A Recipe and some Random Thoughts

Hello Friends! 

I can't believe it's been over 2 weeks since my last post! 

I've been such a terrible blogger lately, and I hope that 

once summer slows down and the rainy "indoor" days begin I will 

be spending more time on my computer! 

I didn't forget however, that I promised you a wonderful recipe! 


This summer I have been making 

Lavender Shortbread Cookies! 

Let me tell you, they especially go well with tea if you are a tea drinker. 




Every Christmas, when someone makes Shortbread, I always "swear" to myself that I 

will make shortbread cookies on occasions other than the holidays, but it 

never seems to happen! 

However, "Lavender" is defiantly something I tend to think about 

this time of year, so this recipe 

is a perfect summertime cookie! 

Below are some of the simple ingredients 

mint, lavender and lemon.

I hope you will enjoy making these as much as I have! 




 Lavender Shortbread 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lavender
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1.  In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.  Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon zest.  Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt; mix into the batter until well blended.  Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap and flatten to about 1 inch thick.  Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. 

2.  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).  On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.  Cookie stamps will work well on these too. Place on cookie sheets. 

3.  Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, just until cookies begin to brown at the edges.  Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. 

***

Finally, I wanted to leave you with some photos I took while visiting the 

San Juan Islands this summer. 




View from inside the lighthouse. 



Art supplies for the guests use at the B&B where we stayed. 




I loved looking through the sketchbook...so many people were inspired! 




So much beauty where ever you looked. 



Even saw a boat with my name on it.

Hum...do you think it's a sign I should get a boat like this?  Lol 

(wishful thinking) 




If only I could paint this memory...

for now, my photographs will have to do. 




Still warm, dry, and very sunny here in the Seattle area! 


Becca 


Comments

Unknown said…
You're a very talented photographer :) That last photo especially was dreamy!
TexWisGirl said…
sweet vacation spot! and don't ever apologize for enjoying life away from blogging!
GardenOfDaisies said…
Oh wow, that sketchbook at the B&B is wonderful!! Love that guests get to be creative and draw/paint in it.
The San Juans are so beautiful. Your lavender cookies look and sound delicious! I just pinned a recipe for lavender cookies the other day, but I think I'll try yours.
Tracy said…
WOW... love the addition of lemon and mint in this lavender shortbread, Becca... I cam almost smell these through the screen! I love shortbread... An I love lavender. I've not made lavender shortbread in a while though. But my lavender is blooming--so I have good excuse now. Thank you for sharing the recipe. LOVE the photos from you trip--that evenings sky is pure magic! Happy Summer Days ((HUGS))
Lisa Graham said…
Your cookies look absolutely delicious and absolutely summer. And from the looks of your beautiful photos, it's no surprise it's been two weeks since your last blog post. Can't blame you one bit!
Susan said…
Yum, the cookies sound delicious, and I love the lighthouse and B&B images! What a lovely place to stay!
RURAL said…
So did you get to La Connor? A lovely little well probably not so little...place.

Stunning shots, it looks like a great trip.

And lavender shortbread, I'm definitely going to try to get some made here.

Jen
Catherine said…
It's hard keeping up on blogging with all the lovely weather isn't it? Oh well. Winter will be here before you know it. Love your photos from the San Juan Islands. So pretty! Wayne and I are going to Victoria soon. We will be a hop and a skips from there. Perhaps a side trip is in order!
xo Catherine
Lisa Gordon said…
I just love the idea of that sketchbook, Becca. It must have been so much fun to look through it.

Thank you so much for sharing the cookie recipe here. They look so yummy!
Judy S. said…
So glad to see you out enjoying the sunshine! We all know that the rains will be back..... We've been spending lots of time in Magnolia. Stella's a real cutie.
Barri-Jayne said…
Gorgeous photography! The sunset over the water is pretty amazing, love it x
Kate said…
Wow, beautiful photos! That sunset is amazing, and I love that shot through the window!!
Kate :}
Unknown said…
Those cookies look so yummy.. I Love shortbread cookies as well. I bet Lavender ones smell extra yummy. Love your photos my friend.

It was so nice chatting with you this afternoon..

Hugs~

Lorraine said…
I am hungry now as that lavender shortbread looks delicious beautiful photos as ever..love that boat
Katy Noelle said…
Alright! Firstly.... yummo!! Wow those lavender shortbread look tasty!

Secondly, oh, you lucky-ducky, You!! I just love the San Juan Islands!! sigh. =)

xxo

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