In 1995, I traveled to Scotland to take a week-long writing course at the International Summer School at University of Edinburgh.  In addition to honing my creative writing skills, I did a lot of memorable sightseeing and discovered a delicious Scottish snack in the dining hall at the university.  Millionaire’s Shortbread!

Darcy and Ian indulge in a few squares of this satisfyingly sweet shortbread in my novel, Forget-Me-Not.

Darcy tucked her paperback into her bag as he returned to the table carrying a tray laden with two white crockery mugs and plates of chocolate-covered shortbread.

“I got you Earl Grey,” he said.

“Wonderful.”  She looked at him, her gaze drawn once again to his slate gray eyes.   The color reminded her of the ocean on a stormy day.

He took his seat and added copious spoonfuls of sugar to his coffee.  “The cookies are called millionaire’s shortbread.  Have you ever had it before?”

“I don’t think so.”  Darcy took a bite, closing her eyes as she savored the buttery sweetness.  “Is there caramel in it?”

“Uh huh.”  He took a generous mouthful, his eyes twinkling at her as he chewed and swallowed.  “It was my favorite thing in this tea room. Until today.” 

Like Darcy, I was delighted by the chocolate and caramel flavors mixed with the crunch of the buttery cookie.  Shortbread lovers can find a long list of recipes online for this popular U.K. treat.   I tried a recipe from Claire Robinson of the Food Network after she baked a tray of Millionaire’s Shortbread on her show 5-Ingredient Fix.  The cookies were easy to make and delicious – a little taste of Scotland at home.