English Biscuits

Traditional English Biscuits Recipe with Eggs and Vanilla

Region / culture: England, Romania | Preparation time: 4-5 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

English biscuits are a classic treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These sweet and crumbly biscuits are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

English biscuits have been a popular treat in England for centuries. Originally, biscuits were made as a way to preserve bread dough and make it last longer. Over time, different variations of biscuits were created, each with their own unique flavors and textures.

Ingredients

3 eggs
0.5 stick of vanilla
8 oz / 250 g of confectioner's sugar
0.5 cup of milk or sour cream
0.5 oz / 15 g of ammonia powder
flour as needed

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and eggs. Add the vanilla and ground it with a little sugar. Stir in the sour cream and ammonia.
Mix the ingredients well and gradually add flour to form a medium stiff dough.
Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a cloth. Allow it to rest for 4 – 5 hours.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and roll each part into a sheet that is 0.2 inches thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
Place the cut-out dough onto an ungreased, preheated baking sheet.
Bake the biscuits at medium heat.
These biscuits can be stored for a long period of time.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the biscuits before baking for a sweet twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to allow the dough to rest for at least 4-5 hours to ensure the biscuits have the perfect texture.

- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your biscuits.

- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy English biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Allow the dough to rest before rolling it out to ensure the biscuits have the perfect texture.

- Bake the biscuits at a medium heat to prevent them from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use baking powder instead of ammonia powder in this recipe.

- You can use yogurt instead of sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for English biscuits ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the biscuits on a decorative plate or in a cookie tin for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

English biscuits pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store English biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the biscuits in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of English biscuits contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of English biscuits contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of English biscuits contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of English biscuits contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

English biscuits are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

English biscuits may contain eggs and dairy, which are common allergens.

Summary

English biscuits are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

English biscuits are a delightful treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. With a sweet and crumbly texture, these biscuits are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It all started on a rainy afternoon when I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for English Biscuits.

I had never heard of English Biscuits before, but the ingredients listed seemed simple enough – flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully. As the dough came together under my hands, I could already smell the sweet, buttery scent that filled the kitchen.

After shaping the dough into small rounds and baking them in the oven, I eagerly waited for the biscuits to cool. When they were finally ready, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a cozy English teatime. The biscuits were light and crumbly, with just the right amount of sweetness. I knew I had stumbled upon a hidden gem.

I shared the biscuits with my family, who all agreed that they were delicious. My children begged me to make them again, and soon English Biscuits became a staple in our household. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon here, a dash of nutmeg there. Each batch was better than the last, and soon friends and neighbors were asking for the recipe.

I began to realize that cooking was more than just following directions – it was a way to connect with others, to share a piece of yourself with those around you. I started collecting recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe told a story, a memory of a special occasion or a beloved family tradition.

One day, while visiting a local bakery, I struck up a conversation with the owner, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye. He told me that he had learned the art of baking from his own grandmother, who had passed down her recipes through generations. Intrigued, I asked if he had a recipe for English Biscuits. His face lit up, and he disappeared into the back of the bakery, emerging with a tattered old cookbook.

He flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for – a recipe for English Biscuits that had been in his family for over a century. He handed me the cookbook, telling me that he wanted me to have it, to continue the tradition of sharing recipes and stories with others. I was touched by his generosity and promised to treasure the cookbook for years to come.

As I read through the recipe, I noticed a few subtle differences from my own version. The addition of a hint of lemon zest, a bit more butter, a slightly longer baking time. I couldn't wait to try out this new variation and see how it compared to my own. I went home and set to work, following the instructions with care and attention to detail.

When the biscuits emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew that I had found something truly special. The subtle notes of lemon added a brightness to the buttery richness of the biscuits, creating a perfect balance of flavors. I couldn't wait to share this new version with my family and friends, to pass on the tradition of English Biscuits to a new generation.

And so, the recipe for English Biscuits became not just a dish that I could whip up on a rainy afternoon, but a symbol of the connections we make through food and shared experiences. Each time I bake a batch of biscuits, I am reminded of the kindness of the bakery owner, the warmth of my family gathered around the table, and the joy of discovering something new and delicious. Cooking has become a way for me to honor the past, celebrate the present, and create lasting memories for the future. And for that, I am truly grateful.