Just in time for Christmas

I always knew that it would be my responsibility to pass along the family secret. Granny's Scotch Shortbread Recipe. I do this with a BIT of trepidation,, (lest I be struck down immediately upon posting it). This recipe as all of you know, has been closely guarded by very few who were privileged to have it. The copy you see here was written in Granny's handwriting back when I was a very young teenager collecting family recipes to go into my hope chest, which I received upon graduation from 8Th grade. This copy has been used by me, at least twice a year since that time. I had it in a plastic sleeve to preserve it and I have to say it did a great job.

I am sharing this with you all because Granny/Mamma was so important to all of us and the memories we have of her are so precious. If each of us can do the little things that she did for us, but for each other then, like baking and sharing these cookies, we truly will keep her memory alive within us. She loved her family unconditionally. What a great teaching that is for all of us. Bake these cookies and enjoy the memories that come back to you.

It's a bit hard to read so here goes the recipe, complete with trade secrets. You can put your curser over the recipe and click, it will enlarge it. Disclaimer--no matter who you are, your cookies may taste similar to Granny's' but probably will not have the same consistency. Do not fret-there are just no Scotch Shortbread's like Granny's, nor should there be. Every year I keep trying though.

SCOTCH SHORTBREAD'S
1 Cup butter -softened
1-1/4 Cup sugar
2-1/2 Cups SIFTED flour--(sift the flour first-then measure)

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. SIFT AND MEASURE flour. Work flour into butter and sugar with your hands till the mixture starts to stay together. Roll like ice box cookies in wax paper. Chill until set. Cut thicker than usual cookies. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 30 min. at 300 degrees. I usually rotate cookie sheets on shelves half way through baking. Watch your oven. These burn easily.

I feel obligated to put in the post script at the end of this recipe of mama's
P.S. Please don't give this recipe out. It is our treasured family heirloom.

Enjoy,, Bari Leah McLean