JULIA CHILD'S HUNGARIAN SHORTBREAD BY CHARLES

Steps:

• The Jam:.
• Place rhubarb, sugar& water in a saucepan.
• Split the Vanilla bean and scrape the soft seeds into the pan, (keep the pod for further use in another recipe).
• Bring to a simmer over low heat, cook stirring often until the rhubarb is soft.
• Cool the jam.
• Shortbread:.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder& salt together, set aside.
• In another bowl beat the butter until it is pale and fluffy.
• Add the egg yolks& sugar and beat until until the sugar is disolved and you have a light mixture.
• With you mixer on low speed slowly add the flour mixture, mix ONLY until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Turn the dough out on you cutting board, cut in half and form each half into a ball, wrap each ball in plastic wrap.
• Freeze the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Assembling& Baking:.
• Preheat oven to 350F with rack in center of the oven.
• Remove one ball of dough from the freezer and grate the dough into a 9x12" baking pan (use large hole side of your 4 sided grater).
• Pat the dough- don't press it, so it gets evenly spread in the pan getting right into the corners too.
• Spread with the Rhubard jam (or jam, preserve of your choice).
• Grate the remaining ball of dough on top, pat gently so it is evenly spread.
• Bake for apprx 40 minutes or until it is golden.
• As soon as you take the pan from the oven dust the shortbread with confectioner's sugar and cool to room temperature on a rack.
• Cut into bars.
• The size& shape is up to you.
• It is nice served with a dab of whipped cream.