Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread
The Thistle, Scotland
It’s wonderful to know the national flower of a country. In Malaysia it is the beautiful, red Hibiscus. Here in Scotland, the national flower is the beautiful, prickly purple Thistle flower. The Thistles in the picture above have not bloomed yet. When they bloom, they have beautiful purple red crowns on top. The Thistle is actually a weed that grows wildly all over the lowlands and the highlands of Scotland. It is prickly all over as you can see. But it’s a very beautiful flower. I think it represents toughness and the ability to protect itself.
Thistle flower shortbread
When I first landed in Scotland, one of the first food that I was introduced was the Scottish shortbread. At first sight, it looks like any other butter cookies to me. But my first bite made me realise it’s different. It had a beautiful buttery fragrance and a melt-in-the mouth feel. I fell in love with it immediately.
Thistle shortbread mould
I was looking through my drawer for something the other day when I found my thistle mould! How excited I was! I bought that a short while after I came but have never used it. I had actually forgotten about it. Am I alone? I know I’m not. Well, I know that I still have a lot of kitchen gadgets that I bought but still sitting somewhere…..brand new. Looks like it’s time for a real treasure hunt! I’m going to have fun…hehe.
I actually had a great time using my thistle mould to make these shortbread. It was utter excitement when I could get that flower pattern out onto the dough. The mould was big, slightly bigger than my hand opened wide. So, knocking the dough out was not easy. It requires a lot of tender loving care! But it was utter joy and satisfaction to see the end result.
Here is my special Scottish Shortbread, Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread, recipe:
Ingredients
250g butter
1/2C castor sugar
1/4C rice flour
2 &1/4C plain flour
Cream butter and sugar
Put the butter and sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until light and creamy.
Shortbread dough
Sieve the rice flour and plain flour into the butter mixture. Mix to a dough. Roll it out to about 1/2cm thickness.
Press the dough into the mould
Use cutters to cut out into preferred shapes. Here, I used the thistle flower mould. I flour the mould first, then I cut out a piece of dough bigger than the mould and put over it. Then I press the dough gently into the mould. After it’s done, I knocked it out carefully, straight on to the baking paper that lines the tin, taking care not to spoil or break the shape. There it goes….yeah! See how beautiful it is! I actually sat there admiring it for quite a while before putting into the oven to bake. I just couldn’t believe that I managed to get that big flower dough onto the tray in one piece.
Shortbread dough ready to be baked
Bake at 170 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes or until light golden. Let it cool before lifting it up with a wide spatula.
This Thistle Flower Shortbread is definitely one big shortbread that needs to be shared. But then, it’s also one that I would love to enjoy looking and admiring rather than eating it. It would also make a wonderful gift. I gave one to a friend and she was very happy to have it. I didn’t know how to wrap it so I gave it to her together with my plate! Next time I will put it on a round cake base and then wrap it up nicely as a gift so that I don’t have to keep giving away my plates. Otherwise pretty soon I will have no plates left in the house for food!!! 
Have you tried making shortbread? What is your favourite shortbread? Please share, add and comment in the comment box below.
Other cookie/shortbread recipes that you may be interested in:
Chinese Almond Cookies
Butterscotch Buttons Cookies
Double Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Shortbread Slice
Quote of the day……
“Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem a turned it into an opportunity.”
Joseph Sugarman
Keep Learning Keep Smiling
98 Comments
the lacquer spoon on August 20th, 2010
Mary, it looks so beautiful and I want to keep it on a wall like a painting! Also hope you won’t lose plates anymore
Elin on August 20th, 2010
Mary…that is a beautiful mould . Thistle flower is Scotland national flower ? A beautiful flower! Should have told Jo to watch out for it. She went to Edinburgh last weekend for the music festival 
and bought a scottish scarf
Thanks for the shortbread recipe with that beautiful mould
lequan@luvtoeat on August 20th, 2010
Those are beautiful flowers, and they’re not even open yet. They must be much more beautiful after full bloom. I definitely have stuff laying around that I’ve not yet opened or only used once and forgot about it. You surely are not alone Mary.
