Simple Shortbread

Directions

1. 1
   Blend sugar and salt in processor.
2. 2
   Cut in butter using on/off turns until blended and smooth.
3. 3
   Blend in vanilla.
4. 4
   Add flour and process until blended but still slightly crumbly, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl.
5. 5
   Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk.
6. 6
   Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes.
7. 7
   Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 250F.
8. 8
   Divide dough in half.
9. 9
   Press each half onto bottom of 8-inch-diameter cake pan or 9-inch-diameter pie dish.
10. 10
    Bake shortbread 30 minutes.
11. 11
    Rotate pans and continue baking until cooked through and very pale golden, about 30 minutes longer.
12. 12
    Cool in pans on racks 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Cut each warm shortbread while still in pan into 12 wedges.
14. 14
    Cool completely.
15. 15
    Using thin spatula, carefully transfer wedges to platter.
16. 16
    (Shortbread can be prepared up to 4 days ahead.
17. 17
    Store in airtight container at room temperature.)