Once spring rolls around, I start thinking about pastels. Thinking of pastels gets me thinking about lavender — not only my favorite color, but also one of my favorite scents. And once lavender is on ...

Sift flour, cornstarch and salt together. Cream butter using a mixer. Add powdered sugar gradually. Cream well. Mix in 1 teaspoon instant coffee and vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients. Blend well.

Chocolate chip cookies tend to be the crowd favorite, but I think shortbread cookies deserve a well-earned seat at the table too. They are intensely buttery, delicate and crumbly — with the right ...