Sablé Biscuits

Today's baking fun was to make Sablés, a french shortbread biscuit. I have only tried to make biscuits once before and that did not go quite to plan so was a little worried I could not do them. However, I am pleased to say these turned out great and would definitely recommend you give them a go. I used Michel Roux's pastry book which was given to me recently, and I recommend anyone wanting to improve and learn about making pastry to buy it. It makes pastry less scary.

Ingredients:

250g Plain flour
200g unsalted butter
100g icing sugar
2 egg yolks
Pinch of salt

Equipment:

Baking tray
Biscuit cutters
Rolling pin

Make about 25-30 depending on the size you want.

First thing to do is place your flour on the work surface, make a well and put the butter, icing sugar and salt in it. Start to work the butter and sugar between your finger tips.

When it is a sort of crumby consistency add the egg yolks. Pull in the flour around the edges gradually till everything comes together.

When it seems to get dough like make it into a ball and kneed it 4-5 times with the palm of your hand. Only do it so it is looking smooth.

Get it back into a ball, cover with cling film and put in the fridge for 30-45 minutes. It is important to do this step because as the dough has such a lot of butter in it, it can be difficult to handle unless chilled.

Preheat your oven to gas mark 3 and when ready to make your biscuits take the dough out the fridge. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and a bit on your rolling pin. Now roll it out till it is about 3-4mm thick. Cut out the shapes you want and place on your baking tray.

Put in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them from about 8 minutes on as depending on thickness they can take longer or shorter. When done they should have a nice golden tinge to them.

When you take them out the oven, put them to the side for 5 minutes to allow to cool a bit before placing them on the cooling rack to finish.

Store in an airtight container and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. If you are like myself however, just enjoy them all by themselves. These biscuits really are satisfying to make and eat. Try them!!