In a large mixing bowl stir together the flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Form mixture into a ball and knead until smooth. Follow the directions below for any desired shape.

Shortbread Wedges: On an ungreased cookie sheet pat or roll dough into an 8-inch circle. For scalloped edge, with forefinger and thumb of the other hand. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 12 to 16 pie-shape wedges. Do not seperate wedges. Prick each wedge with a fork, making a design. Bake at 325 degrees F. oven for 25 to 30 minutes or just until edges are light brown. While warm, re-cut wedges. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.

Thumbprints: Prepare dough as directed; shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using your thumb, press an indentation in the center of each cookie. Bake in a 325 degree F oven about 18 minutes or until bottoms are light brown and wedges are slightly golden. Immediately spoon 1/2 teaspoon fruit preserves (such as cherry, strawberry, or peach) into each indentation. Cool completely, then remove cookies from cookie sheet.

Pecan Spice Shortbread: Prepare the dough as directed, except substitute brown sugar for the sugar and add 1 teaspoon apple pie spice to the flour mixture. Pat the dough into an ungreased 9-by-9- by 2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle dough with 1/4 cup chopped pecans; press nuts lightly into dough. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 23 to 25 minutes. While warm, cut into 16 2 1/4-inch squares. Cut each square diagonally to make triangles. Cool in pan. Drizzle with Vanilla Icing. Vanilla Icing: In a small mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir in enough milk (2 to 3 teaspoons) to make an icing of drizzling consistency.

Recipe from: Daily Breeze Newspaper, by Camille Kraeplin 12/11/91