Almond flour biscuits are a tasty way to provide a gluten-free bread product which also has health benefits. Working with almond flour is a unique experience in that you can treat it as a way to flavor the final product rather than as simply a foil for your other ingredients.
Handling Almond Flour
If you are new to living the gluten-free lifestyle, you will have a pleasant surprise working with almond flour. It is one of the easiest flours to work with of the gluten-free alternatives available. It has a fine, powdery texture, with a pleasant, nutty taste. It is the focus of your almond flour biscuits.
Like other gluten-free flours, almond flour will not rise to the extent that gluten-containing flours will in a recipe. However, it will not compromise the moisture content of your recipe, which takes some of the frustration out of working with gluten-free flours.
Nutritional Value
Your biscuit recipe will get a nutritional boost from using almond flour. While almonds contain fat, it is of the healthier monounsaturated variety. A 2010 study in the journal, Metabolism ([Epub ahead of print]), points out that consumption of almonds can reduce your total cholesterol and your LDL or bad cholesterol.
In addition, almond flour can provide better control over your blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes. Even before you have tasted the biscuits, you have plenty of good reasons for adding almond flour to your gluten-free kitchen.
Fat Content
If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to consider the fat content of the biscuit recipe. A 1/4-cup serving contains 160 calories, of which 75 percent come from fat. However, it contains no trans fat or cholesterol.
The fat content also means that your biscuits may brown more quickly than other types of flour. When preparing the recipe, keep an eye on the oven to prevent burning your biscuits.
Almond Flour Biscuits
You can make a simple recipe of dropped biscuits using only almond flour. A leavening agent such as baking soda will give them a lighter texture. Spooning the dough onto a greased baking sheet could not be easier.
Variations to the Basic Recipe
Of course, the basic recipe is only the beginning. You can play up the nutty flavor of the almond flour to match the flavor profile of your meal. Consider adding any of the following additions to make your biscuits more savory:
- Grated cheddar
- Grated Parmesan
- Green onions or chives
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Onion powder or onion salt sprinkled on top
- Garlic powder or garlic salt sprinkled on top
- Sea salt sprinkled on top
- Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top
Sweet Biscuits
Your first association with almonds may be more for sweet recipes than savory biscuits. You can play up these properties by using the basic recipe and adding in some sweet ingredients for a tasty, gluten-free treat. Consider any of the following ingredients to enhance the almond flavor:
- Agave nectar
- Honey
- Almond extract
- Flaxseed
- Currants or raisins
- Dried berries such as cranberries or cherries
The use of almond flour gives you the flexibility to experiment with the recipe to create numerous variations. Since it handles so well, you need not mix it with other gluten-free flours. You can brush your biscuits with an egg wash to enhance the golden color.
A recipe for almond flour biscuits is a good, fail-safe recipe to have for no matter what is on the menu. The sweet almond taste lends itself well to a wide variety of additions which can enhance its flavor and act as a delicious accompaniment to your meal.
Almond flour keeps best in an airtight container, stored in the refrigerator. Its higher fat content means that it will handle well in most recipes calling for gluten-free, all-purpose flour. Adding to its versatility is the fact that it is a pleasant ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes and its nutty flavor will enhance the taste of your gluten-free biscuits.
