Pomtini Pecan Shortbread

Once I was introduced to the luminescent little pomegranate jewels I went to work in my culinary lab to see what edible treats could be created around this succulent fruit. The seeds can be sprinkled over salads or mixed in your holiday stuffing.

For this recipe I needed a smooth consistency, like a Pomtini cocktail, so I decided to experiment with the pure juice.

Pomtini Pecan Shortbread 

Ingredients For Shortbread                                

3/4 C. powdered sugar

1 1/4 C butter, room temperature

3 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. finely chopped pecans

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 C coarsely chopped pecans

Ingredients For Glaze

1 C. plus 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

4 tsp. pure pomegranate juice (fresh or, I used Langers All Pomegranate 100% from concentrate with no added sugar)

3 tsp. vodka

1 1/2 tsp. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 tsp. lime zest

Directions For Shortbread

Preheat oven to 325. Combine 3/4 C powdered sugar and butter in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, finely chopped pecans, and ginger. Mix well. Press dough into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. It may seem like there's not enough dough to cover pan but keep pressing in evenly. Sprinkle with the coarsely chopped pecans. Press lightly into dough to secure them.

Bake for 18 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Place pan on wire cooling rack. Immediately cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. They must be sliced while they are still soft and warm. Cut each square in half diagonally. Cool completely.  

Directions For Glaze

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. It should be drizzling consistency. Remove cookies and place on wire racks. Be gentle with them. The texture of shortbread is more fragile than most cookies. Place waxed paper under each rack to catch the glaze drippings. Drizzle with glaze. Leave cookies on the racks until the glaze is set and dry. Store in plastic container. Can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. 

The pecans blend with the buttery pastry creating a rich maple flavor with a hint of sweet from the pomegranate glaze. I first tried the topping without the lime and felt it was missing something. Wow, the citrus bite of the juice and zest really brings it all together.

They make a great presentation as a holiday gift when you place them in a clear cellophane bag and secure with a bright ribbon. OR Just stack'm on a platter and watch as your party guests toast with their cocktail and dessert all at the same time!

There are many possibilities when it comes to adding ingredients to shortbread. What is your favorite combination?

Comments

[Jennifer]

Thanks! Let me know how you like it!

[vitamin b6]

I have always wanted to try that Pom juice, this just might be the thing to make me try it. What a great idea for a margarita.