Tea Biscuits

Sometimes there just isn't any way of getting around it, a recipe just calls out for butter and more butter to elevate it to that whole other level.  No, and I'm not referring to cholesterol levels but rather the heavenly flavour, that only butter can give you in a recipe.  Anyway, it is a natural ingredient; even the grand dame of French cuisine, Julia Child swore by butter and she managed to live to a ripe old age. So, let the buttery flavour of these tea biscuits seduce you, and may you find solace in the fact that the key to healthy living is in moderation. So if you can limit yourself to one or maybe two, why not go for it? After all, the French are notorious for the butter content in their recipes, and apparently they have the lowest levels of cholesterol.  Alors, mes amies, enjoy these biscuits straight out of the oven with some delicious jam and maybe a nice cup of café au lait.

Tea Biscuits

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces

1 cup 3% milk

In a food processor add the dry ingredients and pulse briefly to blend.  Add the pieces of butter to the flour mixture and pulse until the consistency of coarse meal.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the milk, mixing to combine.  Transfer to a floured work surface and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. With a cookie cutter or the rim of a wine glass, cut out the tea biscuits; each should  measure about 21/2 inch in diameter..  Transfer to a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake in a pre-heated  425º F oven. for about 10-12 minutes.  Makes 12 tea biscuits.