No, no….F you…
I had made these shortbread a couple of days ago in honour of Canada and the start of the Olympics. But things got busy and truthfully I could really think of anything but Go Canada to really write. Until today. When a lovely American citizen provided me with some fuel for my blog.
I was walking through the parking lot of Trader Joe’s today. Now if you are not familiar with Trader Joe’s, it’s a little more on the hippie side of things so I was a little taken back with what was said to me. I was wearing jeans, a Flames sweatshirt, and a Team Canada hat (pictured above ironically). When all of a sudden I hear some guy shout, “Fuck Canada and your hockey team, USA all the way!” He was pointing to my hat. I stood there thinking for a few seconds, deciding if I had enough time in my day to waste by engaging in conversation with this man. There were lots of witnesses so I thought, what the heck.
I smiled politely at the man. I said, “I take it you are a Team USA fan?” In which I got a “hell yeah I am”. So I followed up with “then who is your favorite player on the team?”
His reply? “Sidney Crosby”
My smile got even bigger. I told the guy that I hoped Sidney Crosby’s team would win the gold as well and left. I went on my merry little way picking up my brown rice sushi, almond milk, and Black Toad beer (seriously good stuff)
Now if you are confused as to why I find this funny, then you don’t know hockey. If you do know who Sidney Crosby is, then you probably are already laughing at this point in the story. See non-hockey following folks or those who live in non-hockey caves, Sidney Crosby plays for…wait for it….Team Canada.
I have several people ask me why I don’t bake that much with maple syrup. Very simple answer. I eat it. These cookies are case in point. They were like little mini, melt in your mouth, maple goodness. I swear I ate 10 (more like 30 shhhhh) in the blink of an eye. I tried to freeze them to stop me from eating them. Only to learn, I like them even better when they are frozen (just like I do with Thin Mints). So I quickly pushed them off on as many people as I could think of. 
They do make a nice snack while you watch that fine American, Sidney Crosby, oh wait….., play ice hockey.
Go Team Canada Maple-Pecan Shortbread Rounds
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
½ cup cake flour (not self-rising)
½ tsp salt
½ cup pecan halves (about 2 ¼ ounces), finely chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
¼ cup pure maple syrup, preferably grade B
1 large egg yolk
¼ tsp pure maple extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
about 30 pecan halves to top cookies with (optional)
In a medium bowl, sift flours and salt. Whisk in chopped pecans, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and light, about two minutes.
Add the maple syrup, egg yolk, and extract; beat on medium speed until well combined.
On low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined.
Dough should be smooth and pliable. Flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm, 1 ½ hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut out rounds using a two-inch cookie cutter; place one inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg; place a pecan half in the middle.
Bake cookies, rotating baking sheet halfway through, until golden around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in airtight containers at room temperature up to four days.
Adapted from Martha Stewart Cookies by Martha Stewart
91 Responses
Leave a Comment
February 17th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Ohhh man. I would love to see his reaction when he realizes who Sidney Crosby really plays for!
Maple syrup-containing baked goods are highly addictive for me too. I can’t wait to make these!
February 17th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
I just love it when knuckle draggers like this one, yell obscenities at unsuspecting women going about their merry way. So gentlemanly.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I have to apologize for my fellow dumb USAer. Man, how is it that the dumb nasty ones have enough money to come to the Olympics and the normal ones have to stay home. I hope another representative can make up for it.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
They look super delish! And as much as I root for team USA, hockey belongs to Canada man!
February 17th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Gotta love it. Im having a hard time choosing sides. Orpik, Sid, Fleury, Gonch, Geno… As long as one of them takes the gold, its a win for me. And if they take all 3, WOOOO!
I hate those bandwagoner hockey fans. Burns me up. We get tons of them at the end of the steeler season. Wear their steeler jerseys to the Pens game, and know nothing about the team. Jackasses, they are.
Love the cookies too. There is something very comforting about shortbread. It always makes me think of my Grandma Kennedy.
February 17th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Well, we know who got the last laugh on that one! I wish I could be a fly on the wall when it dawns on him what a jack ass he was. Pretty funny!
I love shortbread and a maple flavored one is just that much more enticing. Thanks for the laugh.
February 17th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Haha! Thats hilarious! I hope he tells this story to someone thinking he is all great and wonderful and just gets humiliated when he finds out what an ass he was!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
I am embarrassed to be an American hockey fan at this point…great story though! Thanks for sharing =)
February 17th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Priceless!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
What an idiot!! I wish you would of told him who he actually played for, then the guy would of felt real stupid!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Great story! =) And the cookies look delicious.
February 17th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I seriously can’t believe some people!! You were much more diplomatic than I would have been.
The cookies look awesome!!
