This is a light, buttery flakey shortbread that is quite similar to the expensive brands that are sold in the stores, the success of this shortbread or any shortbread recipe will depend on the quality of butter that you use so purchase the best quality butter you can find, and use only salted butter, if you are using unsalted add in a pinch of salt, the almond extract is only optional -- the amount of sugar will give give a medium sweetness, if you prefer a sweeter shortbread then increase by 2-4 tablespoons, for brown sugar shortbread use brown sugar in place of white, I advise to make this a few days ahead to allow the flavors ripen --- servings is only estimated.