MARTHA STEWART LIVING magazine was first published in 1990. Since then, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors. MARTHA STEWART is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of
The Martha Stewart Show, the popular daily syndicated television show.
Rum Raisin Shortbread *Makes about 4 1/2 dozen*
This crumbly shortbread is studded with dried currants, which are tiny
raisins made from Zante grapes. The currants must be soaked overnight,
so you'll need to plan your craving a day in advance.
* 1/2 cup dark rum
* 1 cup currants
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
* 1 teaspoon coarse salt
1. Combine rum and currants in an airtight container; let sit at room
temperature overnight. Drain; reserving 2 tablespoons rum.
2. Put butter, confectioners' sugar, and zest in the bowl of an electric
mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until creamy and smooth,
about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and reserved rum. Beat well, scraping down
the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low. Add flour,
coconut, and salt, and beat for 3 minutes. Stir in currants by hand.
Divide dough in half and form each into a log about 1/2 inches in
diameter; wrap in parchment, and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
3. Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove dough from parchment; slice into
1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets,
spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake until pale golden, about 20 minutes,
rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks to cool
completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room
temperature up to 1 week.