(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 19, 2008 ) Aberlour-on-Spey, Scotland – Acclaimed culinary consultant and cookbook author Ethel G. Hofman has used her expertise to craft a delicious recipe using Miniature Shortbread Rounds from Walkers Shortbread, the award-winning family bakery in the Highlands of Scotland. Her delightful Highland Gems recipe is an easy and impressive dessert that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The recipe makes 24 tempting bite-sized treats.
The Miniature Shortbread Rounds have the same melt-in-the-mouth rich flavor and texture as the full sized cookie. As with all Walkers products, they are prepared in small batches so that they receive the utmost care and attention.
HereÂ’s EthelÂ’s recipe for your own holiday entertaining:
Highland Gems
(makes 24)
24 Walkers Miniature Shortbread Rounds
about 1/4 cup whisky
14 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 teaspoon orange extract
2 tablespoons apple jelly, melted
24 blueberries or raspberries
Preheat oven to 375F.
Line 2 trays miniature muffin cups with muffin papers. Press a shortbread cookie into bottom of each. Sprinkle with whisky. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whip the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and orange extract.
Spoon on top of the cookies filling cups about three quarters full. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until slightly puffy.
Toss the berries in the apple jelly to coat. Place a berry on top of each muffin.
Simply chill and serve for a colorful conclusion to your holiday festivities. The cream cheese mixture offers a sweet complement to the crumbly texture of the shortbread, while the tart berry and sprinkling of whisky awakens the taste buds.
Ethel is a culinary consultant and cookbook author, best known for combining her study of Jewish cooking, kosher products and contemporary cooking techniques, while adding a dash of International flair. She is author of such titles as Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home and Mackerel at Midnight: Growing up Jewish on a Remote Scottish Island and has contributed to numerous culinary and Jewish publications. She is also a past president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), which is a not-for-profit association with a worldwide membership and "provides continuing education and development for its members who are engaged in the areas of culinary education, communication, or in the preparation of food and drink."
Walkers was founded in 1898 and is the leading brand of food exported from Scotland. The family continues to operate its original retail shop in Aberlour in the Highlands to stay in touch with its roots. In addition to receiving the Queen's Award for Export on three occasions, Walkers has earned numerous British, Commonwealth and International awards, including a Grand Gold Medal award from Brussels-based "Monde Selection." Walkers offer the widest range of shortbread, traditional cookies, cakes, oatcakes, meringues and puddings to over 65 countries internationally. The company's products contain no artificial flavorings, colorings or additives and are certified kosher OUD. Consumers unable to purchase Walkers products at nearby fine food stores can now order them by visiting www.walkersus.com. Other original recipe ideas are available by clicking on "Shortbread Secrets and Entertaining Ideas."
* Ethel G. Hofman
For more information, jpeg photos or shortbread samples contact:
Jackie Markham at 212-687-1765 or jmarkham@aol.com
