Photograph: Felicity Cloake | theguardian.com
Did you know that shortbread is said to have been invented by Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century?
Although shortbread was prepared during much of the 12th century, its refinement is credited to Mary, Queen of Scots.
She had a team of French chefs who took time to perfect the recipe. Originally, the cookie was large and round. Then many variations of size and format came around.
When shaped into triangles, they were given the name of “petticoat tails” and was great for individual servings. The French chefs at first called them “petits gautelles” (small cakes) but the name was ultimately anglicized into petticoat tails.
In Shetland, it is a tradition to break a decorated shortbread cake over the head of a new bride on the entrance of her new house.
Shortbreads are now a world favorite!
Walkers Shortbread Factory, on the outskirts of Charlestown of Aberlour, in the Speyside region of Scotland
While touring the Stratspey area we had a great shopping experience at Walkers Shortbread Factory while discovering a wonderful world of cookies, shortbreads, oatcakes, cakes and tarts.
Could not resist buying cookies and superb gifts such as those beautiful Walkers teddy bears! Bought more than one :-)…
‘In 1898 our great grandfather, Joseph Walker started out with the mission…
“To bake the world’s finest shortbread”
To this day we carry forward this tradition of baking the finest shortbreads, biscuits, cakes and oatcakes, using our founder’s original recipes.
– The Walker Family ‘
The company is now run by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Walkers has begun construction work on a new 3500 sq m factor at its Fisherton site in Aberlour, in an effort to increase capacity.
It is easy to recognize Walkers products by its packaging, which features a background tartan pattern and Scottish traditional figures, scenes and objects.
‘Popular figures used on Walkers’ boxes and tins include Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald. Some packages feature the two separately and others depict a popular painting by S. Joy including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald in a poignant farewell.
In the treasured Scottish tale of female heroism, Flora saved Prince Charlie by helping him escape from Scotland after his defeat at Culloden in 1746. So he would not be recognized, she disguised him as her maid. The painting featured on Walkers’ products shows the final farewell as the prince leaves Scotland.’
Source: gardeners-roost.blogspot.ca
This awesome elephant sculpture sponsoring Walkers trademark in the botanical gardens inspire us to get a package of tasty shortbreads to enjoy with a cup of tea!
And for those who would like to bake their own, we’ve found this great video:
“My Mother’s secret shortbread recipe – best shortbread in the world…”In the family since three generation..”
Enjoy! 🙂 Janice
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