The more you handle the dough after cutting in the butter, the less sandy the texture will be. This happens because of the temperature of your hands! Also, with handling, the butter works further into the flour, which then gives the shortbread a more cakelike consistency.

Walker's Shortbread is 31% butter, 18% sugar, and just over 50% flour, with a little added salt. The closest I have come to Walker's shortbread is the following recipe:

3 c flour; 5/8 c sugar; 1/2 tsp salt, 2 sticks butter (at room temperature)

Thoroughly mix dry ingredients. using two forks, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. This will take some time, so be patient.
GENTLY, with as little handling as possible, form dough into round ball. Refrigerate this for about 30 minutes, to re-chill the butter. Pat or roll gently onto a baking sheet until you have a flat round or rectangular "cookie," about 1/4 inch thick. Score this into pieces about 1x2 inches, but do not cut all the way through. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until edges of shortbread are browning, but not too dark. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on baking sheet. Cut along scored lines into individual cookies. ENJOY!

NOTE: Store the shortbread at room temperature, in a well-sealed tin or bowl. Homemade shortbread will last quite a while, if properly stored. I occasionally buy small holiday tins at Christmastime, and package the shortbread for gifts. If you do this, make SURE to separate the cookies with paper, and don't stack the pieces over three high.

Best,
Chuck

Oh, and just as an interesting aside, I think every restaurant I've ever eaten at in France uses this glassware! I first encountered them in a brasserie in Cannes, back in the sixties, and on my last trip to France, I had dinner at the Le Cognette in Issodun, (which has a nifty collection of Michelin Stars and charges accordingly!). Guess what I drank from?!?

Chuck

Rebekah, if you're still looking for Duralex glasses in the vintage pattern, I have three in each size from my father-in-law's estate. They seem to be selling (used) for around $6 each. Make me an offer and pay shipping, and they're yours.