I love shortbread. They are my favorite! So buttery and soft. Perfect with a nice cup of tea. Just like the flowers, your shortbread is beautiful! What excitement you must have been in upon finding that lovely mold. Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend, dear!
noobcook on August 20th, 2010
love the beautiful thistle flower motif on your shortbread
TasteHongKong on August 20th, 2010
Maybe it is impolite saying so… I would be more than happy to receive this lovely cake as a gift. And promise, I’ll return the plate to you : ).
Priya on August 20th, 2010
Woww great looking shortbread, beautiful mould..
Catherine on August 20th, 2010
This makes me feel wildly patriotic, Mary! Hee hee! I bet it tasted wonderful!
Sophie on August 20th, 2010
I also loved Scotland a lot!!
You made an excellent shortbread here!! I loved the pattern mould!
The Little Teochew on August 20th, 2010
Oh, I LOVE Scottish shortbread! If they weren’t so fattening, I would have them everyday. You made a beautiful one with the thistle motif, Mary. Really lovely.
busygran on August 20th, 2010
Mary, they are too lovely to be eaten. Shortbread is my favourite and it’s easy to make. But for lazy me, I just roll them into balls and flatten with a fork.
DG on August 20th, 2010
Both beautiful flowers & the flower mould too!
Katty on August 20th, 2010
Simply beautiful, Mary! Happy weekend to you!
>>^..^<<
Belinda @zomppa on August 20th, 2010
I didn’t know about the thistle. Love shortbread and I bet this one tops the cake!
5 Star Foodie on August 20th, 2010
Beautiful shortbreads with the thistle mold!
Drick on August 20th, 2010
beautiful mold you found, now that just makes me want to go digging around in my kitchen, I know there are things in there I haven’t seen in years… shortbread is my favorite because it isn’t so sweet (and because of the butter)
Roti n Rice on August 20th, 2010
That’s a very good looking cookie. I like Scottish shortbreads. They are so buttery.
Mary, you are not alone in finding stashed away unused utensils and kitchen gadgets. I have some of those now that you have reminded me of it. Time to get them out, dust them, and use them
kristy on August 20th, 2010
Wow, the mould is so lovely! I want one too! haha… Btw, is that a plastic mould or metal or wood. Looks pretty cool! Thanks for sharing. Your shortbread is very cute. Enjoy your day.
Cheers, kristy
Shirley on August 20th, 2010
Hey Mary Congrats at that! That’s an achievement and a beautiful one for sure! How about Haggis next?
Sunita on August 20th, 2010
We adore shortbread and your’s is so pretty; I could admire it all day. I live in Suffolk, do you think I might find the mould here somewhere? It just looks so pretty.
Suman Singh on August 20th, 2010
WOW..everything here looks beautiful..the Thistle, the mould and the short bread..have a nice weekend Mary..tk care!
girlichef on August 20th, 2010
Oh, what a gorgeous mold! And i adore shortbread, so …. YUM!
elra on August 20th, 2010
beautiful photo, your shortbread look delicious.
Jeannie on August 20th, 2010
Beautiful mould you have there Mary….the shortbread indeed looks too pretty to be eaten:D THe thistles are beautiful too. Hope you have a nice weekend:D
Keep Learning Keep Smiling » Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread | Stirling Castle on August 20th, 2010
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Mary on August 20th, 2010
@3hungrytummies - Thanks very much, Suresh! It’s also a weed here….how interesting! But it’s very beautiful though
@the lacquer spoon - You are very right…would be so beautiful on the wall. I need to have one framed. Haha….hope not to lose more plates!
@Elin - Thanks very much, Elin! Hope Jo took lots of photos. bet she bought the tartan scarf. I like it, too. I’m sure she had lots of fun at the music festival. We went for the Tattoo, a military event, a few years back and it was utterly spectacular!
@lequan@luvtoeat - Oh yes, these Thistles are very beautiful when they bloom. They just grow another flower bulb on top of it. I need to take a picture when it blooms. Oh dear….carry on like what we are doing, I think one day, our children will open a kitchen museum with all our forgotten kitchen gadgets…LOL. I think we better remind each other to take them out to use Lovely to know you like shortbread, too. Thanks very much for your lovely compliment. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family, too.
@noobcook - Thanks very much!
