Extremely Frugal Shortbread Tarts

Shortbread Tart Shells
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Butter	1/2 C
Powdered sugar	1/4 C
Vanilla extract	1/2 tsp
Flour	1 C

Soften butter and cream with powdered sugar until well blended.
Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Stir in sifted flour, mixing well. Use hands to work dough thoroughly and form into a ball. Wrap well in plastic and chill 1 hour or more.

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Roll dough out 1/3 inch thick on lightly floured board.
Fit into fluted tart pan, trimming evenly and patching as needed.

To bake unfilled:
Prick several times with a fork both before baking and as soon as the crust comes from the oven.
Bake for 20 to 26 minutes.

To bake filled:
Prick several times with a fork, and bake 15 minutes. Prick again before pouring filling into shell.
Bake as directed.


Frugal Tip:
If you don't usually have powdered sugar on hand, don't go out and buy it for this recipe. Just use your food processor. One cup of granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon of cornstarch will make 1 cup of powdered sugar.