To dunk, or not to dunk….

A healthy happy biscuit

Biscuit, bikkie, cookie, what’s your fancy? Nothing beats a cup of tea and a decent homemade biscuit. I may have said that before. More than once!

This simple gluten-free recipe makes up a chewy cookie or a crunchy biscuit – same ingredients, but the difference being all in the cooking. Based on almonds & dried fruit, with very little added sugar, they are a favourite in our house as they are so quick and easy to make.

I have adapted a recipe from Sonia at Natural New Age Mum who’s fabulous recipe can be found here. I have substituted the figs for dried apricots just for a change and used tahini instead of oil. I also add in some walnuts for extra omega-3’s but you can just make up with extra almonds if you like.

The dough is a snap to whip up and can be frozen in a log or portions for  a “just baked out of the oven” treat.

Now, do you prefer a crunchy biscuit to dunk? Or a chewy soft cookie? If you prefer the latter, bake these at 170ºC for about 10 – 15 minutes until just golden. They will firm up as they cool but will retain their chewy-ness as well. If you prefer a crunchier biscuit, bake them at 170ºC for 10 minutes and then turn the oven off and leave till the oven goes cold. It will require patience and self-control on your part, but it will be worth the wait!! I will often pop some pre-portioned frozen bites in the oven the night before,  bake them in the morning for 10 minutes and leave them there. Perfectly crunchy for when the kids get home from school.

140g raw almonds

30g walnuts

60g sulphate free dried apricots

1/2 teas bicarb soda

60g rice syrup or coconut nectar or honey

2 tabs tahini or macadamia oil

1 tab tapioca flour to help bind

 a dash of stevia (if you prefer sweeter) 

pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg or cardamom

 

Blitz the nuts & apricots on SP 8 for 6 seconds. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on SP 5 until a dough forms. Roll tablespoon sized balls and flatten on a tray. Bake as above. I told you they were simple!!  AND good for you!!