Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies

Today is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Yup, some mathematicians with way too much time on their hands factored in post-holiday blues, mid-winter blues, Monday mornings, and failed New Year resolutions and decided that today is the lowest of the low, baby. Chew on that.

However, I think they forgot to calculate in the Obama factor, because frankly, it's optimism all over the place today. A day of service in honor of MLK Jr - I know they've been doing this before, but combined with the upcoming inauguration, volunteerism and service came to the forefront in a dazzling way. Go-bama, go.

But I have a confession to make. Barack is great and all, with his articulate speech and big squinty smile, but I have a major girl crush of Michelle. I mean, look at this woman. Brains, strength, class, beauty, what's not to love?

Oh, and did I mention she makes a mean shortbread cookie?

The news hounds love a silly little story like competing cookie recipes between Mrs. McCain and Mrs. Obama, especially when the McCain recipe is found to be (*gasp*) ripped from Hershey's website. Frankly, who cares, as I'm sure Michelle doesn't spend too many Saturday afternoons wearing a flour-dusted apron either, but since the Obama family is on the way to the White House, and since I adore shortbread, I had to try out Michelle's now-infamous cookie recipe.

I don't typically use cake flour so I'm not used to its fine consistency. After mixing the batter, the flour practically disappeared and I ended up with what appeared to be a bowl full of flavored butter. At that point, I may have doubted Mrs. Obama for a moment, but filled with a spirit of hope and remaining open to change, I spread the butteryliciousness on a jelly roll pan and placed it in the oven. 30 minutes later, I have a pan full of yummy cookies, modest and simple in appearance but perfection with texture and flavor (don't skip the lemon and orange zests!).


No matter what your political affiliations, you have to admit she had the guts to give out a cookie recipe with booze in it. That's worth bonus points in my book.

Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 egg yolks
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 teaspoon each orange and lemon zest
2 tablespoons amaretto (almond liqueur)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg white
Chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Add egg yolks one at a time and beat until smooth. Stir in flour, zest, amaretto and salt, and mix only until everything is incorporated. Spread dough evenly onto baking pan and brush top of dough with egg white and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle with nuts or fruit if desired. Bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Cool for a short time, then cut while still warm.