Thursday, February 10, 2011

Spin the Bottle Cutting Cafe Style and Shortbread Hearts

A quick and special treat just in time for Valentine's Day.  Just a few ingredients from your pantry will reward you with lots of hugs and kisses...guaranteed!


I wish you could bite into one of these melt in your mouth delicious little treats.  Creamy shortbread with just the slightest bit of crunch, dipped in dark chocolate...mmmmm.  Recipe at the end of this post.  You've got time...they're super easy!!

When you finish your cookie, you can play a little game of  Spin the Bottle, Cutting Cafe Style.  I didn't get to go to this kind of party as a teen (thanks, Mom!) but I've got a feeling this game from The Cutting Cafe's Fun with Valentine's Day is going to be alot more fun to play with DH. (more options! ;-D)



I used the Scalloped Circle Shaped Card as my base.  I also cut a circle using Words of Love Colored Set for the fun pink dotted circle base.  I printed the game dial on transparency.  It's not glued down so it spins as well as the dial.  Makes the game more interesting.  ;-D

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts (I doubled this successfully)
(adapted from joy of baking)

2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. salt
1 c. unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 c. confectioner's sugar
1 t. pure vanilla extract

8 oz. melting chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)

Whisk flour with the salt.  Set aside.

In bowl of electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).

Add the sugar and beat until smooth (about 2 minutes).

Beat in vanilla extract.  Gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated.  Flatten the dough into a round shape, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (I use Silpat liners).

On a lightly floured surface roll dough into 1/4" thick circle.  Cut with desired cutters.  Place on baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes.  (this helps cookies hold shape when baked)

Cool completely on wire racks.  Melt chocolate and dip cookies, if desired. (oh yes!)  Place in refrigerator after dipped for about 10 minutes to firm chocolate.

Will keep in airtight container for about a week (not in my house) or they can be frozen (frozen cookies are good, too.)

Enjoy!

Pin It!
01 09 10