There’s something deeply satisfying about baking biscuits from scratch—the aroma filling your kitchen, the golden layers rising in the oven, and the first warm, buttery bite. At Twisted V Ranch, we believe in honoring traditional methods and wholesome ingredients. That’s why we’ve crafted this biscuit recipe using our own rendered beef tallow, bringing a rich, savory depth to a classic favorite.
Why Use Beef Tallow?
Before vegetable shortenings and margarine became commonplace, cooks relied on animal fats like beef tallow for their cooking and baking needs. Tallow is rendered beef fat, prized for its high smoke point, long shelf life, and unique flavor profile. When used in baking, tallow imparts a subtle richness and contributes to exceptionally flaky textures.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (85g) Twisted V Ranch beef tallow, chilled and solid
¾ cup cold buttermilk
Optional: Melted tallow or butter for brushing tops
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in the tallow: Add the chilled beef tallow to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the tallow into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Add buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold the dough in half, turn it 90 degrees, and pat it out again. Repeat this folding process 2-3 times to create flaky layers.
Cut the biscuits: Pat the dough out to a ¾-inch thickness. Using a floured biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any scraps, re-pat, and cut additional biscuits.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
Optional finishing touch: Brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted tallow or butter for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Serving Suggestions:
These biscuits are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them:
With Preserves: Slather with your choice of Twisted V Market’s Strawberry, Peach, or Blackberry preserves for a sweet and savory treat.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Split and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage for a hearty start to your day.
Biscuits and Gravy: Pair with a rich, homemade sausage gravy for a classic comfort food experience.
Tips for Success:
Keep ingredients cold: Cold tallow and buttermilk help create flaky layers. Consider chilling your mixing bowl and utensils as well.
Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
Use a sharp cutter: Press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise evenly.
Embracing Tradition
Using beef tallow in your baking is more than a nod to traditional cooking—it’s a flavorful, sustainable choice that makes the most of the whole animal. By incorporating Twisted V Ranch’s beef tallow into your kitchen, you’re connecting with time-honored practices and savoring the richness of real, wholesome ingredients.