Heart Shaped Lemon Shortbread…and Valentines
Today is a gentle day. The air is mild for winter, there may be rain in the latter part of the day. Sweet treats and sweet thoughts as romance is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches
Romance Deepens
Romance deepens over time as one spends days and years together with the one you love. Appreciation and joy in knowing there’s someone that thinks of you, cares for you, enjoys being with you and one you can laugh with – those are the rewards and joys of a romantic Valentine.
Winter Tea and Romantic Book
I am enjoying the quiet stillness of today, and reading a story of a romance from a couple from the Civil War Era; the romance between Stonewall Jackson and his Beloved.
Love Letters Saved
This is one of the most charming love stories I know. Did you know that Stonewall Jackson, General in the Civil War wrote love letters to his beautiful wife? He was a man of deep faith and expressed that and his love for his wife and country in these letters. The story can be found in Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife
Sweet Story – Sweet Treat
I love the simple sweetness of shortbread cookies – adding lemon to the cookies enhances the wonderful flavor.
Quiet moments enjoying a good book – being thankful
The love letters and cards Dearest and I have shared over the years may not be collected into a book to tell our story. I do have every one kept in beautiful boxes and tins. Some of the sweetest are inscriptions in Bibles he’s gifted me over the years. The romance of time, of experience and of commitment is deepened as the years go by. Knowing that there’s someone to share your life and to care for your ideas and thoughts – is priceless and charming. I know there are so many stories out there recounting the love between a couple – I appreciate the wonderful story of Stonewall Jackson and his wife. During the stormy days of the Civil War they kept connected and retained the foundation of their faith and love toward each other – through letters. I appreciate that in the active and busy times we have now – to take time out of the day to write to one another, speak to each other and to share with each other is so vitally important. Romance is more than flowers and gifts – it’s knowing and sharing your heart and life with the one you love.
Heart Shaped Lemon Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- additional powdered sugar or lemon glaze powdered sugar mixed with enough lemon juice to glaze cookies
Instructions
-
In an electric mixer beat the room temperature butter and quarter cup powdered sugar until well mixed. Beat in the lemon peel and vanilla extract. Add flour and salt mixing until just combined. Make a disk out of the dough, wrap in plastic paper and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. Before cutting cookies allow dough to sit for about 5 minutes to prepare dough for rolling. On a floured (or powdered sugar) surface, roll out the disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness; do not over work. Cut out your cookies. Place cookies on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees. Bake about 15 minutes until light brown on bottom and just a little brown on the edges - you don't want them over cooked. Transfer your cookies to a baking rack and allow to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or with lemon glaze.
