Kathleen wrote:
> Little Malice wrote:
>
> > One time on Usenet, Melba's Jammin' > said:
> >
> >>In article >,
> >> "Carla Gilliss" > wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >>>This is another one of my family recipes that my family has been creating
> >>>for over 30+ years. Please note that NOTHING is allowed to be subsituting
> >>>for the butter called for in this recipe. They don't turn out half as well.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>>Scotch Cookies
> >>
> >>
> >>Point of order, here, Carla. Scotch is booze. The people and things of
> >>Scotland are Scottish. "-)
> >>
> >>Why the cornstarch, do you know? Most of the shortbread recipes I've
> >>looked at are just flour, sugar, and butter, maybe some flavoring. I
> >>found a shortbread recipe from Glasgow that includes cornflour, but only
> >>a small amount in proportion to the sugar, flour, and butter.
> >>
> >>Anyone know what the purpose of the cornstarch is?
> >
> >
> > Not I -- AAMOF, I had the same question, but didn't want to offend
> > the OP by mentioning it. (People who post how long they've been making
> > something sometimes take such queries as a challenge to their family
> > honor.) I should have known you'd not only have the chutzpah to ask,
> > but also be able to do so tactfully...
> >
>
> Add me to the "Idunno" list but I can tell you that most of the
> shortbread recipes I've made contained cornstarch. I suspect it
> contributes to the velvety, melt-in-your-mouth feel of the finished cookies.
>
> Kathleen

Not that I want to challenge the OP on what is clearly a beloved family
recipe, but I too, was surprised by the inclusion of cornstarch, as I'm
unfamiliar with that ingredient in shortbread. (But if it works, it
works!)

I myself often use a combination of 1 3/4 cup regular flour and 1/4 cup
rice flour. It gives the cookies a very nice, crisp, delicate quality.

Alas, I don't make shortbread all that much, to cut down on butter
consumption. On this point, I absolutely agree with the OP--shortbread
HAS to be made with butter. Don't futz around and pretend you're making
diet cookies with this one. They're an indulgence, enjoy them as
such. =o)

Melissa