Michelle and Almond Shortbread Cookie Bars
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Michelle Robinson Obama*
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President Barack Obama*
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Michelle playing hopscotch*
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First Lady Michelle and President Barack Obama
First Lady - 2009 - 2017
Quotes from Michelle -
  • "You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages."
  • "You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."
  • "Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own."
Factoid -  As part of her mission to instill better nutrition, Michelle Obama planted the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn of the White House, providing fresh fruits and vegetables for the local community and the White House.
Bio -
  • Michelle Robinson was born in Chicago, Illinois. A serious student, Michelle earned a degree at Princeton University and a Law Degree from Harvard Law School. Michelle returned to Chicago to begin her law career, where she soon met Barack Obama.  They married several years later. 
  • Michelle left corporate law behind and worked for public law service in Chicago.  She was also a staunch supporter of Barack's political career as Illinois State Senator U.S. Senator.   All the while, she was Mom to the Obama's two daughters.  Barack Obama became the first African American President and Michelle, the Nation's first African American First Lady in 2008.
  • Never one to stand still, Michelle, as First Lady, had several missions.  "Let's Move" was her campaign against childhood obesity.  Michelle started the "Joining Forces" movement to support service members and veterans.  Two other initiatives of Michelle revolved around education:  "Reach Higher" and "Let Girls Learn".  
  • Always the welcoming hostess, Michelle was known as a warm and inviting First Lady filling the White House with not only political guests and dignitaries, but also with artists and musicians.  Michelle also organized the renovation of the State and Family Dining Rooms in the White House.
  • Michelle's personality charmed the public, who fell in love with her wit and wisdom.  Appearances on late-night TV with Jimmy Fallon and others gained her even more popularity.  
About Barack - Barack Obama was the 44th President and the first African American President.  His administration was responsible for the Affordable Care Act, reform of financial regulations, and the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Throughout his Presidency, Barack emphasized diplomacy, climate change action, and economic recovery. He was and still is praised for his calm demeanor and oratory skills. 
Michelle Obama's Almond Shortbread Cookies became a bit famous during Barack's inauguration.  The Ritz-Carlton Hotels honored the occasion by serving guests Michelle's shortbread, rather than mints on their pillows!
Ingredients
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 & 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur or 1 tablespoon almond extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 cups cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg white, beaten
1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds
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Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
  2. Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper. 
  3. In a large bowl, beat together butter and 1 & 1/2 cups of sugar on medium speed until fairly smooth.  Add egg yolks and beat until fluffy.
  4. Beat in amaretto or extract and citrus zests until just combined.
  5. Gradually beat in flour and salt until all are combined.
  6. Spread the dough on the cookie sheet, using a rubber spatula to smooth the top.  Use a pastry or cooking brush to brush the beaten egg white onto the top of the cookie bars.  Sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. 
  7. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn off the oven and allow the cookies to remain inside of the oven for 15 more minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and cut into squares while the cookies are warm.
Portrait Credits*
Michelle Obama - (official portrait) Joyce Boghosian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Playing hopscotch - The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
​Barack Obama - Official White House Photo by Pete Souza, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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