Savory Spiced Shortbread Bites

These tasty little cocktail nibbles are irresistible with a nice glass of sherry by a winter fire, and everyone simply loves them. I wish I could remember where I found this! Possibly *Gourmet* magazine, years ago? No clue. They are more spicy than sweet, but the hint of sugar is just enough. I like to make lots of these to keep around for unexpected holiday guests...they keep a long time in a cookie tin.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 30
• Yields: 30 pieces

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons paprika
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2  tablespoons  ice water

Directions

1. Beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Blend all seasonings well with flour, and add all to the butter mixture. Mix with until just combined.
2. On a lightly floured surface, knead about 8 times with hands, until dough comes together. Add ice water as needed if dough is too crumbly. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a sheet of wax paper, roll each piece of dough into a 3/4"-thick log. Sprinkle lightly with a dusting of cayenne, or a mix of all the above spices if you like.
3. Wrap each log in wax paper and freeze for about 20 minutes, until fairly firm.
4. Slice about 1/2" thick and bake for 15 minutes at 350.
5. (The logs can be frozen a week or more ahead of time, but you will want to let them soften a bit before slicing, to prevent crumbling.).