Salted crackers

Salty Biscuits: The Taste of Childhood in a Simple Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 4 minutes (2 minutes on each side)
Total time: 24 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 salty biscuits

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I propose a recipe that will take you back in time to nostalgic moments when salty biscuits were a must-have at festive meals. These small, crunchy, and aromatic treats are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a glass of fresh juice or a warm drink. Let's start our culinary adventure!

Required ingredients

To obtain the most delicious salty biscuits, make sure you have the following ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour
- 200 g of butter or margarine (I prefer butter for a richer taste)
- 200 g of Emmental or cheddar cheese (Emmental will provide a finer texture, while cheddar will add a stronger flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of grated parmesan (for an extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (helps balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon of cumin (optional, but recommended for a distinct taste)
- 1 teaspoon of ammonium bicarbonate (for a fluffy texture)
- Water (as needed to obtain an elastic dough)

The story of the recipe

Salty biscuits are a beloved specialty in many cultures, often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. These snacks have been served on countless occasions, from family parties to gatherings with friends, and are often personalized according to individual preferences. Over time, the ingredients have evolved, but the essence remains unchanged: a delicious and easy-to-make snack.

Preparing the salty biscuits

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by grating the Emmental or cheddar cheese. Make sure it is well grated to incorporate evenly into the dough. If you have moister cheese, it's best to let it drain to avoid a too-sticky dough.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cumin, and ammonium bicarbonate. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Cut the butter or margarine into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse flour.

4. Including the cheese: Add the grated cheese and parmesan to the flour mixture. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

5. Forming the dough: Start adding water gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands, until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Be careful not to add too much water, as this may lead to a sticky dough.

6. Shaping the biscuits: Divide the dough into small portions and form balls the size of walnuts. Make sure they are uniform in size for even baking.

7. Heating the press: If you are using an electric press, ensure it is well heated. If you have a flame press, make sure the fire is moderate so that the biscuits do not burn.

8. Baking: Place a ball of dough in the center of the press and gently press down. Allow to bake for about 2 minutes on each side. If using a flame press, be sure to turn the press to bake evenly.

9. Cooling: Once the biscuits are baked, carefully remove them and let them cool on a rack. This will maintain their crunchy texture.

Useful tips

- Gluten-free version: You can substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.
- Flavors: You can experiment with various herbs and spices, such as dill or oregano, to add different flavor notes.
- Personalize them: Add finely chopped black or green olives to the dough for a Mediterranean touch, or ground nuts for a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use feta cheese instead of Emmental?
Yes, but feta has a higher moisture content, so you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I keep the biscuits fresh?
Store them in airtight containers at room temperature. If you have many, you can freeze them, and when you want to serve them, let them thaw and you can reheat them slightly.

3. What can I serve the biscuits with?
These biscuits are delicious alongside a yogurt dip or guacamole, but they can also be enjoyed on their own.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Each biscuit contains approximately 100-120 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These snacks are rich in protein due to the cheese, providing a good amount of calcium as well. However, considering the butter content, it is best to consume them in moderation, especially if you are watching your caloric intake.

Serving

Salty biscuits are ideal to be served as appetizers, but they can also be a perfect snack during the day. Their salty and aromatic taste makes them suitable to be paired with natural juices, lemonade, or even a dry white wine that complements the flavors.

Enjoy preparing this recipe and don't hesitate to experiment with ingredients and flavors! Your salty biscuits will surely become a hit among family and friends. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Recipe for Nostalgics 1kg flour 200g butter or margarine 200g Emmental or cheddar cheese 2-3 tablespoons parmesan 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon ammonium bicarbonate water