@TasteHongKong - Oh…I would be most delighted to make for you! I don’t mind losing one more plate….just for you…haha. You’ll probably be like me….sit and admire it…haha. You should make a trip here one day!
@Priya - Thanks very much, Priya!
@Catherine - Haha….that’s a good one!
@Sophie - Thanks very much, Sophie! Scotland is beautiful and I love it too
@The Little Teochew - Thanks very much, Ju! Totally agree with you….wish it’s not so fattening!!! Guess we need to exercise a lot to enjoy some of these good food…..or….eat first and think later….haha
@busygran - Haha….now I know you more I do that sometimes, too…..hehe.
@DG - Thanks very much DG!
@Katty - Thanks very much, Katty! Happy weekend to you, too
@Belinda @zomppa - Thanks very much, Belinda!
@5 Star Foodie - Thanks very much, Natasha!
@Drick - Shall we form a club…..Kitchen Treasure Hunt Club?? I’m sure we will be very surprised to find what we have and have actually forgotten. Lovely to know you like shortbread. Now I know what to make if you come
@Roti n Rice - Thanks very much, Biren! Looks like we are going to have fun hunting through our kitchen for stuff that we have forgotten
@kristy - Thanks very much, Kristy! Mine is plastic one but quite a heavy plastic. I hope one day I can find small ones to make cute ones. Have not seen these moulds in shops.
@Shirley - Awww….thanks very much, Shirley! It is an achievement for me….so happy Haggis??? Oh wow…need more courage on that…haha
@Sunita - Thanks very much, Sunita! I actually don’t really know where to get it. Can’t even remember where I bought mine! Haven’t seen in any Aberdeen shops. Maybe you can check it out at Ebay or Amazon.
@Suman Singh - Thanks very much, Suman! Hope you have a nice weekend, too.
@girlichef - Thanks very much for visiting and lovely comment! Lovely to know you like shortbread, too.
@elra - Thanks very much, Elra!
@Jeannie - Thanks very much, Jeannie! Hope you have a mice weekend, too
Low Carb Deserts on August 20th, 2010
[...] Keep Learning Keep Smiling » Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread [...]
Treat and Trick on August 20th, 2010
Never seen thistle flower before, thanks Mary for introducing this beautiful flower, shortbread looks soft and melt in the mouth, love the mould too…
anncoo on August 20th, 2010
I really love this Thistle flower because purple is my favorite color. And the mold is so pretty and your shortbread too
Kamalika on August 20th, 2010
Wow that’s so lovely….loved the mould…..
Joy on August 20th, 2010
That looks so good. I wonder where you would be able to find that press.
Mary on August 20th, 2010
@Treat and Trick - Thanks very much! Maybe one day you can make a trip here to enjoy the beautiful place, food and culture
@anncoo - Thanks very much, Ann! Looks like you really have to come to Scotland for a holiday I need to go and find out more things that’s purple here…..hehe
@Kamalika - Thanks very much, Kamalika!
@Joy - Thanks very much, Joy! I guess you can find the mould at Ebay or Amazon. Hope you find it soon.
Evan @swEEts on August 20th, 2010
You’ve won me over.. shortbread is my absolute favorite cookie.. I studied abroad in London and when we went to Scotland I think I tried every shortbread I could get my hands on! And I haven’t ever tried to make it!! So here’s my chance
teresa on August 20th, 2010
i didn’t know you lived in scotland, i’d LOVE to go there someday. beautiful flower and beautiful shortbread!
Mimi on August 20th, 2010
Beautiful flowers. I love Scottish shortbread, and your looks to pretty .
Mimi
Mary on August 20th, 2010
@Evan @swEEts - Oh wow…you tried every shortbread!!! You must have broken all records! You really got to try to make shortbreads…very simple ingredients and easy to make. Looks like your kitchen is going to be overflowing with Scottish shortbreads…haha. I should come and join in the fun
@teresa - Hehe…now you know! Do make a trip here. There are so many beautiful and interesting things about Scotland.
@Mimi - Thanks very much, Mimi! Lovely to know you love Scottish shortbreads too.
Gold Flower on August 20th, 2010
[...] Keep Learning Keep Smiling » Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread [...]
rebecca on August 20th, 2010
wow this looks amazing and i love your description of what a thistle represents would u like to meet next spring when I visit my parents in Scotland?
