Walnut Shortbread

Martha Stewart Living, March 2010

A-plus dessert. It's all about the butter.

Makes 8

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulse walnuts in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl, and whisk in flour and salt.

2. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until pale and fluffy. Slowly add walnut mixture, and beat until just combined.

3. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan. Transfer dough to pan. Place a piece of plastic wrap on dough, and use it to press the dough evenly into pan (this will prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers). Cut dough into 8 wedges using a paring knife. Prick all over with a wooden skewer or fork.

4. Bake until golden brown and firm in center, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack. Recut into wedges and prick again. Let cool slightly. Dust with confectioners' sugar.