Anzac Biscuits - with a twist
Week 5 of self isolation and week 2 of school holidays. Really? It is easy to forget which day it is at the moment, but there are some days which we really need to remember! Anzac Day will be different this year with no gatherings of family, friends and neighbours to remember those who fought and continue to fight for our country. But one tradition can continue.................the making of Anzac biscuits! This healthy recipe is fantastic for those avoiding wheat and dairy, as well as those wishing to add more protein to their diet. The biscuits are low gluten, high fibre, low GI, vegetarian and more filling than your average biscuit!
Benefits of this recipe:
Incredibly easy to make. Get the family involved! These biscuits keep well and are not easily spoiled. Using as many organic ingredients as possible will ensure these biscuits are nutrient dense.
Oats – are high in soluble fibre (beta glucan) and are known for their cholesterol lowering properties and support for heart health. Full of nutrients – manganese, phosphorous, copper, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Oats are a low gluten wholegrain great at balancing blood sugar levels.
Coconut – desiccated coconut is flaked, dried and unsweetened. Rich in fibre, vitamins B, C and E, copper, iron (red blood cell health), selenium (antioxidant), calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese (bone health).
Almonds – are high in protein, calcium and healthy monounsaturated fats. Once ground into a meal, they are easily digested. Full of health producing nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, calcium and potassium, almonds are known to improve blood cholesterol levels and lower both blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Extra virgin olive oil - is derived from pure cold-pressed olives thus retaining the high nutrient status of the olives. It is known to reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease (through preventing blood clotting and protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation). Good for cooking, extra virgin olive oil is quite resistant to heat.
Raw honey – not heat treated, this honey retains all of its wonderous nutrients, as nature intended! Raw honey is antibacterial, anti fungal and full of phytonutrients (antioxidants) which boost the immune system.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups organic rolled oats
½ cup organic dessicated coconut
½ cup almonds (meal/flour/chopped)
¼ tsp baking soda 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsps raw honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp water
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees C fan forced.
2. Combine oats, coconut and almonds (blend if using chopped almonds to ensure a finer consistency).
3. Add oil, honey, vanilla and baking soda. Mix well.
4. Add water. Combine together.
5. Form into 20 small biscuits. Place on a lined baking tray. Flatten down ensuring enough space between biscuits to avoid them joining together.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool on wire tray. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
8. For the vegans out there – substitute maple syrup for raw honey. It has a runnier consistency but is slightly less sweet and is lower GI.
