Sables.

I've been on a sable kick lately. In its simplest form, a sable is essentially a shortbread cookie delightfully crisp and crumbly. I've tried quite a few recipes but this is my favorite - from Michel Roux's Book of Pastry. I like how the addition of egg yolks contribute to an enriched flavour. And of course, the possibilities are endless - I've used some orange zest here, a vanilla bean, cranberries and macadamia nuts here but it would be equally good with coffee, chocolate chunks, rose petals etc.. For my next attempt, I will try some matcha tea with lemon - I adore this combination!


Recipe: (slightly adapted)

250 g plain flour
200 g butter, slightly softened.
110 g icing sugar
2 small egg yolks
zest of two oranges
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup macadamias
scraping from one vanilla bean

Steps:
In a large bowl, put together first 4 ingredients stir with a wooden spoon, when dough starts to come together, use the heel of your hands to knead the mixture until it comes in a uniform mass. if it's too sticky, add a little extra flour. Toss in remaining ingredients. Shape into 2 logs, roll each log in parchment paper. Chill for a hour. Slice into 1/2 cm rounds with a sharp knife. Bake at 160 C for 15 min. If you like them crisper, bake for a little longer.