Katerina on August 20th, 2010
This looks so pretty and I am sure it tastes great!
PlumLeaf on August 20th, 2010
My hubbs loves shortbread but I don’t make cookies very often for him!
I love that shortbread mould! It’s beautiful! Never tried making shortbread with moulds - maybe I should try!
Mary on August 20th, 2010
@rebecca - Thanks very much, Rebecca! Oh, you are coming to Scotland? Which part? Would be exciting to meet up!
@Katerina - Thanks very much, Katerina!
@PlumLeaf - Thanks very much! Give a try with mould. I was totally thrilled with what I got……fun to make
fimère on August 20th, 2010
ils est sublime ton sablé avec une jolie forme, j’adore
bonne soirée
suituapui on August 20th, 2010
I’ve loved Scottish shortbread all my life, and a lot more than Danish butter cookies! Oooooo….you can make your own! *envy… They’re simply too expensive here - can’t afford to indulge in them.
Patty Price on August 20th, 2010
Wow, I love your recipe for buttery Scottish Shortbread and I’m crazy about your beautiful thistle mold. I can’t get over the fact that Malaysia has the red hibiscus for their flower, that is one of my favorite flowers! Our state flower in California is called a golden poppy which grows all over the hills here and is a beautiful bright orange color. I’ve never visited Scotland but I would love to visit when the thistles are blooming, I’m sure it’s stunning:-)
bistrogerard on August 20th, 2010
This looks gorgeous! Thanks for reminding me how much I love shortbread too
Stella on August 20th, 2010
Beautiful shortbread, Mary. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had short bread. Looks like it would be nice with tea.
Oh, and a sweet tribute to the Thistle flower of Scotland…!
Mary on August 20th, 2010
@fimère - Thanks very much, Fimère!
@suituapui - Ya, I l know….not only expensive but maybe not that fresh, too. Maybe you can try to bake some if you have time. Oh….may be you can even make and sell them. Whah….you’ll be rich lor!
@Patty Price - Thanks very much, Patty! Isn’t it nice to know the national flower of different country? Wow…I’m trying to imagine the golden hills….must be very beautiful! Would be so lovely if you can come to Scotland for a holiday Hope you can get the mould to make these shortbreads.
@bistrogerard - Thanks very much for visiting and lovely comment!!
@Stella - Thanks very much, Stella! Give a try. These shortbreads are very delicious.
peanutts on August 20th, 2010
At first before reading I thought you were cooking with thistle flowers ( hahaha ) lovely cake, have a nice week end
tigerfish on August 20th, 2010
Me too! I love that thistle flower motif on the cake. And you know what thistle flower remind me of? Charles Rennie Mackintosh!
sushma mallya on August 21st, 2010
looks so beautiful
peteformation on August 21st, 2010
Looks very authentic!
Jess @ Bakericious on August 21st, 2010
the Scottish Shortbread is too pretty to be eaten, I like the beautiful mould
pigpigscorner on August 21st, 2010
Wow, what a beautiful mould!
penny aka jeroxie on August 21st, 2010
Oh wow! That is good to know Love the pattern as well.
Light Delight with TouTou on August 21st, 2010
This is soooo beautiful!!!!!!!! I can’t eat such piece of art 
I love that mold, it’s like the one we use to make the mooncake always create a pleasure on the plate! em…..now I am seriously thinking of buying one!
Lisa~Korean American Mommy on August 21st, 2010
Mary, I LOVE shortbread cookies and these look so buttery and delicious! i want some (= I liked learning about the flowers.
Angie's Recipes on August 21st, 2010
I have never had Scottish shortbread. The mould looks so pretty!
Ananda Rajashekar on August 21st, 2010
oh wat a pretty shortbread, loved ur first click
Mary on August 21st, 2010
@peanutts - Haha…has to be my fault for putting the flowers there! Hope you have a nice weekend, too.
@tigerfish - Thanks very much! Oooops…..I wonder who is that Charles Rennie Mackintosh! Maybe you need to explain
@sushma mallya - Thanks very much, Sushma!
@peteformation - Thanks very much, pete!
