Books and cakes - 8

  

  We shall be convening tomorrow to discuss Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, but despite Miss Brodie's culinary activities at Cramond, feeding up Mr. Lowther with lobster, sweetbreads, ham and such, or indeed Sandy's opinion of pineapple, that it had "the authentic taste and appearance of happiness", I felt there was only one possible item for our Book Group virtual afternoon tea this month and that is shortbread. But then I thought - employing 'instinct' and 'insight', like her girls - that I'd look for a variation on the typical recipe, excellent as it is.

 As Miss Brodie is a lover of all things Italian, how about a hint of rosemary and lemon to lend a certain continental flavour to a great Scottish standard? Would she serve this in her flat in Churchhill - part of very correct Morningside - I wonder. Or would she countenance nothing other than the authentic version, forsooth!

You can find the recipe here. I may be offending the purists on two counts, as apart from the 'foreign' ingredients, I have baked it at a higher heat than suggested in order to get my preferred well-fired state. One of my tasters this morning described the flavour of these biscuits as 'discreet', and I think she's right - discernible but discreet. They are very good, but must of course be eaten while still in their prime.

Comments

[Peter the Flautist]

Dark Puss doesn't need to taste these to be able to award you 5/5. He hopes to be able to win the extra point before he too is past his prime.

[Lisa]

These look sooo good! I've read the book and hope to be able to join the discussion tomorrow. If not, I'll catch up with the discussion on Monday. As always, thanks for hosting.

[GeraniumCat]

They look delicious - I think I may have to make some tomorrow, so forgive me if I am late joining the discussion!

[lila]

Those look positively yummy! I approve of lemon and rosemary for the Mediterranean touch! i have baked a similar cookie with lavendar flowers in it!