Homemade Angel Biscuits

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Ingredients:

  • 5 cups flour: This is the base of your biscuits, providing structure and volume.
  • 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise.
  • 1 tsp baking soda: Another leavening agent to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
  • 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup cold butter: Adds richness and helps create flaky layers.
  • 1/2 cup shortening: Contributes to the tender texture.
  • 2 tsp yeast: Adds an extra lift.
  • 1/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast.
  • 2 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.

Instructions:

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and sugar throughout the flour.

Cut in the Fats:

  1. Incorporate Butter and Shortening: Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold fats are crucial for creating flaky layers in your biscuits.

Activate the Yeast:

  1. Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your biscuits rise.

Combine Mixtures:

  1. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and buttermilk to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the biscuits.

Knead the Dough:

  1. Knead Gently: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 3 to 4 times. Over-kneading can make the biscuits tough, so be gentle.

Shape the Biscuits:

  1. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Be sure to press straight down without twisting to help the biscuits rise evenly.

Let the Biscuits Rise:

  1. First Rise: Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This additional rising time helps make the biscuits extra fluffy.

Prepare to Bake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high temperature will help the biscuits rise quickly and develop a golden-brown crust.

Bake the Biscuits:

  1. Bake: Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake.

Serve:

  1. Serve Warm: Serve the biscuits warm, fresh from the oven. Enjoy them with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.

Optional Additions:

If you want to take your biscuits to the next level, consider these optional additions:

  • Cheese: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a savory twist.
  • Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, aromatic touch.

Tips for Success:

  1. Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and shortening create pockets of steam, resulting in flaky layers.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
  3. Bake Immediately: Once the biscuits are shaped, bake them promptly. If they sit too long, they may not rise as well.

These homemade angel biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite meal. They’re light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. Happy baking!

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