I like making sweet things. However, when it comes to eating them, any ounce of self-discipline I have is forgotten and the goods are polished off in a day or two. In the case of biscuits, at least a quarter of the mixture is already eaten before it even makes it to the oven. I have issues.
Imagine a biscuit where every single ingrediant is good for you. That's what I wanted to make. And, I think I have done it. These biscuits are delicious and, true to form, I ate them very quickly. I have put some info below the recipe on each of the ingredients and why they are good for you. These biscuits even got the tick from the person who tastes all my baked goods, and is never afraid to say what he thinks. Yes, my toughest critic, my younger brother, gave them the nod of approval.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup wholemeal plain flour
1 cup wholemeal plain flour
1 cup almond meal (ground almonds)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
pinch salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup agave nectar/syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Sift flour and baking powder into bowl. Add all remaining dry ingredients and combine. In a separate bowl combine wet ingredients. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
Roll mixture into small balls and place on baking tray lined with baking paper. Ensure there are several centimeters between each ball. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes. Allow to cool on baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Why It's Good For You
Oats/Wholemeal Flour: Oats are an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, as well as being higher in protein and essential fatty acids than other, more refined cereals. It is also believed they can help lower cholersterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of protein, potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. They are little bullets of goodness.
Coconut: Coconut is a good source of protein. It helps with tissue and muscle repair. It is rich in potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also aids digestion and improves bowel function.
Dried Apricots: Apricots are loaded with Vitamin A and are also a good source of calcium. They help to normalize blood pressure, body fluids and heart function.
Olive Oil: Research suggests that using olive oil as the main source of fat in your diet can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. It has antioxidant properties and has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Agave nectar: Agave nectar (aka agave syrup) is a natural sweetner from agave plants. It has a much lower GI than other sweetners and sugars meaning you can avoid massive spikes in blood sugar levels. It's sweetness comes from fructose which is a sugar that naturally occurs in fruits. But, like all sugars, it should be consumed in moderation.
Olive Oil: Research suggests that using olive oil as the main source of fat in your diet can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. It has antioxidant properties and has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Agave nectar: Agave nectar (aka agave syrup) is a natural sweetner from agave plants. It has a much lower GI than other sweetners and sugars meaning you can avoid massive spikes in blood sugar levels. It's sweetness comes from fructose which is a sugar that naturally occurs in fruits. But, like all sugars, it should be consumed in moderation.
References
Crocker, P. (2007). The Vegetarian Cook's Bible. Toronto: Robert Rose
Oats So Good For You. (2007). Retrieved February 11, 2011, from http://www.scri.ac.uk/news/oats
Eight Facts About Agave Nectar. (2010). Retrieved February 10, 2011, from
http://www.fooducate.com/blog/2010/01/17/eight-facts-about-agave-nectar/
Olive Oil. (2010). Better Health Channel. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/olive_oil?open
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