Garden Herb Shortbread Cookies

lemon+and+herbs2.jpg

Want to stand out at this year’s cookie exchange? Longing for the flavors of your garden? Pull those dried herbs out to add a twist to a classic shortbread cookie for a simple but unexpected recipe. This is the perfect treat to enjoy with some hot herbal tea on a cold winter day while dreaming of the summer garden....

Some possible flavors: thyme, lemon-thyme, lavender, rosemary, sage, tarragon, anise-hyssop 

Add these on their own or in combinations with one another or with lemon, lime, or orange zest


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

  • 1 cup all purpose flour

  • Generous pinch of coarse kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped herb of choice 

  • 1 tablespoon of citrus zest of choice (optional)

 

Directions

  • Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth

  • Beat in any citrus zest, chopped herbs, and vanilla extract as desired

  • Mix in flour and salt until just combined

  • Transfer dough to a large piece of plastic wrap, roll out into a disk, cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap and continue to roll out to 1/4th inch thick disk. Chill for 20-30 minutes.

  • Preheat oven to 350

  • After chilling, cut dough into desired shapes with knife or floured cookie cutter

  • Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown

Refreshing Summer Drinks

Staying hydrated and refreshed in the midst of the August heat can be a chore. While an ice cold soda may quench your thirst initially, it’s ultimately dehydrating and chock full of sugar. Meanwhile, drinking enough water to replenish oneself (especially when you spend a lot of time outside like we do!) can be daunting. This month we’ll give you some ideas for healthy, hydrating, and refreshing options straight from your garden.

Read more