@Jess @ Bakericious - Thanks very much, Jess! Ya, heart pain to eat it…haha
@pigpigscorner - Thanks very much, Ann!
@penny aka jeroxie - Thanks very much, Penny!
@Light Delight with TouTou - You are very, right. I find it hard to eat it, too…haha Oh, if only it is deeper, then I can use it to make Scottish mooncakes!!…..hehe
@Lisa~Korean American Mommy - Thanks very much, Lisa! Lovely to know you like shortbread too
@Angie’s Recipes - Angie, give a try. Scottish shortbread are very simple and easy to make and yet expensive to buy. Homemade ones are still the best….fresh and taste very delicious
@Ananda Rajashekar - Thanks very much, Ananda!
Chef Dennis on August 21st, 2010
what a wonderful shortbread recipe Mary! It looks delicious and your right there is something so special about Scottish shortbread it does have a remarkable buttery taste….sigh…..now I want some!
Spoon and Chopsticks on August 21st, 2010
Beautifully made… that must be tasty.
Mary on August 21st, 2010
@Chef Dennis - Thanks very much, Dennis! I want to make them again…..but thinking about my waistline…haha
@Spoon and Chopsticks - Thanks very much!
peachkins on August 21st, 2010
These are fun shortbread cookies!
Shortbread Cookie Recipe on August 21st, 2010
[...] Keep Learning Keep Smiling » Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread [...]
Cheah on August 21st, 2010
That’s a lovely shorbread mould and I’m sure your shortbread tastes great too! Think this mould can be used for making a big mooncake, you reckon?
Jen Cheung on August 21st, 2010
beautifully done Mary!!! love the mould on the bread!!! so beautiful just like you!! hehehe.
have a lovely weekend!
jen
Mary on August 22nd, 2010
@peachkins - Thanks very much, Peachkins!
@Cheah -Thanks very much, Cheah! Ya, maybe I should try to make mooncakes with it…..big, thin ones….haha
@Jen Cheung - Haha…….what a compliment, Jen!! Am blushing Thanks very much. Hope you have a lovely weekend, too
Arnold on August 22nd, 2010
Wow, not only a great cook, an artist as well. Mary you will have to watch it, your talent is showing 
Lynne on August 22nd, 2010
Hi Mary,
Your shortbread looks lovely! Scotland is one of my favorite places to visit. How lucky you are to live there. The Scottish thistle grows here in Georgia, too. While living in England, we bought an old wardrobe whose doors have carved out Scottish thistles as decoration.
Sarah Naveen on August 22nd, 2010
Awesome!! awesome!!
Tasty Trix on August 22nd, 2010
Oooh, what a cool thing! I love that mold. And I agree with you - shortbread is amazing. The buttery smell is like nothing else in the world.
Mary on August 22nd, 2010
@Arnold - Haha….thanks very much, Arnold! I better start digging…….for more talents…haha
@Lynne - Thanks very much for visiting and lovely comment, Lynn! Hope you come and visit Scotland one day. Wow…your wardrobe doors have carved flowers? That’s priceless! Must be very beautiful.
@Sarah Naveen - Thanks very much Sarah!
@Tasty Trix - Thanks very much, Trix! I’m craving for it again now. Have to make again
lani on August 22nd, 2010
Interesting! Love it, thanks for sharing!
Faith on August 22nd, 2010
The shortbread looks delicious, Mary! The thistle mould you’ve used is absolutely lovely!
Reeni on August 22nd, 2010
What a beautiful shortbread! I find it irresistible the way it just melts in your mouth. Divine!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit on August 22nd, 2010
Gorgeous mould, gorgeous shortbread! I like to buy pretty plates at the thrift store to give away goodies on. I’ve never made shortbread, but you make it look easy! Mine definitely wouldn’t be as beautiful without the lovely mould though. Thanks!
Mary on August 22nd, 2010
@lani - Thanks very much for visiting and lovely comment, Lani!
@Faith - Thanks very much, Faith!
@Reeni - Thanks very much, Reeni!
@Betty @ scrambled hen fruit - Thanks very much for visiting and lovely comment, Betty! Oh…that’s a great idea to buy plates and use it to put food as gift! Why I never thought of that….haha. I’m going to buy a lot now!