February 17th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
That is some amazing restraint you showed there. I’d have a hard time not yelling a few choice words back…and I’m not even THAT big of a hockey fan.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Had my trying hard not to choke on my lunch while reading this! Yummy cookies btw, I’d be distracted with those around!
February 17th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Hahaha!!!
If someone got that on Youtube, it’ll be even funnier
February 17th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Yeah Pea!! Nobody should mess with my girl – she KNOWS her hockey
xo
February 17th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Ha! Awesome story. I love this recipe. And even though I am an American who doesn’t really understand hockey, my cookies were even more Canadian than yours. Check it:
http://pieceofcakeblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/maple-pecan-shortbread-and-giveaway.html
Love your site!
February 17th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
That story is hilarious! I bet you had a smile on your face for the rest of the day! I love it!
Normally Trader Joe’s is such a pleasant place to shop. I guess you run into “know it all’s” no matter where you go.
And the cookies look amazing. They do look like they would melt in your mouth!
February 17th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
That guy is obviously very confused. These shortbread look fantastic – just the thing for Team Canada.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Stupidity usually manifests itself quickly…hope you smiled A LOT…he wouldn’t get it anyway.
Super cute cookies and thanks for the warning that they are addictive. Now I must make them!
February 17th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Thanks for tonight’s ROFL! I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he figures out his epic blunder. What a clod. I love hockey and I love maple cookies. You give me both and I don’t care who wins!
February 18th, 2010 at 12:27 am
i seriously love the flavor of maple syrup and for some reason have not experimented with it in shortbread – another favorite – so this is really sounds awesome!
February 18th, 2010 at 12:47 am
those cookies are marvelous! Anthing made with maple and pecans is welcome in my house!
Some people are really stupid…
Cheers,
Rosa
February 18th, 2010 at 5:52 am
I can’t believe someone said “F” another country in the parking lot of TRADER JOE’S, for heaven’s sake!! Geez louise. What is up with people??!! What a spaz. (I love TJ’s, BTW, and miss it so!)
February 18th, 2010 at 6:05 am
Hee hee! Good for you! Though, I kind of wish you had rubbed that guy’s nose in it. He sounds like the stereotypical “Ugly American”.
Love those cookies, BTW. I’d have a hard time resisting them too!
February 18th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Some people are just born jerks, like this guy. It’s just too bad you had to run into him. Your cookies look delicious. I love baking and it is very hard to resist not eating tons of it when it’s delicious!
February 18th, 2010 at 8:03 am
GOOOO CANADA!!!! (Being from Vancouver Island I’m a little biased!) Am heading over to Vancouver next weekend to be a part of the Olympic Buzz and I can’t wait! Hilarious story!
February 18th, 2010 at 8:51 am
These look delightful, and just right for what I’ve been looking for: a way to use maple syrup for baking and really get the taste in there. I have two bottles that a friend brought from Canada, both “pure maple syrup.” One is No. 1, the other No. 2, and they don’t say A or B on them. I’ve been using No. 1 on my pancakes, assuming No. 2 is right for baking. Do you think it’d work for these cookies?
Also: on behalf of my countryman, I apologize. Our sports fans really are obnoxious. I tend to keep my mouth shut b/c my favorite figure skater is French, and that’s one thing you don’t admit in the good ole US of A
February 18th, 2010 at 8:58 am
What is it about you? Why are you a magnet for the weirdest, rudest people on the planet? Seriously. Snaps, as always, for your polite response. And for the cookies. I’ll take two, please (since they’re small).
February 18th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Good for you!
Actually, my head has been spinning trying to keep up with what country this person or that person is from and what country this person or that person is competing for instead and why.
I waited patiently for two days of Ice skating footage to be over and the competition to begin so I could be told why the heck the pretty Japanese girl is skating for Russia. Too confusing!!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:13 am
All I have to say is GO CANADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These cookies rock! Love the picture!!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:48 am
I am constantly amazed at some of the things people choose to say! You handled that much better than I would have!
These cookies look delicious!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Haha! That’ll learn him to shoot off his mouth!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:59 am
You’re the bomb…
February 18th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Oh jeez. That’s just so sad and funny at the same time. Sorry you got a jerk yelling at you (but oh, hilarious, when he is watching the game and realizes his mistake…). I’m team USA all the way, but half the fun of a competition is being able to respect a worthy opponent! The other half is to trash talk in the RIGHT way, which I guess that guy has yet to learn!
February 18th, 2010 at 11:35 am
PS Cookies…. YUUUUUUUM!
February 18th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
I cringed on behalf of all American hockey fans. Unfortunately, there are idiots in all countries. I’m sorry you had to run into one…and one who was badly informed as well. I always think belligerent people like that must be drunk.
I love hockey, was a Red Wings fan (born and brought up in Michigan), but Canada owns the sport. I wish them well.
Anything maple is to die for. (Love those maple sugar candies.)
