HARD or SOFT?

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I'm not sure I knew you're pregnant. Congrats!!

As for Panera, pay me little attention on that one. I have semi-irrational issues with Panera. And I also have a pet peeve (again, perhaps semi-irrational) about the current trend in many chain bakeries (Panera and Whole Foods come to mind) of making things like cookies and scones so big that I think they lose their character.

On top of that, I guess I'm a bit of a (semi-irrational) snob when it comes to shortbread -- I've been baking shortbread for over 30 years. I don't think I've ever had a store-bought shortbread, even one I liked, that I thought could compare to homemade, unless the store in question was a good, local bakery that made them fresh. Good shortbread is made with nothing but butter (real butter), flour and sugar, with maybe a touch of flavoring such as vanilla or almond extract or citrus zest. For that reason, I don't think one can get the right delicate consistency for shortbread from a pre-made dough that places like Panera pretty much have to use.

But hey -- pregnant lady gets to eat and enjoy whatever makes her happy!!

We want to try your shortbread. Samples, please.