Classic Australian Iced Vo-Vo Biscuits Recipe

The Iced Vo-Vo biscuit, a delicious Australian classic, not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its key ingredients. The coconut in the biscuit is a rich source of healthy fats, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy. It also contains a small amount of dietary fiber that supports digestive health. Additionally, coconut is rich in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and protect the body from cell damage.

The raspberry jam adds a burst of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system, enhances skin health, and helps in the absorption of iron. Moreover, the biscuit's base of flour, sugar, and butter offers energy from carbohydrates and fats, making it a quick source of fuel. However, it’s important to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation, as the sugar content may outweigh the nutritional benefits if consumed excessively.

ingredients:

• 200g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups plain flour
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Pink icing (made from icing sugar, water, and a drop of red food coloring)
• Extra desiccated coconut for sprinkling

Ingredient Substitutions:

• You can replace the raspberry jam with a low-sugar fruit jam or make your own homemade jam using a natural sweetener like stevia or honey.
• Replace the butter with avocado or coconut oil.
• Gluten-free option: For those with gluten sensitivity, use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. Sift the flour into the bowl and add the desiccated coconut. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two even portions and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of around 5mm.
6. Cut the dough into rectangular shapes, around 8cm long and 3cm wide.
7. Transfer the biscuits to the prepared baking tray and bake for around 15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Once the biscuits are cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Once the biscuits are cool, spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on the top of each biscuit.
10. In a separate bowl, mix together the icing sugar and water until a smooth paste forms. Add a drop of red food coloring to achieve a pale pink color.
11. Spread the pink icing over the top of the raspberry jam on each biscuit.
12. Sprinkle some desiccated coconut over the top of each biscuit.
13. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
• For a more indulgent treat, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Consider pairing the biscuits with a fruity drink or fresh juice, such as freshly squeezed orange juice or iced lemonade, which complement the tangy raspberry jam.

Note:

• The biscuits contain sugar, especially from the raspberry jam and icing. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain, increase the risk of diabetes, and negatively impact dental health.
• Butter and coconut are sources of saturated fats. While these fats can raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, an overconsumption of saturated fats can contribute to increased LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease.
• Add more fiber: Add chia seeds or flax seeds to the dough to boost the fiber content.
• It is important to ensure that the butter is at room temperature before you start making the dough. This will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar together.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Can I replace some of the ingredients to make the biscuits healthier?

Yes, you can make several substitutions to reduce sugar or fat content:

• Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Replace butter with healthier fats like coconut oil or avocado.
• Use whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber and protein.
• Opt for a homemade raspberry jam with reduced sugar or natural sweeteners.

What are some alternatives for coconut or raspberry jam for those with allergies?

• If you have a coconut allergy, you can replace desiccated coconut with almond meal or oats for texture.
• For raspberry jam, you can use blueberry jam, strawberry jam, or even apple butter for a different flavor profile.

Can I store the biscuits? How long do they stay fresh?

• Yes, you can store Iced Vo-Vo biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What is the ideal serving size for Iced Vo-Vo biscuits?

• One biscuit is a standard serving size. Since these biscuits are quite rich, it's advisable to consume them in moderation. You can enjoy one with a hot drink like tea or coffee as an afternoon snack.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 2g

1. 200g Unsalted Butter:

• Calories: 1,600 kcal
• Total Fat: 176g
• Saturated Fat: 112g
• Cholesterol: 486mg
• Sodium: 8mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 2g

Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential for skin, eyes, immune function, and vision. Vitamin E helps skin repair.
• Healthy Fats: Provides saturated fats that may help increase HDL (good) cholesterol, though excessive intake should be monitored.
• Quick Energy: High-calorie content provides immediate energy.

2. 1/2 Cup Caster Sugar:

• Calories: 387 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Carbohydrates: 99g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 99g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Instant Energy: Provides glucose, a quick source of energy.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adds sweetness to improve taste.
• Texture Improvement: Helps achieve the right texture in baked goods.

3. 1 tsp Vanilla Extract:

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Antioxidant Properties: Contains vanillin, which has antioxidant effects.
• Aids Digestion: Helps reduce inflammation in the gut.
• Mood Enhancer: Calming effects, reducing stress and anxiety.

4. 1 Egg:

• Calories: 72 kcal
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 186mg
• Sodium: 71mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 6g

Benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
• Rich in Nutrients: Contains B12, D, A vitamins, and choline, crucial for energy, immune function, and brain health.
• Eye Health: Lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health and reduce cataract risk.

5. 2 Cups Plain Flour:

• Calories: 960 kcal
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 32g

Benefits:

• Carbohydrate Source: Provides energy.
• B Vitamins: Includes folate, important for cell function and metabolism.
• Minerals: Contains iron and magnesium for overall health.

6. 1/2 Cup Desiccated Coconut:

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 4g

Benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Supports digestion and blood sugar regulation.
• Healthy Fats: Contains MCTs that aid metabolism.
• Minerals: Manganese and copper for bone health and enzyme function.

7. 1/2 Cup Raspberry Jam:

• Calories: 490 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Carbohydrates: 120g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 96g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Antioxidants: Raspberries contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Provides vitamins C and K, and manganese, essential for immune health.
• Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes fullness.

8. Pink Icing (approx.):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 50g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Instant Energy: High in simple sugars for quick energy.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a vibrant visual to desserts.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adds sweetness and a smooth texture.

9. Extra Desiccated Coconut for Sprinkling:

(Small amount used for sprinkling, negligible in nutritional contribution.)

Benefits:

• Added Texture: Provides crunch and texture.
• Nutritional Boost: Adds fiber, healthy fats, and minerals.
• Flavor: Enhances coconut flavor and aroma.

Please note that these are approximate values based on standard nutritional information for the given ingredients. The actual nutritional content may vary slightly based on the specific brands and quantities used in the recipe. