Afghan > Afghan Biscuits

Afghan Biscuits with Saffron and Almonds Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons milk

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined.
5. Add the saffron threads and cardamom and mix until combined.
6. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Add the almonds and mix until just combined.
8. Add the milk and mix until just combined.
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
10. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 biscuits

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar.
- Saffron threads can be substituted with turmeric.
- Almonds can be substituted with walnuts.

Variations:
- Add ½ cup of dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries.
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with the sugar.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter for uniform biscuits.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the biscuits on a platter with a bowl of honey or jam for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- If the biscuits are not golden brown after baking, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are stored properly and not expired.

Food History:
Afghan biscuits are a traditional Afghan dessert that is often served during special occasions.

Flavor Profiles:
The biscuits have a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of saffron and cardamom.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Aromatic, Buttery