Classic Shortbread Petticoat Tails pair soooo beautifully with tea that I chose to include the recipe in this post along with my Masters by Adagio Teas review and giveaway.
With just four always-on-hand ingredients, it is an easy recipe to make, elegant in its simplicity. It follows the traditional formula: 1 part sugar, 2 parts butter, 3 parts flour (by weight). The measures given, for those who prefer to measure, are just tidier approximations of the weights.
It was such a pleasure to kick off the month of September trying five new single-origin black teas from Masters by Adagio Teas. Such teas, with the focus on quality and terroir, are very popular with those who do Gongfu-style brewing (multiple short infusions), but I'm a dyed-in-the-wool British-style tea drinker and that's how I brewed these teas.
I brewed each of the teas in the lidded infuser mug that is part of this giveaway. I found that 1 tablespoon (3 to 4 grams) of tea leaves worked well in each case.
Though my personal preference in Darjeelings is the later harvests, the Balasun First Flush tea is quite special and so delicate as to be perhaps the perfect introduction to black tea for green tea drinkers.
The third Masters tea I tried, Tongmu Jim Jun Mei, was my clear favorite until I tried the Jin Kong Que (Golden Peacock). My first whiff of the large, golden leaves and buds, revealed hints of cocoa along with a certain roasted toastiness, for lack of a better descriptor. The beautiful honey-colored brew was very smooth and flavorful.
I hope you'll try both the tea and the shortbread and, if you are in the US or Canada, enter the giveaway below. One very happy tea drinker (or tea gifter!) is going to win a Kawa Mug and Infuser and $75 gift certificate redeemable in the Masters by Adagio Teas online tea shop.
If you win the drawing, what kind of teas will you order? What color mug?
Please Pin it and share it!
Classic Shortbread Petticoat Tails
Whatever flavorings one might add, the predominant flavor of good shortbread must be butter. And I do mean butter; margarine will not do. This barely sweet treat has less than 3/4 teaspoon of sugar per biscuit (that's British English for "cookie").
(Makes 16 plus 1 round)
1 1/8 dip-and-sweep cup (5.625 ounces/159 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 stick (4 ounces/113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature(Makes 16 plus 1 round)
1 1/8 dip-and-sweep cup (5.625 ounces/159 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Put a round of baking parchment paper in the bottom of a 9-inch/23 cm removable bottom tart tin set on a baking sheet. In smallish bowl, whisk flour vigorously for a minute to "sift" it.
2 In medium mixing bowl, with hand mixer or wooden spoon, cream softened butter. Add sugar and salt. Cream together thoroughly.
3 Add flour to creamed mixture. If using electric hand mixer, mix in flour just until combined. When thoroughly combined (it will be a bit crumbly, so knead it in the bowl with one hand), scrape into parchment-lined removable bottom tart tin, press into an even layer, cover and chill for about 30 minutes.
Note: You can use the smooth bottom of a cake tin to make the dough very even, then use your fingers to push the dough into the scallops of the tart tin.
4 With a 2- to 2.25-inch round cookie cutter, cut a circle in the very center of the dough; then cut into 16 slices. Prick all over with a skewer. Pop the dough back in the fridge for another 15 minutes while you preheat oven to 300F/150C/Gas2.
5 Bake for about 45 minutes until firm and lightly golden (not browned). Recut the slices. Leave in tin and cool completely on wire rack. Store for up to 2 weeks in airtight tin.
Masters by Adagio Teas Giveaway
Adagio Teas will send winner: a Kawa mug and infuser (choice of 4 colors) and a $75 gift certificate redeemable in the Masters by Adagio Teas online tea shop.
This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents (Sorry, international friends!) 18 years of age or older. Leave a comment below (one entry per person). Please include your email address in the body of your comment. Must enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday September 11.
Winner will be chosen by random drawing and be announced here in the comments before noon Eastern time on Thursday September 12. If I don't hear back from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Sunday September 15, another drawing will be held and a new winner selected from the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
Disclosure: Adagio Teas provided product for review purposes and for the giveaway. The views expressed here are entirely my own. I always tell my readers what I really think!
Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support.
Jean
79 comments:
I shan’t be needing that coupon, of course, but I shall drink in those lovely descriptors that propounders of new teas come up with brew after brew. And I can’t stand to see that symmetrically stunning photo of your shortbread petticoat tails turn into a battlefield scene of maimed and wounded wedges. Therefore, on humanitarian grounds, I shall eat them all at once to clear the delft (?)-looking serving saucer.
Sully, I shall treasure this comment, if for no other reason than your use of the word "shan't." Alas, it has been far too long since I have heard or seen it from anyone's lips or pen/keyboard other than my own. And thank you for not wounding my wedges!
My attention was caught by the ingenious way you created the petticoat tail shapes. Definitely something I'm going to try. The teas sound amazing - I'd probably choose the white/ivory mug. Dark mugs don't appeal to me.
I might have to make these to take as my contribution to our refreshment table at the theatre fundraiser next week. Got to check the yield. I love the shape of them and it's a great idea to do them in the tart tin!
