Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Bowl
- Electric mixer
- Fork
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and mix with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in walnuts and maple syrup until the dough comes together.
5. Place dough on the prepared baking sheet and press into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
6. Prick the surface of the dough with a fork.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 16 bars
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 200
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: You can substitute vegan butter or margarine for the butter.
- Walnuts: You can substitute any type of nut for the walnuts.
- Maple Syrup: You can substitute honey or agave nectar for the maple syrup.
Variations:
- You can add dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, to the dough.
- You can add spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the dough.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the dough.
- You can use a rolling pin to flatten the dough.
- You can use a pizza cutter to cut the bars into even pieces.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the shortbread bars with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
Food Safety Advice:
Keep the shortbread bars stored in an airtight container to prevent them from going stale.
Food History:
Shortbread is a traditional Scottish dessert that has been around for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
This shortbread has a sweet and nutty flavor from the maple syrup and walnuts.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
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Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Maple, Maple-Flavored