Maltese-style Tebaloi Biscuits

Ingredients

In the original Malaysian Tebaloi recipe, the biscuits are typically made with sago flour, palm sugar, and pandan leaves. However, in this Maltese adaptation, we substitute sago flour with all-purpose flour and incorporate local Maltese ingredients such as honey, orange zest, and almonds. The spices used in the original recipe are also adjusted to include Mediterranean flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. We alse have the original recipe for Tebaloi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the beaten egg and orange zest to the butter mixture and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped almonds, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round biscuits.
7. 7.
   Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the biscuits.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• To achieve a uniform shape, use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits instead of shaping them by hand.
• Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• Serve the Tebaloi biscuits with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese-style Tebaloi biscuits as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of Maltese tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat throughout the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tebaloi biscuits on a decorative platter or in a rustic wooden box for a charming presentation. Dust them with powdered sugar and garnish with a few orange zest curls for an elegant touch.