With the arrival of September I’m delighting in all things autumnish. Yes, I’m still basking in gloriously hot sunshine during the day, but I confess I’m enjoying the cooler nights where I get to wear sweaters and tucked quilts around me while I read or watch movies.
I’m excited today because The Travel Belles are featuring an article I wrote on Bled Castle in Slovenia. 🙂 I’d love it if you’d pop over and take a look and leave a comment to let us know what you think. 🙂 Click here to visit this gorgeous castle.
This morning I got up bright and early so I could take my walk and still have time to pick some blackberries before work. I have grand plans for a Blackberry Nectarine Galette to feast on this weekend. 🙂
This cooler weather has really put me in a baking mood, and my favorite thing right now is Spiced Maple Shortbread. Tender, buttery, not-too-sweet with all sorts of lovely Christmasy smells wafting through the house as they bake, these simple little cookies are so divine with a cup of strong black tea or sweet orange tea.
What does Autumn put you in the mood for?
Spiced Maple Whole Grain Shortbread
Ingredients:
2 cups whole grain pastry or all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp maple extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add maple extract to melted butter and stir.
- Mix dry ingredients and stir in butter.
- Press into a square 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into squares and bake for 20 minutes.
I haven’t made shortbread for such a long time, the maple extract sounds intriguing.
Oh, I was gonna write about Bled for Travel Belles! 🙂 Anyway, I had another experience there I can write about! 🙂
Bled is real a gem in Slovenia, don’t you think? I will write about it on my blog. The photos we were taken are magnificent!
I’ve never seen a shortbread like this. It looks great. How long are you traveling for? It seems like you’ve been everywhere! Enjoy!!
I know what you mean, Elra. 🙂 It’s one of those familiar things I just don’t think to make often. 🙂 The maple is really delicious. 🙂
Oh no! Sorry, Zita! 🙂 I’m so glad you have another Slovenia experience – I can’t wait to see it!! I will be looking forward to your Bled photos on your blog. I just love it there! 🙂
Thank you, El! It’s so scrumptious and quite healthy for a dessert. 🙂 I don’t feel guilty at all! 🙂
I’m actually home again, but will be heading to Europe in December for Christmas with my family. I can’t wait! 🙂
Spring is officially arrived in my neck of the woods, but Oh My, this recipe still looks good to me 🙂
I am always in a fall mood. Even throughout summer, all I can really think about is pumpkin and sweet potatoes and cranberries! Oh, and maple. One should never forget maple.
These cookies look fantastic! I am going to add them to my Christmas cookie list!
Shortbread is a favourite around here. I can’t wait to get to the farmers market now too for some blackberries. They do not grow here in our semi-desert climate.Have a fantastic long weekend!!
I can’t wait to see spring in Australia, Anna. 🙂 Hopefully next year!
I’m with you, Joanne!! Such fabulous, heart-warming flavors. 🙂
Hope you find some juicy ones, Val!!! Have a wonderful weekend too! 🙂
Hi Krista, I was tempted by this post at the bottom of your blog and clicked on it. I have not seen it before (maybe it was when I was overseas or before I started following) and am going to make the shortbread. 1/2 butter – does that mean 250 grams?