Bourbon Pecan Shortbread

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, baking soda and bourbon, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the pecans over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into wedges.

Interesting Facts

• Shortbread originated in Scotland, where it was traditionally served during the Christmas season.
• The name "shortbread" comes from the fact that the dough is made with a high ratio of fat (butter) to flour, making it crumbly and "short".
• Pecans are native to North America and are a popular ingredient in Southern baking.