BASIC WHOLE WHEAT BISCUITS

The problem with whole wheat flour in biscuits is that it makes them denser. Try my little trick and yours will be lighter. Granted, not as light as if you used Martha White flour, but these are also much better for you.

SOY-FREE OPTION

TOTAL PREP TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL COOKING TIME: 15 to 20 minutes

YIELD: 8 large biscuits

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (120 g) white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (112 g) vegan margarine or shortening (shortening is best) (use soy-free)
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) unsweetened coconut milk or other unsweetened nondairy milk (use soy-free)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6) and oil a baking sheet.
2. In a food processor, add 1 cup (120 g) white whole wheat flour and 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat pastry flour. Process for about 2 minutes to make the flour finer.
3. Add 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to the food processor. Process until mixed thoroughly.
4. Cut 1/2 cup (112 g) vegan margarine or shortening into small pieces. Gradually add it to the food processor while processing, until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
5. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add 3/4 cup (175 ml) unsweetened coconut milk or other unsweetened nondairy milk. Mix with a wooden spoon until you need to use your hands.
6. Dump the mixture out on a floured cutting board and roll the dough out with a rolling pin to about 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
7. Use a 1-quart (1 L) wide-mouth canning jar, a large drinking glass, or about a 3-inch (7.5 cm) round cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
8. Ball up the remaining dough, roll it out again to 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness, and cut more biscuits.
9. Place the biscuits on the oiled baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

PER BISCUIT:

• 249.7 calories; 15.0 g total fat; 5.5 g saturated fat; 3.6 g protein; 23.6 g carbohydrate; 4.0 g dietary fiber; 0 mg cholesterol.