James Makes Shortbread

“ Bobbi, come on, coffee’s ready.” “Coming Jim, I’ll make toast, Mrs. Miller won’t be here until after one.” "Perfect. Let’s make shortbread.” “Oh Jim. Only if you don’t put butter all over my face like last time.” “I promise I won’t put butter all over your face like last time.” “Jim, promise me!” Roberta was trying not to laugh. “I pr-m-s,” Jim looked up at the ceiling and said something that may or may not be ‘I promise’ and grinned at her. “Oh you.” Bobbi giggled as she got out the pan that the shortbread would be baked in. Jim got out a large bowl, and a wooden spoon. Bobbi got out the butter, flour, salt and confectioners sugar and measuring cups and put them on the counter in front of Jim. Jim then put the flour and salt in a separate bowl. "Here Bobbi, sift them thoroughly.” “Jim, don’t you measure?” “Don’t need to. I’ve been making shortbread since I was 6 years old and Mum and Dad helped me. We always made shortbread in the fall. It was cold outside and the kitchen was warm and Mum made us Horlicks and I watched the shortbread bake through the oven window.” “I wish I could have been there.” “I wish you could have too. You had so little time with them.” Jim was quiet for a time then put his arm around Bobbi’s neck and softly kissed her. “Tha goal agam ort, Jim” she whispered. “We better get this shortbread made for our readers.” “I love you too, Bobbi.” He paused and smiled. “Now stand back and watch the master.” Roberta rolled her eyes. “I’m now going to blend the flour and salt mixture." Bobbi was happy to be part of the process. "Thanks Bobbi, then I’ll blend the butter and confectioners sugar until it's creamy and white. Next I'll add the flour and salt mixture a bit at a time until it’s all blended with the butter. It will take me a few minutes.” He put his finger in the bowl and smeared Bobbi’s cheek. “Jim!” Bobbi was laughing. “You promised!” No, I sort of said I wouldn’t smear flour and butter on your nose.” Bobbi reached into the bag of flour and pulled out a handful and rubbed it in Jim’s face. Jim retaliated, putting flour down the back of her neck. Bobbi slowly looked him up and down and spread another flour filled hand across the crotch of his jeans. Mmm. “What’s going on?! House keeper, cook and top billing thespian extraordinaire, Dolly Miller walked into the once clean kitchen. The two Cunninghams' turned to her and stood at attention trying to control their laughter. Dolly shook her head and sniggered, “Jim get the shortbread in the oven and you two clean up this kitchen. “Yes ma-am.” came the chorus. “Oh, I’ll help,—Bobbi may I have the recipe?” “Dolly, it’s Jim’s recipe, I just help. He has been making shortbread all his life —so he says.” “Dolly, if you make tea, I’ll give you the recipe with proper measurements.” Dolly poured tea. “Ready?” Jim began to dictate: "Set your oven at 325F or 165 C. You’ll need; 1½ cups Flour ½Teaspoon Salt ⅔ cup Butter ½ cup Confectioners sugar. First you sift the flour; Measure; add salt, and sift again. Next you cream the butter; and gradually add confectioners sugar and continue to blend until light. Now your going to combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture and cream until thoroughly blended. Pat the dough into your choice of pie plate or 6inchX6inch square pan. Mark the top with squares and prick the surface with a fork.” Jim looked up at Dolly, “now bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Then take the pan out of the oven and let it cool. While your waiting I recommend a nice glass of 15 year old single malt scotch whisky in a Glencairn whisky glass, after all the recipe does say ‘Scotch Shortbread’. Sit back and admire your shortbread.” “That sounds good, Jim, I assume your pouring.” Bobbi nudged him in the ribs. He winked at her and poured. “Slantè Mhath” "Dheagh Slantè” “To opening Night”