Snowdrops

These are a shortbread-like biscuit, similar to one half of a melting moment.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups flour
• ½ cup cornflour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup icing sugar
• 225g butter, unsalted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Optional

• ⅔ cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts), toasted

Method

1. Chop toasted nuts (if using) in food processor with about 2 tablespoons of the flour. Process until finely ground but not a paste. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in vanilla.
4. Add flour and salt. Beat until combined.
5. Stir in nuts.
6. Cover and chill for about an hour, or until firm. (I made my dough a couple of days before I was ready to bake).
7. Form the dough into 1" (2.5cm) balls and place about 4cm apart on baking sheet.
8. Bake at 175°C for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
9. Cool for about 5 minutes on a wire rack.
10. Roll in extra icing sugar. (Or sprinkle on top.)

These were very popular at my tree-trimming party this year.

Tip: If you form the dough into a square slab you can cut the dough into even-sized cubes and roll them into balls easily.