Cooking Gallery on August 22nd, 2010
Oh wow, the dough looks great! Would love to have the mould too!
Lazaro on August 22nd, 2010
Wonderful shortbread. Great presentaion and a solid recipe!
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best on August 22nd, 2010
How neat that you have a thistle mold! I’ve never seen such a pan. I love the way the fresh thistle flowers look, so strong and beautiful. Shortbread was the perfect item to bake this in.
Ellie (Almost Bourdain) on August 22nd, 2010
Never heard of Thistle flower. Thanks for sharing!
Baking Serendipity on August 22nd, 2010
I’ve never seen a shortbread mold before…what a cool thing!
Nithu on August 22nd, 2010
Oh! I love this. Must try.
Mary on August 22nd, 2010
@Cooking Gallery - Thanks very much! I hope you get the mould soon. I think you can get it from Amazon.
@Lazaro - Thanks very much, Lazaro!
@Christine @ Fresh Local and Best - Thanks very much, Christine!
@Ellie (Almost Bourdain) - You are most welcome, Ellie!
@Baking Serendipity - Thanks very much!
@Nithu - Thanks very much, Nithu! Have fun baking
skip to malou on August 22nd, 2010
Ok I’m ready to send you my address, just let me know when you are ready to ship haha… i love shortbread and your mould is a cutie!
Christine@Christine's Recipes on August 23rd, 2010
Mary, count me in, please. I’d like to share with your lovely shortbread.
pierre on August 23rd, 2010
hy mary
wwe have no flowers here in france just the symbol of a rooster : not very poetic !!! Pierre
Mary on August 23rd, 2010
@skip to malou - Haha….inviting you to come….you get to eat lots more
@Christine@Christine’s Recipes - Name taken down…hehe Christine, make a trip here!
@pierre - A rooster….haha….how interesting!
Conor @ HoldtheBeef on August 23rd, 2010
It turned out just perfectly Mary! Would have been heartbreaking to have the lovely pattern squished or broken. I probably would have gottn it looking nice, then gone to show someone and drop it on the floor
tigerfish on August 23rd, 2010
Charles Rennie Mackintosh is a famous Scottish architect, with some design on thistle flower as the center piece
Carolyn Jung on August 23rd, 2010
That’s got to be the prettiest shortbread I’ve ever seen. Love the intricate design of the mold.
Mary on August 24th, 2010
@Conor @ HoldtheBeef - Haha….love your naughtiness, Conor!
@tigerfish - Awww….thanks so much for your reply to explain! I learn something new
@Carolyn Jung - Thanks very much, Carolyn!
tasteofbeirut on August 24th, 2010
I collect wooden cookie molds and would love one of these beautiful thistle molds! Love it! and it is amazing to me that the cookie kept its shape after baking.
Pepy @Indonesia-Eats on August 24th, 2010
I thought you put a real thistle in
Mary on August 24th, 2010
@tasteofbeirut - Wow……you must have loved baking very much! I have lots to catch up My mould is a plastic one….but looks like wood
@Pepy @Indonesia-Eats - Haha I’m not too sure whether thistle is edible or not…..too risky to try.
Arabian Tea Jasmine Plant – Maid of Orleans | garden plants on August 28th, 2010
[...] Keep Learning Keep Smiling » Scotland Thistle Flower Shortbread [...]
Shelia on January 17th, 2011
I’m looking for a shortbread cookie mold. Anyone have a good source for one like the one pictured here? I love it! I’m married to someone of Sottish ancestery and we are going to be married 40 years in April of 2011. I’d love to make these cookies for our 40th Anniversary Party. Thanks for any info you can provide.
Mary on January 18th, 2011
@Shelia - Thanks very much for visiting, Shelia! Oh wow….you are going to be married for 40 years! That’s amazing! LOvely to know that you are going to make these shortbreads for your 40th Anniversary Party. I’m very sure your friends will be totally delighted. You can get these moulds either from Amazon or Ebay. Just search for ‘thistle shortbread moulds’. Hope you get it soon. Have fun baking
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3hungrytummies on August 20th, 2010
A very beautiful shortbread Mary!
We are able to get those thistle flowers here too but are consider more as weed here lol Have a good weekend.