The Sweet Pairing Amanda Freitag Loves Baking For Dessert

What we know about Amanda Freitag is that she knows a thing or two about whipping up masterful meals, concocting tasty cocktails, and preparing batches of treats for everyone to enjoy. The celebrity chef, "Chopped" judge, businesswoman, and cookbook author has blessed her viewers and followers with tons of simple, delicious recipes over the years, including asparagus omelets, hummus, patty melts, and so many more. Freitag is known for creating recipes that are both easy to make and fun to eat, two requirements for wholesomeness. After all, food is not just nourishment, but it's also an experience that can impact the way we feel, even if just for a moment.

So, what about dessert? Although she admits to not baking very often, Freitag recently shared an "easy AF" recipe for what she calls "the sweet equivalent of chips and dip" on her Instagram. The best part? You probably already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your kitchen. Shortbread is among the most popular varieties of cookies in the world, according to TasteAtlas — and for good reason. 

Shortbread has a mellow, not too sweet, and buttery flavor, and its texture is soft and subtly crumbly. The recipe is also mind-blowingly simple, regardless of your culinary skill level. Here's how you can make a dynamic duo of shortbread cookies and citrus curd the next time your sweet tooth makes an appearance.

Shortbread cookies are often paired with chocolate or tea, but Amanda Freitag prefers dipping the bite-sized wonders in tart citrus curd. Freitag's recipe for shortbread cookies, which she shared on Instagram, calls for a few basic ingredients. First, using a spatula, thoroughly mix 5 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of confectioner's sugar, and ¾ tablespoon of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Then, gradually add 1½ cups of flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The dough will look crumbly while mixing, but don't worry — this is totally normal! 

Once the dry ingredients are combined, roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Roll the dough onto a floured surface and cut the cookies into any shape you desire. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees until crisp and golden.

Making the citrus curd "salsa" is a breeze, too; plus, the fruity aroma will fill up your home! In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. When these are well-combined, remove the pot from the heat, add two egg yolks, and whisk it all together. For a pop of brightness, add several shavings of fresh lemon zest. Place the pan back onto the stove and whisk the mixture until it's nice and viscous. Press the mixture through a strainer to remove any chunks of zest. 

Enjoy! Now, that's one heck of a snack. After all, there's a reason Instagram has drooled over Freitag's patty melt and other recipes. Thanks, Amanda!