Macadamia Shortbread

Macadamia Shortbread

If you are fond of shortbread, this is a great way to add a little something to them.  These are particularly good at Christmas time, as they make great gifts and last well.
 

½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 ¼ cups of plain flour
½ cup rice flour
¼ cup caster sugar
135 grams butter, chilled and cubed
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of good custard powder
pinch of salt
icing sugar for dusting

Pre-heat oven to 200°C

Sift flours, salt and custard powder together in a large bowl, add sugar.  Rub butter and vanilla into the flour mix, kneading until a soft dough forms.  Knead in macadamias and allow dough to rest for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Form dough into walnut-sized balls, flatten with a fork.

Alternatively, roll dough into a baking tray and cut into even pieces or mould using a traditional shortbread mould.

Bake in a 200°C oven for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden.  Immediately dust with icing sugar as they are removed from the oven and allow to cool completely before eating.

Makes approximately 24 biscuits