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