February 18th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
I’ve discovered I like quite a few things better when they’re frozen, I could see maple cookies being one of those things…
February 18th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I m reading your post and ha just watching hockey on tv (cause boyfriend is watching it) playing US team. I just don t follow it and don t understand it since it s not popular here. However I hope US team loses
Yummy cookies
February 18th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
This reminds me a little of the Rick Mercer Report:D Delicious cookies by the way. Go Team Canada!!!I can say that this early in the game.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
That’s hilarious. What a dummy, I actually don’t mind dealing with people like that because they just do all of the work for you
February 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hey Peabody,
I’m glad that the spirit of the Olympics is alive and well in that redneck… I must say you were a real lady and replied very politely. Yor thinking cap must have helped you at that moment! As a Canadian, I must vote for Team Canada, but we should enjoy all athletes, and applaud everyone’s effort because that should be the Olympic spirit. Great recipe, as always.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Hahaha…LOVE IT! (I’m Canadian and don’t know I think about hockey, but I definitely knew that Crosby was Canadian.)
Those shortbreads look so delicate and mmmmmelt-in-your-mouth. I like the scalloped edges. Maple pecan is an unbeatable combination!
February 18th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
How funny! I get the same kind of random yelling at me if I wear my Michigan sweatshirt in public out here in Ohio. And then I giggle heartily when I hear how good people say Tom Brady is!
yummy looking cookies!
February 18th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Great story. I love pecans and the Winter Olympics in Canada are just amazing, I’m not a sport fan but have enjoyed some of the Olympics.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
While I must admit I don’t know much about hockey, baseball guy myself, you story was GREAT! The cookies look delightful and if Team USA has to get beaten in hockey I can’t think of finer folks to get beat by! Now, where’s my maple syrup?
February 18th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Go team Peabody!!!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Great story! I smile although I live in a non-ice hocky cave. Right at this point my youngest sportsmad kid happens to look over my shoulder and shouts: Mom! That’s the caramel girl that plays hockey right? (uhm that’s you) Can you ask her for a cap like that, I’ll pay for it!? You know her, do you?
Don’t worry, I’ll bake him your cookies instead
February 18th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Ha Ha Love it! Great story…almost as good as those cookies…drool…
February 18th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Would love to be there to see the look on that dumb asses face as he tells his friends that story and they’re like “dude..??? what were you thinking???”
February 18th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
OMG that’s funny that he named a Canadian player!
February 18th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
It’s funny how the Olympics is supposed to embody global harmony, not nationalism.
I love Sydney Crosby, which means often find myself hoping the Penguins will win, despite the fact that I’ve never been to Pittsburg, and this pits me against my local teams.
By rooting for the team with the hottest hockey player at all times, I find myself free of hate, and rooting for many diverse cities and countries, eh?
February 18th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
omg i am laughing my ass off!!! what a great story
and the cookie sounds amazing, too!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
So, I did NOT know who Sidney Crosby was but I figured it out by your reaction! That is hilarious. These cookies look wonderful.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
It is sad that so few of us Americans appreciate hockey. It is even worse when you live in a Southern state. These cookies look amazing. I usually don’t keep maple syrup in the house because it is dangerous to my bottom but I plan on getting some this weekend so I can make these cookies.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Okay, you know what’s funny … on my way home tonight I’m sitting on the subway, nervous, because I don’t want to miss the start of the game and I think, “Man, I haven’t visited Peabody in awhile! I wonder if she’s watching the Olympics?”
This post is CLASSIC! How I wish I could have been there. And yes, let’s hope Sydney Crosby’s team finds the strength and will to claim glory!
I bet if you sent them some of these cookies they’d be awful happy!!!
GO CANADA!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Oh my gosh! So priceless =D. I laughed so hard at that! Go Canada!
Great cookies as well – I made a dessert to cheer on our athletes also =D.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Ha! Sounds like he got what he deserves….. Sort of a surprising encounter, I always find Trader Joe’s to be a place full of great people!
February 18th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Sweet shoot out there, Mr. Crosby. Go Canada!
February 19th, 2010 at 4:30 am
He really picked the wrong women to mouth off to. You out smarted him and made him look very stupid without him even realizing it!
I just love non violent confrontations. Brains versus testosterone!
Hey, how bout those cookies? I betcha I could eat 10 of those too!
February 19th, 2010 at 5:23 am
The overtime goal by Sidney must have been extra SWEET for you…I am a Canadian…go Canada go!!!!!!
February 19th, 2010 at 10:12 am
I’m going to stay out of the hockey discussion and just say… pass the cookies!
February 19th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Above and beyond that guy being stupid…he has no freakin’ sportsmanship! Good grief. Your cookies sound delicious. My guys would definitely like these!
February 19th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Congrats on the win yesterday! Not that I know anything about hockey, but I was watching the Olympics and heard the announcement!
