By Frances
I wanted to use my stevia powder again so I found this recipe at
I Quit Sugar. I must admit I still haven't likened to the taste of stevia so I'll just use agave or maple or rice syrup if I want a sugar-free treat.
150g unsalted
butter, softened to room temperature
1
tablespoon granulated
stevia (I used 1 tsp powder)
2
teaspoons good
quality vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste
1 1/4
cups plain
flour
1
teaspoon finely
grated lemon rind (or lime)
2-3
tablespoons lemon
juice
(or lime)
1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan forced) / 300°F (260°F) / Gas
Mark 2 and line a large tray with baking paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the stevia and
vanilla extract/paste for 8 minutes on high speed or until very pale and
fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl regularly.
3. Reduce to speed to low and add the lemon rind, flour and enough lemon juice
to form a soft dough, mixing very lightly.
4. Knead lightly with your hands until soft and pliable. Do not over work.
5. Press into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6. Roll out the cooled mix between sheets of baking paper to a large square.
Refrigerate for a further 10 minutes if dough is not firm.
7. Cut into small squares or desired shape with a floured cutter and gently
transfer to your prepared baking trays.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Allow to trays and shortbread to cool
completely before moving as shortbread is naturally very delicate.
These shortbreads will keep in a well in a sealed container for two days.
Tips:
-Do not over mix or over work the dough or it will toughen quickly. It’s a good
idea to keep your hands cool when kneading. Before you start, run your wrists
under cold water.
-Resting the dough before rolling is essential to help stop it toughening up
and shrinking.
-If the dough is sticky or hard to handle, you can refrigerate after cutting
(before baking).