Rose geranium shortbread

Yes, this shortbread is delicious. But apart from tasting scrumptious, the real magic is gifted by this stately old hawthorn tree, and the rose geranium, who lives inside with us during the dark days of winter, but thrives outside the rest of the year. These are not hard to find plants. Like many of our herbal friends, they quietly surround us, waiting for us to take notice and accept the gifts they offer.

As for our friend the hawthorn, it is an amazing support for all things cardiovascular. It is an amazing support for the physical heart, but also for the spiritual heart.  Just as it strengthens you physically, hawthorn also lends its support by helping to open, protect and heal, when you are experiencing sadness, grief or loss.

And rose geranium. Just brushing past the leaves and releasing the amazing scents will uplift your spirit and brighten your day.  It’s also a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral.

Rose geranium Shortbread w/hawthorn drizzle 

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt( if you used unsalted butter)

1 cup flour 

1 tablespoon chopped rose geranium leaf

Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Work in flour.  Pat into a shortbread mold, or shape into a flat round, with about an inch of thickness. Put on cookie sheet. Use a fork to prick holes all over. Bake at 350 for 20 min, or until just golden brown.

Hawthorn berry drizzle 

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbs powdered dried hawthorn berries (I use my spice grinder to powder)
1/2 tsp dried orange peel, powdered
Enough cream or milk to make a drizzle consistency
(To make my drizzle pink, I used the juice from 3 raspberry’s)

Mix together and drizzle on cooled shortbread