A feathery-light shortbread cookie topped with a unique spicy-sweet tomato jam. Adapted from Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra and Executive Pastry Chef Pierino Jermonti of Terranea Resort.
Combine all of the jam ingredients in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for 90 minutes to two hours, stirring regularly. When the mixture is thickened to a jam consistency, remove from heat and stir several more times to make sure all of the liquid has evaporated. Scoop the jam into a small bowl and set aside.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter, add the sugar, vanilla, and chopped basil, and continue creaming until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder and stir until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for one hour.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a large floured board. Roll it out to 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut circles of dough. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper; arrange the discs of shortbread dough on the paper, leaving at least 1/2 inch between cookie.
Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack, then spread tomato jam on the cookies. Note: We used a heart-shaped cookie cutter to pipe the jam onto the cookies in a heart shape. Makes 2 dozen cookies.