Thank you, Lorrie. The shortbreads come out exactly the right thickness in this pan, too! Not too thick, not too thin, about 3/8 inch! I sometimes see a dark mug or cup I like the look of, but I prefer white so I can really see the color of the tea.
Jeanie, thanks. They would be perfect for that. The single recipe makes 16 just-right-sized petticoat tails plus 1 round. But you can easily triple the recipe, weigh the dough, divide into three equal pieces, wrap and refrigerate.
Oh, I need a shortbread teleporter!! After a somewhat short night's sleep (good reason: visiting friend's flight landed late), my morning tea would be *perfect* with some of your baking, Jean.
I don't normally go for pinkish things but I do like that cheerful Adobe color mug. And while I drink mainly black tea, I'd like to try some of their scented options.
Thank you for the vicarious nibble of shortbread, Jean!
Pauline, thank you. I'm not averse to a piece of shortbread for breakfast either!
I love shortbread and yours look wonderful! I enjoy Sully's sense of humour. I like the old-fashioned word 'shan't' as well but seldom use it.
Thanks, Sandi. Yes, Sully is a hoot, isn't he?! I must say, I seldom use the word either, just trot it out on special occasions!
Hello Jean, your homemade shortbread looks so good and I bet tastes delicious! Thanks for the visit to my blog and your lovely comment!
Julie xo
I'm a tea drinker who loves many teas, but truly I prefer black mixed with other teas or just straight up. What a great and kind giveaway. The shortbread looks yummy!
Thank you, Julie! Happy end of summer!
Thanks, GrammaGrits! It really goes beautifully with a cup of black tea. I hope you'll comment again with your email address so I'll know how to contact you if you win the giveaway.
I'm always looking out for a good tea. I prefer the black teas myself, so I'll be checking out those you've mentioned. Thank you for the giveaway. I'd love to be the winner! Nothing like a good shortbread with tea.
Cynthia, thank you. It goes especially well with black tea, I think.
I see you have gone into advertising mode Jean. I presume the teas you feature are Chinese? They sound like it. Indian tea,is mostly drunk here which of course originated from China, but that is a whole history of Empire building wars and brutal subjugation and we can't deal with that now in the middle of your shortbread. I still have some Darjeeling from our trip to India last year. Now this is where it gets personal.I have my method of brewing tea and I am sure you have yours. We must discuss our methods one of these days.It could get heated!! Ha! Ha!
Tony, I don't think of it as advertising. I just like to do a giveaway for my readers once in a while of products and kitchen equipment I like. Most of the five teas I tried were from China or Taiwan, but the Darjeeling was of course from India. Yes, I always love discussing tea brewing methods, so do tell me yours!
I am going to try your shortbread receipe, I got a tart pan so now I can use it.
I am a tea drinker, so hope I win the drawing.
Sounds tasty, nice giveaway too! Thanks so much for linking up at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 44. Shared.
Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 41.
Ann, I'm always happy to hear from a tea drinker! :-) Let me know how the shortbread turns out for you.
Thanks, Dee! I love giving my readers a chance to try some of the products and equipment that I like.
Leslie:
Thank you for doing the giveaway. Also, thank you for the shortbread recipe. Shortbread is a favorite. Fresh homemade must be divine.
leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com
Your shortbread looks wonderful and, like everyone else, I like the ingenious way you used the tart pan.
I had a shortbread recipe years ago which used powdered ( icing) sugar.
I'd love to be in the drawing for the give away!
I just commented but forgot to put my e mail etc.
janjohnf@comcast.net
I prefer black tea and I like light coloured mugs.
Thank you. Jan
This would be so good with Earl Grey. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Ginger
Buckcounter@aol.com
Leslie, thank you, I hope you'll try the shortbread soon!
Jan, thank you. There are all kinds of variations on shortbread: using powdered sugar, rice flour, cornstarch, etc; but I've found them to be totally unnecessary AND they're more expensive than regular sugar and flour! And thanks for sending along your email address.
Thanks, Ginger. Yes, it's wonderful with Earl Grey, which happens to be one of our favorite teas.
They look perfect! Shortbread cookies are always a favourite. Thanks, Jean, for sharing another great recipe.
That shortbread looks lovely, and the teas you described sound divine. I mostly stick with a watermint, matcha or Oolong tea, and I'd love to branch out and try some new teas. olivia.ohern@gmail.com
Love the shortbread recipe and especially how you create the petticoat tails! But — please don’t judge me/us — we are a 100% cocoa household... no tea, no coffee!
Thank you, Angie. You make such beautiful food yourself!
Olivia, thank you. It is such fun trying new teas!
Thanks, David. And, no, I won't judge you--you guys should stick with your cocoa! Mr Delightful has never had so much as a tiny sip of coffee in his entire life, and that's okay.
This looks like a delicious recipe! Would love to try the tea! sbroughton61@yahoo.com
Wow Jean, what a fabulous giveaway!!! I love trying new teas, and your petticoat tail shortbread treats would be the perfect accompaniment. They look so pretty for a tea party! Thank you for sharing another "delightful" recipe. Happy Baking!
Thanks, Susan - tea and everything that goes with it is my hobby!
Kitty, thank you. I think you and Cissy would have fun making the petticoat tails! AND tasting the teas!
