English biscuits

English Biscuits: Mom's Nostalgic Recipe

When I think of my mom's English biscuits, my heart is filled with warm memories and moments spent in the kitchen. These biscuits are a simple yet love-filled delicacy that can add a touch of magic to any occasion. Whether you choose to make them for holidays, birthdays, or just to treat the family, the recipe is easy to follow and the result is always delicious.

Total preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 biscuits

Ingredients:

- 250 g flour
- 125 g soft butter (or margarine)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 pinch of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda extinguished with vinegar or lemon juice
- Food coloring (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure your butter is soft, so it incorporates easily into the dough. It’s ideal to leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. Also, measure all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process more efficient.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to combine them until you achieve a fluffy cream. This is an essential step to aerate the dough, making the biscuits fluffier.

3. Adding the egg and milk: Incorporate the egg and the two tablespoons of milk into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, add the vanilla sugar, which will give the biscuits an inviting aroma.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and the baking soda extinguished with vinegar (or lemon juice). Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Your dough should be soft but not sticky.

5. Dividing the dough: Here comes the creative part! If you want colored biscuits, divide the dough into two or three equal parts, depending on how many colors you want to use. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed.

6. Shaping the biscuits: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm. Use cookie cutters to create various shapes according to your chosen theme. Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Bake the biscuits for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. It’s important not to leave them in the oven too long, as they will continue to bake after being removed.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the biscuits cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Now, your biscuits are ready to be enjoyed!

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with various flavors, such as cinnamon or lemon zest.
- Serving: These biscuits are delicious alongside a cup of hot tea or flavored coffee. Another idea is to serve them with vanilla ice cream, turning them into a refined dessert.
- Storage: The biscuits keep well in an airtight container for a few days, making them ideal for preparing in advance for a special occasion.

Nutritional benefits:

These English biscuits are a source of carbohydrates and fats, but due to the simple ingredients, they can be adapted to have a lower sugar content or to include healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour. Moreover, they can bring a touch of joy to gloomy days and can be a great reason to spend time with loved ones.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine is an excellent alternative, but make sure it is of good quality to achieve delicious biscuits.
- What should I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little more flour until you achieve the right consistency, but don’t overdo it, as the biscuits may dry out.
- How can I make the biscuits crunchier? If you prefer crunchier biscuits, you can let the dough sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.

Mom's English biscuits are a great opportunity to create memories with family and friends. Each bite brings with it the joy and warmth of a traditional recipe, and their inviting aroma will surely make you return to this recipe again and again. Enjoy!