Super Simple Shortbread

• 2 c flour
• 2/3 c sugar
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 sticks butter (1 cup), cut into 1″ chunks
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional)

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  In a food processor blend the flour, sugar, and salt.  Add the chunks of butter and vanilla and pulse until the mixture just barely starts to clump together.  It will be crumbly.  Be careful not to over-process.

Press the dough into an ungreased 8″x 8″ pan or 9″ pie pan and then prick it all over with a fork.  Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the edges are golden but the rest is still pale.  Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack.  Cut into squares while the shortbread is still warm.

See the NYTimes article by Melissa Clark for all the variations you can do.