We were invited to a Barbeque at a friend’s house awhile back and when I asked what we should bring, I was told “just your sparkling personality.”  I’ll be honest, when told to sparkle I tense up, clam up and can’t think of a thing to say.

My motto is “when in doubt bring baked goodies”.

This shortbread is easy to make, easy to dress-up and hits the spot when you want a little something after dinner.

Shortbread

1 pound salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
4 cups flour

1.    Mix ingredients together.

2.    Press batter in to 9×13 pan and flatten.

3.    Bake at 325 for 35 min. or until edges are browned.

4.    Remove from oven and poke holes with a fork.  Cut with a pizza cutter.

You can dress it up buy drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies.  Simply melt chocolate in the microwave in a heat-proof bowl.  Pour into a resealable bag and snip off the corner.  Drizzle the chocolate back and forth over the shortbread – neatness doesn’t matter.  Remember that they will be served in a group and no one will notice imperfections.

Or dip one end of the shortbread in chocolate and immediately dip into chopped nuts or toffee bits, as I did above.

Of course they’re just as good plain.  And perfect for times when you’re sparkle is a little off.