Buttery Brown Sugar Shortbread | Eggless Baking

Shortbread is the ultimate biscuit. At least I happen to think so. I got addicted to them many years ago when I traveled to Scotland on work. Being a regular in Edinburgh, it was impossible to walk past any store, tea shop, or grocer without seeing an assortment of shortbread. I always made sure I carried back a stash on return home:)

Festive Bite Sized Spicy Crackers | Eggless Baking

Its that time of the year again when we are busy, busy, busy in the kitchen cooking up delicious festive treats. I mostly end up making fried treats in the run-up to the festivals. This year I am out of town and in India where it is incredibly hot!! So I am trying to make treats that involve less time in the kitchen. Baked Savoury Crackers are the perfect treat when you don't what to stand over the kitchen stove frying up Mathri or Nimkis. Prepare the dough in the cool environment of your dining room, cut the crackers and set them on a baking tray, set the timer and relax!!

Classic English Digestive Biscuits | Digestive Cookies

The one biscuit that I came to love from my time in England is the English Digestive. Ubiquitous yet unobtrusive, this most English of biscuits has found a place in the heart of many a visitor an local alike. The story of the English Digestive goes something like this: Known originally as a Wheaten, this sweet meal biscuit came to be called a 'digestive' as the use of sodium bicarbonate in the recipe led people to believe that the biscuit had antacid properties. Though records of its existence in England go back to the 1870s, it is believed that such brown meal biscuits were sold by English bakers from the 1850s!

Daring Bakers January 2013: Gevulde Speculaas (Eggless)

What a way to begin the year!! It was such fun to learn about Gevelde Speculaas and the history of spices in the Netherlands from our hostess Francijin. Though I have made Speculaas at home in the past (I have a recipe from a really ancient cook book), and bought them from local bakeries, I had not yet tried the stuffed version.

Indian Bakery Style Zeera Biscuits | Sweet and Salty Cumin Cookies

The Daring Bakers had a great challenge for November 2012 - 12 Days of Cookies!! Unfortunately as I am away from both home and desk at this time I am unable to have a steady access to the Internet and computer. As a result I find my self posting my DB Challenge late for the month. With limited possibilities I have posted my own recipe of a cookie that is loved and enjoyed by many Indians in their homes. Zeera Biscuits are a staple at local bakeries throughout the country and as I never get to see them in the States I was keen to try my hand at baking them. I did and the result was delicious!!

Daring Bakers July 2012: Crunchy Crackers

I was delighted that the July 2012 Daring Bakers Challenge featured four recipes for home made crackers!! Yes, that wonderfully salty treat that goes so well with cheese, a wide array of vegetables, and even fruit. Loved the recipes even more as most did not feature butter! I chose two types of crackers: the first Health Crackers. I made just one third of the recipe, replaced the egg with some milk, and topped the crackers with sesame seeds, red chili flakes, and roasted cumin.

Khara Biscuits | Masala Biscuits | Indian Spice Crackers

Khara Biscuits are a typically Indian bakery biscuit. Khara means salty or savoury, and this biscuit could be spicy too depending on where in India you buy it. Like the Nan Khatai, Khara Biscuits are a wonderful accompaniment to hot sweet tea and are often served at tea time in small local bakeries hot out of the oven. These biscuits can be of two types. One is crunchy on the outside and flaky within and is usually made with a puff pastry kind of dough. The other is made with a biscuit or cookie dough and is crumbly and soft. Both are equally delicious!! I made a batch of these for Holi this year with some mint and cilantro. They turned out just yummy.

Daring Bakers January 2012: Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

I love making a good loaf or roll of bread every so often - more so in the winter though!! There is nothing quite like a warm oven and the wonderful smell of baked goodies wafting through the home. I am sure every baker would agree with that thought :)