the very best whole wheat buttermilk biscuits

 

yields 10 biscuits

ingredients

1 – 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut in 1/4” pieces
3/4 cup buttermilk

directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.  Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles pea-sized coarse crumbs.  It is imperative that the butter is cold and that the pieces of butter are visible.  These pieces create pockets of air during baking, resulting in lighter, flakier biscuits.

Make a well in the center of the mixture.  Pour in the buttermilk, stirring with a large fork until it just clings together.  Do not over mix.  Dump the dough onto a flour surface.  With floured hands, gently pat and press the dough together.  Roll or pat the the dough to one inch thick.  Cut with a biscuit cutter or a glass that is 2 1/2” inches in diameter. 

Place biscuits one inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.  For more rustic biscuits, place the cutouts close together in a nine inch cake pan.  This may increase baking time slightly.

Bake for 12 – 15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes to determine progress.  Tops will be light golden brown when the biscuits are ready.  I like to pull one biscuit apart to be sure it’s no longer doughy in the center.  Serve hot with plenty of butter and honey.

 

whole wheat ham and cheddar biscuits

These are a huge hit with children and adults, alike.  Simply fold in 3 ounces chopped ham and 3 ounces chopped cheddar cheese before adding the buttermilk.  Increase buttermilk to one cup.  Additional flour may be needed when patting or rolling out the dough.  Be careful not to overwork the dough or your biscuits will be tough.  Cut into 2 - 1/2 inch rounds and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.  These tend to bake faster than the regular biscuits. 

Serve with fruit for a light lunch or hearty snack.