Coffee Shortbread

Step 1: Preheat oven to 300F.

Step 2: In a medium-size bowl, mix together flour, coffee, orange zest & salt.

Step 3: On a cutting board, slice vanilla pod & remove its beans.

Step 4: In standing mixer at medium speed, melt together butter, sugar & vanilla beans until a soft, smooth cream is formed.

Step 5: Reduce speed & slowly add flour & coffee mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure not to overwork dough during this step.

Step 6: Line baking pan tightly w/aluminum foil & pour dough inside. Use a soft spatula dipped in cold water to spread dough evenly.

Step 7: Place pan in refrigerator to rest for 30 min.

Step 8: Remove from refrigerator & place pan on oven's middle rack & bake for 50 min.

Step 9: Remove from oven & let rest for about 10 min.

Step 10: Using a knife or pizza slicer, cut into bite-size squares & move pieces onto a baking sheet, making sure that cookies do not touch each other. Bake again at 300F for 10 min.

Step 11: Remove from oven, allow to cool, then garnish w/powdered sugar & serve.