Krustini Rusks or Country Biscuits

Krustini Rusks Recipe: Delicious Maltese Biscuits with Orange and Almonds

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Krustini Rusks, also known as Country Biscuits, are a traditional European treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These crunchy and flavorful biscuits are made with a combination of flour, sugar, margarine, and a variety of delicious ingredients like dried orange peel and roasted almonds.

History

Krustini Rusks have been enjoyed for generations in European countries like Italy and Croatia. These biscuits were originally made as a way to preserve bread and make it last longer. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, making it a beloved treat for many.

Ingredients

400 g of flour
1 tsp of baking powder
100 g of margarine
100 g of sugar
50 g of finely chopped dried orange peel
1 egg
1 tsp of vanilla essence
grated rind and juice of 1 orange
50 g of roughly chopped roasted almonds

How to prepare

Sift the flour and add the baking powder. Rub in the margarine.
Beat the egg in a bowl and add the sugar. Mix well.
Combine the egg mixture with the flour mixture.
Add the orange juice and all the other ingredients. Mix well.
Gradually add a small amount of water to achieve a stiff dough.
Divide the dough into four portions and shape each portion into a long, flat roll.
Bake in a preheated moderately hot oven until the rolls turn light golden in color.
Allow the rolls to cool completely.
Slice the baked rolls into 1 cm thick slices and bake again until they become golden and crisp.

Variations

Add different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a unique flavor.
Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light and airy texture in the biscuits.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits.

- Allow the baked rolls to cool completely before slicing and baking again to ensure a crispy texture.

- Store the Krustini Rusks in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Krustini Rusks with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or breakfast option.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the dough twice ensures a crispy texture in the biscuits.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Lemon zest can be used instead of orange peel for a different citrusy taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Krustini Rusks on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Krustini Rusks with a fruit compote or jam for a sweet and tangy combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Krustini Rusks 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 and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Krustini Rusks contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Krustini Rusks contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Krustini Rusks contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Krustini Rusks contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Krustini Rusks are a good source of vitamin C from the dried orange peel and almonds.

Alergens

Krustini Rusks contain gluten from the flour and may contain nuts from the almonds.

Summary

Krustini Rusks are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Krustini Rusks are a delightful and crunchy treat that is perfect for enjoying with a hot beverage. With a combination of delicious ingredients and a crispy texture, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon a small, quaint bakery in the countryside. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I entered the bakery, I was greeted by the sight of rows upon rows of golden-brown loaves of bread, each one more tempting than the last. The baker, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye, welcomed me with a warm smile and offered me a sample of his famous Krustini Rusks.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a place of pure bliss. The rusks were perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. The subtle sweetness of the dough combined with the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds was a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that I had to learn the secret behind this delectable treat.

I struck up a conversation with the baker, asking him about the recipe for his Krustini Rusks. At first, he was hesitant to share his secrets, but after some gentle prodding and a promise to keep the recipe close to my heart, he relented.

He invited me into his kitchen, a cozy space filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. He showed me how to knead the dough just right, how to shape the rusks into perfect little rounds, and how to bake them to golden perfection.

As we worked side by side, the baker shared stories of his own grandmother, a master baker who had taught him everything he knew. He spoke of the love and care that went into each batch of rusks, how they were a labor of love that he was proud to share with the world.

After hours of kneading, shaping, and baking, the rusks were finally ready. The baker handed me a warm, golden-brown rusk and urged me to take a bite. I did, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The rusks were even better than I had remembered, a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my tongue.

I thanked the baker profusely for his generosity and promised to carry on his legacy by sharing the recipe with my own loved ones. As I left the bakery that day, a warm glow filled my heart. I had not only learned how to make the most delicious Krustini Rusks, but I had also made a new friend in the process.

Since that fateful day, I have made the Krustini Rusks countless times, each batch as special and delicious as the last. I have passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, sharing with them the story of how I came to learn the secret behind these delectable treats.

And as I sit here now, enjoying a freshly baked rusk with a cup of tea, I am filled with gratitude for that warm summer day and the kind baker who shared his recipe with me. The memory of that day will always stay with me, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.