Would you like to lose some weight -- in your baking, that is? This one secret ingredient (that you likely already have in your kitchen) is not only inexpensive and healthy, it'll also add a bit of "cloud" to your biscuits and pancakes!
And that ingredient is ... Oatmeal!
Yep, I know what you're thinking ... just give me a moment and trust me on this.
For instance, to make super light pancakes, I'll use normal, non-instant, oatmeal. I'll prepare a 1 to 1 1/2 serving size portion, usually in the microwave.
Next, add your normal pancake ingredients to the oatmeal. I normally add the milk first to cool down the oatmeal (don't want the eggs to cook!). You may notice that the batter is a little frothy -- especially if you let it sit a bit. That's oatmeals extra viscosity coming into play.
Cook the pancakes just like you normally do. They'll look the same and taste the same (no oatmeal taste). However, they'll rise up nice, light, and fluffy!
To make super light biscuits, you'll alter your normal biscuit recipt just a tiny bit. Prepare the oatmeal as usual -- but, since the prepared oatmeal is fairly liquid, it'll make your biscuit dough into a batter ... IF you add the normal amount of milk!
So ... cut down on your milk portion. Add a little milk to the oatmeal, then add your dry ingredients, then slowly mix, adding more milk a little bit at a time as necessary.
One other change -- since you'll be using less milk, the baking powder in your mix won't have as much acid to react to. This means your biscuits won't rise like they normally do unless you give them a little bit of help. I like to toss a squeeze of lemon juice into the mix. You won't taste the lemon, but it'll supercharge your baking powder.
Again, your dough will be a little frothy. You'll use less milk and the dough will not be as dense as usual. If you're rolling the dough and using a biscuit cutter, roll your dough a little thicker than normal before cutting.
That's all -- bake as normal and your result will be biscuits light enough to float off the pan!
About The Author
Joey Robichaux rides the weekly consultant road warrior circuit. He speaks at management conferences and maintains dozens of web sites, including Your Cooking Tips at http://www.your-cooking-tips.com.
Put on your apron! It's time to stir up a... Read More
What should you do if you are in the middle... Read More
Perishable food must be kept cold while commuting via bus,... Read More
As a busy working mother, I'm short on time, especially... Read More
Gluten is a substance made up of the proteins found... Read More
It wouldn't be summer without fresh mint in pots on... Read More
"There's nothing more enjoyable than having friends and family gathered... Read More
Cobblers and dowdies, crisps and crumbles, buckles and betties-what are... Read More
Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but... Read More
BBQ as we all know is an abbreviated form of... Read More
While each country might have its own preferred style, "American... Read More
Have you ever wondered how much a serving really is.... Read More
A long hard day at work. You get home and... Read More
If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More
Storing foods can present its own set of problems. And... Read More
Do you helplessly stand at the meat counter looking from... Read More
Clarified butter is a delightfully rich concentrated butter that can... Read More
To get the svelte figure, start in the kitchen. Slimming... Read More
Nutritionists tell us that breakfast is the most important meal... Read More
Barbecuing has long been a favorite pastime for many and... Read More
What is Food Poisoning?Food poisoning results when you eat food... Read More
You're standing at the gas grill in the hot sun,... Read More
Did you ever wonder why flour tastes like sawdust but... Read More
Non-stick woks do not require seasoning, and come with simple... Read More
Do you realize the many ways that bacteria can contaminate... Read More
As one of the oldest children in a family of... Read More
What would you eat if you were stranded without power?... Read More
School's out! And summer is a good time to introduce... Read More
Have you ever wondered how a restaurant can get a... Read More
What is Food Poisoning?Food poisoning results when you eat food... Read More
Ten Proven Tips to buy the Best Meat AvailableAs you... Read More
Microwave ovens do have benefits. They are certainly convenient. They... Read More
50% Less Cookingwithout hitting the fast food button! Don't you... Read More
With the holidays on their way soon, many people will... Read More
Prevention of food poisoning starts with your trip to the... Read More
Are you wondering if you have the time to bake... Read More
The small refrigerator can be used in many places that... Read More
It's a sad fact that these days it has become... Read More
The great English cook Prue Leith once famously remarked "life's... Read More
Non-stick woks do not require seasoning, and come with simple... Read More
Many bakers ask for tips and instructions on decorating cookies.... Read More
In the previous article, we suggested that you start a... Read More
Summertime--and the living is easy! But the kitchen is hot!!... Read More
Every busy mom worries about how to prepare fast, nutritious... Read More
If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More
Ever been to a barbecue party where the 'chef' placed... Read More
The secret-at least most of it-is in the rise. The... Read More
Cake pans?.the secret behind every successful cake. My husband tells... Read More
It depends. The best way to tell if the dough... Read More
Muffins are a mainstay around our house. They are as... Read More
Cooking TipsCooking Tips |
|