In terms of culinary choices in Colombo we are indeed spoilt by the excess and variety. But I'm afraid when I'm in the mood for a good cookie or biscuit nothing takes my fancy. In fact we miss our McVitie style biscuits so much that we have to harass every friend or foe traveling from the Queen's country to bring us our much coveted stash. Thus with the dearth of a good biscuit to excite our tastebuds during our evening tea, I thought this month we will embark on the search for the perfect biscuit! A biscuit should not be too hard in texture, should have the right amount of chewiness and let it's delectable flavour tickle your taste sensations into heavenly bliss.

Shortbread Cookies

· 1½ cups butter, softened
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla
· 3 cups flour
· ¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer

· Bag of caramel toffees
· 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

Chocolate layer

· 2 cups milk chocolate chips
· 2 teaspoons shortening

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add vanilla, flour and salt and mix until well combined.

2. Dump dough onto a lightly flour surface.

3. Roll dough out to ½ inch thick.

4. With a small biscuit cutter, cut out cookies and place on greased cookie sheet.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F 14-16 minutes.

6. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely.

7. Melt caramel toffees, adding milk if necessary. Spread over cooled cookies. Let caramel cool completely before spreading on the chocolate.

8. In a small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening stirring until melted and smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled caramel.

9. Let chocolate set before eating and serving.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe