Showing posts with label biscuit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biscuit. Show all posts

Monday, 16 September 2024

Flourless Cake and Biscuit Recipes

For those home bakers, or owners of coffee shops and cafes who are looking to enjoy delicious baked treats without the need for flour, you’re in luck. 

Flourless cakes and biscuits are not only easy to make, but they also offer a rich, satisfying flavour that even the most indulgent desserts can’t rival. 

Whether you’re gluten intolerant or simply exploring alternative baking, these flourless recipes are sure to become a favourite in your kitchen.

Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake

This cake is decadently rich and moist, with a delicate almond flavour that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

150g unsalted butter

150g ground almonds

150g caster sugar

4 large eggs, separated

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Icing sugar, for dusting

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a 20cm round cake tin, lining the base with baking parchment.

Melt the chocolate and butter together over a bain-marie (a bowl placed over simmering water), stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick.

Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the yolk mixture, followed by the ground almonds.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three stages.

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cake has set but still has a slight wobble in the centre.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin, then turn out onto a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

This cake is delicious on its own or paired with fresh berries and a dollop of cream.

Coconut Macaroons (Biscuits)

These delightful coconut biscuits are wonderfully chewy on the inside with a crisp exterior, making them the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

200g desiccated coconut

150g caster sugar

2 large egg whites

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

100g dark chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and egg whites.

Mix until the ingredients come together to form a sticky dough.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or mounds and place them onto the baking tray, spacing them a few centimetres apart.

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the macaroons are golden around the edges.

Allow the macaroons to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you’d like, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled macaroons for an extra indulgent touch.

Peanut Butter Cookies

These three-ingredient biscuits are incredibly simple yet unbelievably tasty. The natural oils in the peanut butter create a soft, chewy texture that makes them hard to resist.

Ingredients:

200g smooth peanut butter (or crunchy if you prefer)

150g soft brown sugar

1 large egg

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until fully combined.

Scoop tablespoons of the dough and place them onto the baking tray. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fork to create a pattern on the top.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

These peanut butter cookies are perfect for a quick treat and go wonderfully with a glass of milk or a strong cuppa.

Flourless Lemon Almond Cake

For a lighter cake, this lemon almond recipe offers a bright and zesty flavour that’s perfect for afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

200g ground almonds

150g caster sugar

4 large eggs, separated

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing sugar, for dusting

Method:

Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan) and grease a 20cm round cake tin, lining the base with baking parchment.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.

Gently fold in the ground almonds.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Carefully fold the egg whites into the almond mixture in stages, being careful not to knock out too much air.

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin, then transfer to a serving plate and dust with icing sugar.

Final Thoughts

Flourless baking is easier than you might think, and these recipes prove that you don’t need flour to create beautiful cakes and biscuits. Whether you're craving something rich like a flourless chocolate almond cake or a quick peanut butter biscuit, there's a flourless option for everyone.

Happy flourless baking!

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Delving into Delicacies: The Historical Journey of Shrewsbury Biscuits

In the world of culinary delights, some treats possess a rich history that transcends mere taste and texture, offering a glimpse into the bygone eras they emerged from. One such confectionery marvel is the venerable Shrewsbury Biscuit. Join me as we embark on a journey through time to uncover the captivating history of these beloved biscuits, cherished for generations.

Nestled in the heart of England, Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire, lends its name to these iconic treats. The origins of Shrewsbury Biscuits can be traced back to the medieval era, where they first emerged as a staple in the kitchens of Shrewsbury Castle. Initially crafted by skilled bakers using simple ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes a hint of spice, these biscuits quickly gained popularity for their delectable taste and satisfying crunch.

The exact date of their inception remains shrouded in the mists of time, but historical records suggest that Shrewsbury Biscuits rose to prominence during the Elizabethan era, achieving widespread acclaim across the realm. Queen Elizabeth I herself purportedly developed a fondness for these biscuits, further propelling their reputation as a regal delicacy.

Throughout the centuries, Shrewsbury Biscuits continued to evolve, with bakers refining their recipes and techniques to enhance their flavour and texture. By the Victorian era, these biscuits had become synonymous with English teatime, gracing the tables of aristocrats and commoners alike. Their enduring popularity even inspired literary references, with renowned authors such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen immortalising them in their works.

One of the distinctive features of Shrewsbury Biscuits is their traditional shape, often embossed with intricate designs or stamped with the town's coat of arms. This meticulous attention to detail not only adds to their visual appeal but also reflects the artisanal craftsmanship that has been synonymous with Shrewsbury's culinary heritage for centuries.

In the modern era, Shrewsbury Biscuits continue to enchant palates around the world, albeit with some contemporary twists. While traditional recipes remain cherished treasures, innovative variations incorporating exotic ingredients or gluten-free alternatives have emerged to cater to evolving tastes and dietary preferences.

Today, visitors to Shrewsbury can indulge in the authentic charm of these historic biscuits by exploring the town's quaint bakeries, delicatessens and confectionery shops. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or savoured as a standalone treat, Shrewsbury Biscuits offer a tantalising glimpse into the culinary legacy of this picturesque market town.

As we reflect on the illustrious history of Shrewsbury Biscuits, let us savour not only their delightful flavour but also the timeless traditions and cultural heritage they embody. From medieval kitchens to modern-day teatime rituals, these biscuits have stood the test of time, leaving an indelible mark on the gastronomic landscape of Britain. So, the next time you reach for a biscuit, remember the rich tapestry of history that lies behind every crumb of a Shrewsbury Biscuit.

Saturday, 9 December 2023

Crave End a Successful 2023 With the Launch of Bisco's; a Free-from Twist on the Dunkable Cookie Sandwich Biscuit

CRAVE, the renowned pioneers of free-from snacking, proudly introduces its latest masterpiece; Bisco's, a golden biscuit sandwich with a vanilla cream filling and sprinkles. This launch marks the latest new product development in CRAVE's free-from range, launching into Sainsbury's from 31st December 2023.  

Following Sainsbury's announcement of a new format that combines frozen, ambient, and chilled free-from products all in one aisle, CRAVE is set to launch a range of new products into Sainsbury's this year to help bolster the options for their free-from customers.   

Bisco's is the first new product in a new series of NPD for 2024, launching into Sainsburys from 31st December 2023. 

PRODUCT: Bisco's 

DESCRIPTION: Golden sandwich biscuits filled with a vanilla cream and sprinkle centre 

PRICE: RRP £3.50 

PACK SIZE: 130g 


RETAILER: Available from Sainsbury's from 31st December 2023  

Continuing to battle against and challenge the status quo, CRAVE came under scrutiny earlier in the year for some of their products getting rather close to the branding of other big multinational brands. 

On the launch of Bisco's Rob Brice said, “In the office, we had lots of fun coming up with a name for our first biscuit product, we toyed with 'Noreo', but after our accountant advised us, we don't have budget for another lawsuit this year, we settled on Bisco's! 

"We really like to think they encapsulate the fun of a Disco with the taste of a Birthday cake. Obviously Bisco's are very different from any other circular biscuit, being vegan and free from the top 14 most common allergens, whilst still being tasty and ready to dunk (if you like that sort of thing)!” 

Rob, who is an expert in food development, founded CRAVE in 2020. Following on from his appearance on the TV Show Aldi's Next Big Thing in 2022 with his free-from maize snacks, CRAVE has gone on to secure listings with major retailers such as Asda, Morrisons, Ocado and more recently, Sainsbury's. 

Standing up for inclusivity, CRAVE's products are designed to be enjoyed by everyone. They are gluten-free, vegan, and free from milk, egg, and lactose, ensuring that individuals with dietary restrictions never experience that FOMO. 

Want to join the CRAVE revolution and become a stockist? Please email hello@cravenomore.co.uk 

https://cravefreefrom.co.uk

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Get The Festivities Started With Byron Bay Cookies


The new Limited Edition Byron Bay Cookie has been developed to marry the classic flavours of indulgent dark European chocolate with the citrus punch of orange zest providing the perfect cookie treat for winter shoppers.

Each cookie is packed with over 30% premium European dark chocolate chunks and a hint of orange zest, to give a deliciously festive flavour that is sure to follow in the foot-steps of previous seasonal Limited Edition Byron Bay Cookies and be a big seller this winter.

"It has taken months of development to get a cookie that delivers the perfect winter taste as well as being on course with under-lying consumer food trends," commented Paul Maxwell, European Marketing Manager for Byron Bay Cookie Company.

"With extensive taste testing we are confident that we have the perfect winter accompaniment for any tea, coffee or hot chocolate. With the success of previous Limited Edition cookies such as Strawberries & Clotted Cream, Plum Pudding and White Chocolate Chunk and Cranberry we are confident that the Dark Chocolate Orange Cookie will be well received."

Since its launch in Australia during the mid 1990's, Byron Bay Cookie Company has become synonymous with impeccable quality, resulting in numerous awards from all over the globe. In 2008, to allay concerns over food miles, production of the world famous Australian cookie brand started in the UK. These UK-baked Byron Bay Cookies use locally sourced ingredients, free range eggs and premium European chocolate. They are fully approved by the Vegetarian Society and the gluten free range is certified by Coeliac UK. The UK baked product has already won the Vegetarian Societies Award for 'Best Approved Snack Product 2009' for the Triple Choc Fudge Cookie and nominated for the same category in 2010 for the 'Dotty' Cookie.

The new Byron Bay Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Orange Cookie is available from Cafes and Coffee Shops nation-wide. For more information about the full range of Byron Bay Cookies (including the new Limited Edition Dark Choc Orange Cookie) please visit www.byronbaycookies.co.uk