Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, cardamom, and salt to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts and dates.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
7. Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 biscuits
Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/8 tsp.
- You can substitute chopped almonds or pistachios for the walnuts.
- You can use raisins instead of dates.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled biscuits for a decadent touch.
- Roll the dough into logs and slice them into rounds for a different shape.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don't overmix the dough or the biscuits will be tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling it into balls.
Storage instructions:
Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
The biscuits can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the biscuits on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or dates over the biscuits for a festive touch.
Pairings:
Serve the biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
Suggested side dishes:
These biscuits are perfect on their own, but you could also serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the biscuits are too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough to help bind it together.
- If the biscuits are too hard, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Afghan cuisine is known for its use of spices and dried fruits, which are often combined in sweet treats like these biscuits.
Flavor profiles:
These biscuits have a buttery, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the dates.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these biscuits as a snack or dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: Afghan