Keep Calm and KERRI On: My "Jean-Luc Picard" Tea Cookie Recipe

STAR TREK FAN?

TEA FAN?
COOKIE FAN?

If the answers are YES, read on, you'll really love this recipe.

NO? Read on anyway, you might change your mind!

JEAN-LUC PICARD TEA COOKIES!

(Earl Grey Tea Shortbread Cookies)

Do you enjoy the taste and aromatic blend of black tea flavored with citrus and bergamot, i.e. Earl Grey tea? Back in the nineties when I was watching Star Trek the Next Generation (I'm still a "treky" by the way) I saw that Captain Picard indulged in it quite frequently. There's something about a bald man drinking tea that is so appealing, don't ya think? So I had to try some Earl Grey myself. My husband (who also happens to be bald) loves it too....HOT (the tea.... as well as the husband - lol). So, what better way to enjoy that "exquisite" flavor than by incorporating it into delicious shortbread cookies and naming them after the character who inspired them?

"Make it so!"

These cookies are light, crisp and delicate, with the mild flavor of bergamot and citrus.

THE RECIPE

Gather your supplies and ingredients:

2 Cups Flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup Sugar in the Raw

(if you don't have raw sugar, just use granulated)

1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar

2 Tbsp Earl Grey Tea Leaves

1/2 tsp Salt

1 Tbsp Lemon Zest (optional)

1 Tbsp of Cold Water

1 tsp Vanilla Extract (the real stuff)

1 cup butter (cut into pieces)

Equipment: a large bowl; measuring cups and spoons; shortening cutter; mortar and pestle (or substitute a large food processor for the cutter, mortar and pestle); wax paper or Saran Wrap; parchment paper (optional) and a cooking stone or baking sheet.

1. I do not have a food processor, but if you do, this can be real easy. Just simply pulse together all of the DRY ingredients (including tea leaves and lemon zest) until the tea leaves are small. I used my mortar and pestle to grind the tea leaves one tablespoon at a time. I rather enjoy pulverizing something with my own strength....very satisfying!

2. Next, cut up your cold butter (for health reasons, we have switched to Smart Balance - it works and tastes almost as good) into pieces and add to your dry ingredients. Pulse some more, or in my case:

I used my shortening cutter.

3. Pulse or cut-in until the mixture is consistently course and crumbly, yet when pressed together, it will hold a shape.

*Now, don't forget to add in the one tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Toss together, and then lightly squish the dough together, mixing it for just a few turns to combine. Do not over work the dough.

4. Divide the dough in two halves. Forming each into a log about twelve inches long.Wrap each log in wax paper or Saran Wrap, twisting the ends.Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

NOW WHILE YOU WAIT....WHY NOT FRESHEN UP ON YOUR JEAN-LUC PICARD QUOTES?

Here's some of the top ten from our good Captain:

“I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile.”

“You may test that assumption at your convenience.”

“There are four lights.”

"The line is drawn here! This far, no farther!"

"Let's make sure history never forgets the name . . . Enterprise."

“No, I am not dead. Because I refuse to believe the afterlife is run by you. The universe is not so badly designed!”

“If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for what we really are.”

“Reports of my assimilation are greatly exaggerated.”

“Shut up, Wesley”

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived."

Back to reality: 30 MINUTES LATER: