Afghans are a quintessentially New Zealand biscuit, renowned for their delightful crunch and rich chocolate flavor. This classic recipe is cherished by many and is a staple in the iconic Edmonds cookbook. Although simple to make, these biscuits are a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to both children and adults alike.
Afghans Recipe
Name: Afghans
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 biscuits
Servings: Approximate
Description: A New Zealand classic biscuit from the Edmonds cookbook. The yield is a guess as I haven’t made them for a while.
Categories and Keywords:
- Recipe Category: Breads
- Keywords: New Zealand, < 30 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of butter
- 75 grams of sugar
- 175 grams of flour
- 25 grams of cocoa powder
- 50 grams of cornflakes
Nutrition Information (per biscuit):
- Calories: 131.7 kcal
- Fat Content: 8.3 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.1 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 21.4 mg
- Sodium Content: 75.5 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.4 grams
- Fiber Content: 0.6 grams
- Sugar Content: 4 grams
- Protein Content: 1.4 grams
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare a greased oven tray or line it with baking parchment.
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Creaming:
- Soften the butter until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add the sugar to the softened butter and beat them together until they form a light and fluffy cream. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving the biscuits a lighter texture.
-
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and cocoa powder to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Fold in the cornflakes gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cornflakes add a delightful crunch to the biscuits.
-
Shaping and Baking:
- Using a spoon, place small spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared oven tray. Space them out to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. The biscuits should be set and slightly firm to the touch.
-
Cooling and Decorating:
- Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- When cold, ice the biscuits with chocolate icing and decorate each one with a walnut half on top. This adds a lovely finishing touch and an extra layer of flavor.
Detailed Analysis
Ingredient Breakdown
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the biscuits, contributing to their soft yet crumbly texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a tender crumb by interacting with the butter.
- Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient, flour gives the biscuits their form.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds the characteristic chocolate flavor, making these biscuits irresistible to chocolate lovers.
- Cornflakes: Introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender biscuit base.
Nutritional Profile
Afghans are relatively high in calories and fat, with a significant portion of the fat content being saturated fat. This is due to the substantial amount of butter used in the recipe. They also contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sugars, making them a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation. However, they offer a small amount of protein and fiber, contributing to their overall nutritional balance.
Cooking Tips
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating the perfect texture for the biscuits.
- Mixing: Be gentle when folding in the cornflakes to maintain their crunch.
- Baking: Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake to prevent over-browning. They should be just firm to the touch when done.
- Icing: Allow the biscuits to cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting and becoming messy.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Afghans can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are a few ideas:
- Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts for decoration, such as pecans or almonds.
- Flavored Icing: Add a hint of mint or orange extract to the chocolate icing for a unique twist.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Afghans are perfect for afternoon tea, school lunchboxes, or as a delightful homemade gift. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying treat.
Reviews and Ratings
These biscuits have garnered high praise, earning an aggregated rating of 5 stars from two reviews. The feedback highlights their delightful texture and rich flavor, making them a beloved choice for many.
In summary, Afghans are a simple yet delicious biscuit that embodies the essence of New Zealand baking. With their rich chocolate flavor and satisfying crunch, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these biscuits are a true delight.
