Mary Berry Parmesan cheese Biscuits
Mary Berry's Parmesan Biscuits are a delightful treat, offering a perfect blend of cheese and a hint of spice. These biscuits are known for their crisp and crumbly texture, achieved through the use of cold unsalted butter and precise ratios of ingredients. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a homemade savory snack.
Introduction
Mary Berry's Parmesan Biscuits are a savory snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as an accompaniment to soups, salads, or dips. They are characterized by their unique texture and rich flavor, combining mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese with a kick from cayenne pepper and mustard powder.
Ingredients
- Cold unsalted butter: 100g (3½ oz), cut into chunks
- Plain flour: 100g (3½ oz), plus extra for flouring
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Mustard powder: 1 heaped tsp
- Finely grated mature cheddar: 50g (1¾ oz)
- Finely grated Parmesan or similar vegetarian hard cheese: 50g (1¾ oz), plus extra
- Beaten egg: 1
Preparation Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
- In a food processor, combine the butter, flour, salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and cheeses. Pulse the mixture until it starts to bind together.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to the thickness of two-pound coins, then cut out the biscuits to your desired size and shape.
- Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray, brush them with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden-brown.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warm. They can also be warmed in a toaster oven or microwave, though the latter may soften the texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
FAQ
- Avoiding Dryness: To prevent the biscuits from becoming too dry, avoid overbaking and overmixing the dough.
- Adjusting Spiciness: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- Baking Indicators: The biscuits are done when they turn golden brown at the edges and feel firm to the touch.
- Making Ahead: These biscuits can be made in advance and stored as indicated above.
Mary Berry's Parmesan Biscuits are a versatile and delicious option for various occasions. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavor make them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy them as a snack, or pair them with your favorite dishes for an extra touch of flavor.
This recipe is attributed to Mary Berry, a renowned culinary figure known for her simple yet delicious recipes. For more details on this recipe and others, you can explore her collection of cookbooks and recipes available online.