inch slices with sharp knife. Brush with cream, and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
5. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Chewy Chocolate Nut Bars

Welcome to lime green aubergine! I thought that I would give food and craft blogging a try for two reasons, the first being that it would be a place to refer my friends to when seeking a recipe of something that I had conjured up in the kitchen, and second, to connect to you, fellow foodies and craft lovers out there.

Here is a recipe for Chewy Chocolate Nut Bars - that a co-worker gave to me upon bringing in a tray of them into the office for a charity bake sale. They are wonderfully chewy, and studded with chocolate and nuts - just delicious. Similar to something you would find at a cafe and shell out $2.50 for. They actually remind me very much of the rocky-road blondies that you can buy at the Avenue Cafe on University Ave. downtown Toronto. I adore the butterscotch flavour and chewy texture that these have, and I hope that you do too.

Chewy Chocolate Nut Bars
Makes 1 - 9 by 13 inch tray

1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips - your choice of milk, dark or white
1 cup nuts, roughly chopped

1. Combine butter, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl, stir well.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, stir well until blended.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Use a whisk to combine.
4. Add flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture, stir to combine, being careful not to over mix.
5. Pour into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Top with chopped nuts and chocolate.
6. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, cool and cut into squares.