Two of Jersey’s top hotels treated guests to a biscuit and hopefully a good night’s sleep too as they celebrated National Shortbread Day.
The chefs at the AA Five Star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and the AA Four Red Star L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa created a special version of the classic Scottish dessert on Sunday 6th January and added a sprinkling of Jersey lavender to the recipe, an ingredient well known for relieving stress and helping us get a good night’s sleep.
Each handmade biscuit was individually wrapped and then left on pillows during the turndown service.
Speaking at the time, Simon Miller, General Manager of Hand Picked Hotels Jersey said, “This is a lovely twist on our turndown service and the perfect way to celebrate a day dedicated to making and eating shortbread. We hope all our guests will agree.”
The first printed recipe for shortbread was published by a Mrs McLintock in 1736. The biscuit actually dates back to medieval times when it was made using yeast. Modern shortbread made of sugar, butter and flour that we all enjoy today is credited to Mary, Queen of Scots who refined the recipe with butter instead of yeast. The sweet biscuit was expensive to make and in those days was reserved for special occasions.