Two tone shortbread cookies recipe - egg free

This is a foolproof two-tone shortbread cookies recipe and won't require any kitchen high tech gadgets. I am not a well-experienced baker but these cookies always come out right and disappear in a flash. You can play with a recipe and use dairy-free butter to make cookies vegan or adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.

To make cookies you will need:

- 250g butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 110g caster sugar
- 360g plain flour
- 15g cocoa powder

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.

Leave butter outside for 15-20 minutes to soften up and once it is soft, mix it with caster sugar until smooth. Next, stir in the flour and knead until you get an even smooth dough.

Divide your dough into two parts. Add vanilla extract to one part of the divided dough and knead until fully incorporated and mixed. Add cocoa powder to the second part and knead well until mixed and dough has an even colour to it.

Divide again both flavour doughs into two equal parts: one we will use to make swirly shortbread and another for squares.

To make swirly shortbread. Take one part of vanilla and one part of the cocoa dough. Roll out until they are 1cm/ 1/2in thick each. Then place the cocoa rolled out dough on top of the vanilla and gently roll them together to make a scroll. Wrap in clingfilm and leave in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

To make two-tone shortbread squares. Take the remaining vanilla and cocoa dough and divide each into two parts. You should have four equal dough parts. Shape each into a rectangle and arrange them into a check pattern. Wrap in clingfilm and leave in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

Once set, cut into rounds/squares 1cm/ 1/2in thick and place onto a baking tray.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack and enjoy.

Happy baking,
Marija


PS: Any questions, just leave a comment below.

MWgifts - face coverings

Small non-medical face coverings are now in stock. Click here for more MWgifts on eBay.

These masks come in size - small and suitable for children aged 4-12. Double-layered face coverings designed to reassure and give confidence to the user while going outside during this difficult period. They are not medical-grade masks, but the current recommendation has shown that face coverings such as scarves and fabric masks are likely to be of benefit, and MWgifts has three fun and friendly designs for children to offer.

These masks are not designed to replace the government guidelines for social distancing and are a complimentary protective measure to the current rules which must still be followed.


Stay safe,
MWgifts

Empty bottles - Human + Kind, Sukin, Nuxe, Estee Lauder, Beauty Papier, 3INA and Amore Puro

I have a fair amount of empties to review and share. A mixture of brands for face mostly. Face became my main concern with first lines and such and it shows in my beauty shopping.

1. Human + Kind Shower Mousse Bodywash Coconut Dream. This is a natural, vegan, and cruelty-free body wash with a sweet, tropical scent and fluffy foam. Formulated with coconut oil extracts nourishes dry skin, and suitable for sensitive skin. Very convenient to have instant fluff of lather and my skin enjoyed it immensely.

2. Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner.  I like Sukin's skin care products, they are made with natural ingredients, affordable, yet effective, and caring. This is an alcohol-free toner, formulated with Chamomile and Rosewater to help soothe, purify and cool tired skin. The scent could disagree with some, it is herbal and on a stronger side. I love the feel of the mist toner on my skin and the overall effect.

The ingredient list is nicely short, so if you are minimalist in your skincare and would like a simple, natural, yet effective toner, Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner would be definitely a good choice.

Water (Aqua), Rosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile), Citric Acid, and Phenoxyethanol.

This mist toner can be used after cleansing, before and after makeup application, or any time your skin is feeling tired, stressed or overheated. Suitable for all skin types.

3. Nuxe Paris Insta-Masque. I loved this clay mask. This purifying mask formulated with Rose floral water and white clay to very gently purify the skin. One of three instant Nuxe masks, it works just in 2 minutes, so you can treat and look after your skin even on an extremely busy schedule.

This mask worked well with my sensitive skin, didn't give a sensation of tightness and redness I usually get with clay masks.


I am searching for an effective serum or face oil and have finished both: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex || and 3INA Cosmetics The Oil Drops Energy.

4. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex ||. This a powerful serum for radiant and hydrated skin, formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to lock-in moisture. I have mixed feelings and impressions and might just need a full-sized bottle to fully appreciate it. This serum has a very light, runny texture with a slightly sweet scent. My skin "drank" it in happily, but I am not sure it did anything to my fine lines.

5. 3INA Cosmetics The Oil Drops Energy. Another natural and vegan beauty treat in today's review. This is a vitamin-rich and ultra-nourishing oil with a slightly sweet scent. Perfect for the tired complexion, suitable for sensitive skin with the added ginger and cranberry oil provides an anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory splash of moisturising protection for thirsty skin.

My skin enjoyed this energy drops and I am looking forward to trying other oils in 3INA range. Have you tried any?

6. Beauty Parier Daisy Toner.  It was a lovely treat for my skin. I have reviewed this before, please click here to read more.

The last, but definitely not least - Amore Puro Nourishing Night Cream.  This is an anti-aging cream with organic virgin olive oil, suitable for dry or normal skin.

I loved the rich cream's texture. My skin felt nourished and fresh. I agree that this night cream has a restorative effect, rejuvenating, velvet touch and it smells lovely.


Stay safe :)
Marija