So I forgot to get dessert for the dinner I was hosting. Last minute oh shit situation, so I went back to basics and blew everyone away with the dessert.

Shortbread with homemade caramel and fruit (pickled huckleberries in my situation).

The shortbread was easy.
In a mixer, two sticks of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar. Beat until fluffy. Stir in (by hand) two cups of flour. Spread in a 9x9 Pyrex dish (ungreased) and bake at 300 for 25 min. Turn on convection and ramp up temp to 350 for 15 min.
(You can bake at 325 for 40 min without convection and get the same result.

Caramel:
Throw 3/4 a cup or so of sugar into a skillet. Start heating. Squeeze a slice if lemon or lime into it. Stir until melted. Add about 1/2 - 3/4 stick of butter, until bubbling. Splash of milk to thin it out. Stir the shit out if it and pour into a bowl to cool.

I have no recipe for pickled huckleberries. My friend and I made them 6 years ago. I do not recollect the recipe. I will ask him if he knows it.

Any fruit that is sweet/tart can be implemented in this recipe. Bing cherries would be awesome, Granny Smith apples, tart strawberries, you name it.

Cut shortbread into squares. Put on plate. Top with fruit, and put a spoonful of caramel on top. A slight pinch of salt on the caramel and you are done.

Serve and watch the look when people are amazed.

Seriously, I totally winged this dessert. It was a stroke of luck, God’s grace, and some talent I haven’t used in ages. That said, it’s the best desert I have ever made and I felt the need to share it.

BTW, the appetizer of smoked salmon mousse on crustini, and entree of chicken in tomato red sauce, with a side if smoked asparagus, was awesome as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beancooker,

I picked the wrong weekend to lay off desserts...

Sounds really good - thanks!

I wish I had your gift. Glad it turned out great!

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