That shortbread looks delightful and the tea sould be pretty popular here too. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Thanks, Brian! Maybe one of your readers will be the winner!
What a beautiful pastry!
waytoomanycats (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm going to have to try your recipe because your shortbread looks heavenly. I always enjoy Darjeelings, and you've intrigued me with your description of the Jin Kong Que (Golden Peacock). What a lovely giveaway. brenda(dot)wordfromhome(at)gmail(dot)com
I love tea and shirtbread, though must admit I don’t bake my own, I’d love to be a winner, craftygardener@xplornet.com
Thank you, Annette. My perfect day includes baking, tea, reading and cats!
Brenda, thank you. Let me know how the shortbread turns out for you. I mostly drink Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Assam and Darjeeling; so it was great fun trying the different teas.
Thanks, Linda. When I don't make my own, I buy Walkers shortbread; it's really good and widely available.
Shortbread is perfect for tea time! Am I the only one who sees the "peacock" in the first image?
I don't need any new teas, but how I can resist this generous giveaway!?! I know it's a long shot, but if I win...I would order the mug in the olive colour, and the black and oolong teas. Thank you for the opportunity to win. You know how to find me!
Thanks, Margie. Yes, I think you ARE the only one! It was certainly subliminal on my part! :D
Looking forward to trying the shortbread recipe. Every recipe I've tried of yours has been a huge hit with my family. Thanks, NJ
reddogjnj(at)gmail(dot)com
I do love a classic! You are a great resource for deliciousness!
I definitely like the sound of these teas, Jean, and your shortbread looks amazing! Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe and giveaway with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Sharing!
NJ, thank you so much. Hope you all like this one as well.
Oh, Ellen, you are so sweet! :-)
Thank you, April. Love Heath and Soul, and so appreciate your sharing the post.
I adore shortbread and tea! I'd love to try Jin Kong Que (Golden Peacock). It sounds wonderful!
Of course you do, Deanna; you are a woman of taste! :-)
Hi Jean, I saw your comment on Angela’s blog. I am excited to have another tea friend. I too love Darjeeling tea. Everyone who knows me knows shortbread is my favorite. I am often gifted them. I must confess I have never made them myself! Your recipe looks doable and yummy. I will give it a try! The mug and tea offer is so generous, thank you! It is good to meet you!!
Frances, likewise--I am always happy to meet another tea friend! Do give the shortbread a try!
I made the shortbread and they are very good, had some this afternoon with tea.
Have you ever added vanilla?
Thanks, Ann. I'm making another batch tomorrow. Yes, I've added vanilla to a similar cookie make; but there's no vanilla (or eggs) in this traditional classic shortbread. It's all about the flavor of the butter!
What a nice giveaway!
I am interested in organic and healthy teas (and who doesn't love shortbread?)
Thanks, CWJ! I'm so happy to be able to share these wonderful teas with my delightful readers!
Your Petticoat Tails will be perfect for my afternoon tea! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,448 and hope you will come back soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen, thank you so much. I'll definitely be back to #FullPlateThursday. Would love to have afternoon tea with you!
The shortbread looks amazing! I don’t think I have had shortbread since I was a child. And I need to start drinking more tea. I consume way too much coffee. And tea is a great substitute. I especially love it at bedtime to relax.
Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Shelbee. Yes, I think *every*one needs to start drinking more tea! :D You'll love perusing all the different types of teas here.
Well of course I drink a lot of tea and shortbread is one of the finest things to have alongside a cup. Yours do look very good, so I think I'll put the kettle on. I'm not sure how I feel about some of the flavoured shortbread I've come across. Lavender shortbread keeps appearing with tea or as an after-dinner treat. A little delicate flavour can be pleasant but some of the lavender shortbread tastes more like soap.
We are of one mind on that subject, Phil. I'm not keen on culinary lavender! Very few people handle it with the subtlety it requires and the shortbread, or other food item, comes out tasting, as you say, more like soap.
Forgot: Frances.Lamparter@yahoo.com
I'd like to get the mug in olive. I would get a selection of green teas.
Shortbread is SO good, isn't it? Love it! And you're right -- its flavor is delightful with tea. Fun post -- thanks.
Thank you, Frances!
Linda, I'd like to try their green teas too!
Thanks, John. Delightful!
*Giveaway Winner Announced* - The winner of the Masters by Adagio Teas giveaway, by random drawing, is Frances L. Frances L, as soon as you send me, delightfulrepast at aol dot com, your name and shipping information, Adagio can ship the package. Just tell me what color mug you'd like. Congratulations!
If I don't hear from the winner of the random drawing by 11:59 am Eastern time Sunday, September 15, another drawing will be held and new winner selected from among the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
This was fun! Watch for more giveaways here at Delightful Repast! In the meantime, follow me on Google (but not Google+), Pinterest (@delightfulrepas) and Twitter (@delightfulrepas). You can even use the Follow Me By Email button in the right column of the blog.
You KNOW I love a tasty shortbread cookie! Yum!
Thank you so much for sharing on the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Party!
Thank you, Lisa. Love #FarmFreshTuesdays.
Post a Comment