February 19th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
I love anything maple! That is why I always make chocolate desserts (for the most part) so I don’t eat them. You are a better person than I – I would have called him out right there, took a photo with my cell phone and told him to google culinary concoctions peabody. But then again – who could help him spell all those big words?
February 19th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Haha what a great story. People are morons. This is why their is a rule to think before you speak. Being a hockey fan I laughed immediately….how could I not
These cookies look great too. I made something similar not to long ago. Delicious
February 19th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Good Lord! That guy is a moron! I knew you would have something great to share about the Olympics! And I am definitely making these cookies tonight.
February 19th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I have been cheering for everyone, paying no attention to which country they are from. Now it looks like I MUST cheer for team Canada just for principle’s sake. Thanks for the laugh.
February 19th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Yeah, as a hockey fan, I was laughing. Can’t exactly root against FOUR Sharks now can I
I’m just hoping at least one team with a Shark on it wins gold.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
LOL. Oh, ignorant Americans. Wait, I live in America- but I’m Asian and therefore not TRULY American. Hmm perhaps I’m in denial.
Anyways, those shortbread cookies look amazing. I looooove shortbread. -drool- And shortbread with maple syrup and pecans? WHAT? AMAZING! I must make these someday. Thanks for sharing.
Btw yay Team Canada! (I don’t care that much about sports although I do marvel at every thing in the Olympics)
February 20th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Oh wow, so embarassing that my fellow American can sometimes be so ignorant and what an a**! Americans and Canadians have always been friendly neighbors. What’s his deal! But, at least you got the last laugh on that one
yummy looking cookies also!
February 21st, 2010 at 7:10 am
ohhh big game today! Canada vs USA I don’t even watch hockey but there’s something about olympic hockey that makes me NEED to watch it! Go Team Canada!!!
February 21st, 2010 at 7:47 am
Oh wow, you’re much nicer than me. I would have just rolled my eyes and pretended he didn’t exist.
The cap reminds me of a hockey jersey I gave my best friend. Sigh, memories. Maybe I’ll shed a tear or two as I make these very Canadian cookies, hee hee
February 21st, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Ha that story made my day. Looking forward to the game later!
February 21st, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Ooh wow boy do these look good
I love the little pecan on top hehe.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Not such a great night for Team Canada, eh?
Seriously, that dude was so unclassy and so ignorant. Combine such citizens with Barack Obama’s performance as the-President-who-wants-to-weaken-America, and I have to admit, for the first time in my life, I am not PROUD of the USA.
Go Conservative and love your fellow man/woman from all nations.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:03 am
I am a proud American and love Canadians! Politics aside (please) the guy was a jerk and you handled him perfectly Peabody!
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Hahaha how I would love to see his face once he realises!
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:25 pm
don’t you just love ignorant Americans?! haha. love your story, even if I am not a hockey watcher
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I do not follow hockey, but that story game me a good chuckle…what a jackass! Your cookies look gorgeous!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:29 am
Awesome response to ignorance! And beautiful cookies.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Wow, my husband and I got a kick out of that story…what an idiot!
February 25th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Funny!
Oh, man do I love maple syrup. With all the snow out there today I may just have to make these as a treat!
February 25th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Pea this is why I love you a latte too! A story like this is like the sun rising! or it it the sun setting on this guy’s IQ.
All your writing just seems to get better and better!
February 26th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
ROTFLMAO. I think I died laughing and of course, shared your blog with a few others.
Thanks for cheering for Team Canada. We are facing off with Team USA. I hope your “Trader Joe” friend will still cheer for Sidney Crosby. haha Does he like Joe Thorton as well? haha
You must be delighted that Jerome is playing lots. WOOOOO
If you get this message in time, I recommend that you make a trip up to Vancouver. It’s electric up here; absolutely lively and vibrant! Go Crosby!
February 28th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Peabody!!!
I hope your friend is still cheering for Sidney Crosby.
)
WOOOO from your fan in Vancouver!
February 28th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Hey, your parking lot guy was right! Sidney Crosby for the WIN!
March 1st, 2010 at 6:56 am
[...] won in overtime. On a goal by none other than….Sidney Crosby. Why yes boys and girls, in the ultimate Karma revenge, the very favorite player of Mr. Parking Lot F-bomb Dropper scored in overtime. Against the very [...]
March 1st, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I don’t even know you but you’re the 1st person I thought of when Sid scored last night!
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:48 am
Canadian, American, Italian, French etc, who cares? Dumb is still dumb no matter the nationality, no?
I’m a team USA hockey fan but was really excited for our friendly neighbors to the North to win it all!
March 8th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Great story! As a Vancouverite living in Seattle, I recieved some similar comments in reponse to my Team Canada gear on… Glad the winning goal came from Sidney