Speedy Spelt Biscuits

By Melissa Breyer, Producer, Care2 Green Living

I've had biscuits on the brain lately. A recurrent daydream of sinking
my teeth into a light, flaky, melt-in-the-mouth biscuit has been
completely hounding me. But since refined flour and shortening aren't
mainstays in my cupboards, I pulled out some spelt flour and got busy.
After 14 minutes, start to finish, I had myself a plate of flavorful
and healthy spelt biscuits. Yum!

Spelt is lovely, although my introduction to it was at a bakery where
the women were making not-so-delicious, odd-looking morsels. It took a
long time for me to shake that association, but now I can see it for
what it is: An ancient grain that is high in fiber, more protein-rich
than typical wheat, higher in important B vitamins, and just wonderful
in its unique, subtly nutty taste. It can be (but isn't always) a
great alternative for gluten-sensitive people.

The taste and texture of these biscuits aren't the same as what you'd
get if you used heaps of shortening and highly processed flour. What
you do get is a low-fat, nutrient-rich biscuit that is almost like a
scone in texture. Tenderly crisp on the outside, and almost cakey on
the inside. A friend with a taste for all things refined and processed
described them as tasting "healthy," and they do, but in a good way.

The base recipe for these biscuits is exceedingly
simple, so there is plenty of room to embellish if you like. Play
around with herbs or spices. I think I might toss in a handful of
grated aged cheese and sliced apple in my next batch.

2 cups spelt flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and liberally grease a baking sheet. Mix dry
ingredients, then gently stir in buttermilk until just blended. Drop by
the spoonful onto greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 13 minutes,
or until golden.

If you would like a gluten-free version, replace the spelt flour with
quinoa flour.

For a knockout vegan spelt biscuit recipe, try the recipe at King Arthur
Flour. If you are not familiar with King Arthur, they are a wonderful
flour company and a fantastic online source for interesting grains and
unusual baking needs like spelt flour, for instance!

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