CookEat Recipe

Rich Cornmeal Raisin Biscuits

Tender cornmeal biscuits with butter, rendered lard and large raisins, mixed briefly like shortcrust pastry without yeast or added water.

Method

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Gather the ingredients: 300 g fine cornmeal; 150 g plain wheat flour; 200 g caster sugar; 150 g cold butter, diced; 70 g rendered lard, chilled; 100 g large Muscat-type raisins, seeds removed if present; 2 eggs; Finely grated zest of ½ lemon.

  2. Step 2

    Mix the cornmeal, wheat flour and sugar on a work surface or in a wide bowl. Make a well and add the cold butter, rendered lard, eggs and lemon zest. Use a pastry scraper or table knife to cut and combine them, then bring together briefly with your hands. Do not add yeast or water and do not knead like bread.

  3. Step 3

    Fold in the raisins with as little handling as possible. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes so the dough can be shaped. Heat the oven to 175°C and line two baking trays with baking parchment.

  4. Step 4

    Divide into about 40 equal small pieces and flatten into rounds or ovals about 7–8 mm thick, roughly 6–7 cm across for rounds. Leave a little space between them. Alternatively, divide into 20 larger biscuits of the same thickness and allow more tray space; the shape may vary.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for about 18–25 minutes, one tray at a time if necessary, until set through with lightly golden edges and bases. Larger biscuits may need a few minutes longer. Do not toast them hard: their intended texture is tender. Leave on the tray for 5–10 minutes, then cool on a rack. Serve plain, without an egg glaze or icing-sugar finish.

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