Upper Highway’s Culinary Corner

HIRSCH’S Hillcrest manager, Joewell Pillay, shares her favourite recipe from the Hirsch’s Demo’s Do’s and Don’ts cookbook and a little insight into her life.

Joewell, who is newly married, has been slowly teaching her husband to cook. They enjoy cooking together and sometimes she even comes home to dinner already prepared.

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, sharing in meals and memories with loved ones is a beautiful thing. Joewell said the Hirsch’s Demo’s Do’s and Don’ts cookbook is an important resource for Hirsch’s employees.

Joewell’s favourite recipe from the cookbook is the Honey Shortbread, a sweet treat perfect for sharing. With only four ingredients, this recipe is a good one to have on hand for a mom or anyone with a sweet tooth.

Honey Shortbread

Ingredients:

· 240g butter (240ml)

· 70g icing sugar (120ml)

· 50ml honey

· 280g wheat cake flour (500ml)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degree Celsius/160 degree Celsius fan/Gas mark 4.

2. Grease a square 20 x 20 cm baking pan with non-stick spray or melted butter; line base and sides with baking paper, and spray or butter again.

3. Cream butter and icing sugar together in the bowl of a large food mixer until pale; then add honey and mix thoroughly.

4. Sieve flour and add to the butter mixture. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed in well.

5. Place mixture into the prepared tin and flatten with the back of a wooden spoon, spatula, or another piece of baking paper. Prick the surface lightly with a fork.

6. Bake the shortbread for about 20 – 25 minutes until it just starts to turn in colour.

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly, before marking portions with a sharp knife.

8. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

9. If desired, dust with sifted icing sugar prior to serving.

10. Store in a sealed container

The Hirsch’s Demo’s Do’s and Don’ts cookbook can be purchased in any Hirsch’s store.

If your’re passionate about cooking and want to share a special recipe with readers, email a little info about yourself, why you chose this recipe and the actual recipe to michelled@dbn.caxton.co.za before the 15th of each month.