Whole Wheat Buttermilk Biscuits

Hello, dear friends and fellow homesteaders! Up here in the wild and beautiful mountains of Alaska, the long winters call for warm, hearty comforts that fill our homes with love and delicious aromas. One of my absolute favorites is whole wheat buttermilk biscuits. These biscuits are a staple in our homestead kitchen, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re wholesome, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying, offering a touch of rustic charm to any meal.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:  In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to flaky biscuits is keeping the butter cold and working quickly.

4. Add the Buttermilk and Honey: Pour in the cold buttermilk and add the honey. Stir gently with a fork until the dough comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add a bit more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until it just holds together.

5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently about 5-6 times, just until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the biscuits tender.

6. Shape and Cut: Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Fold it over on itself a couple of times to create layers, then pat it out again to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a wide mouth jar ring to cut out the biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly.

7. Bake the Biscuits: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet or baking stone, with sides touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

8. Serve Warm: Let the biscuits cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite jam.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked biscuits filling the house, especially when the Alaskan weather is at its coldest. These whole wheat biscuits are a labor of love, simple yet deeply satisfying. They remind us of the beauty in homemade, the joy of sharing a meal with family, and the warmth that comes from our kitchen, even on the chilliest days.

So, gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and bake a batch of these delightful whole wheat biscuits. From our homestead to yours, stay cozy and happy baking!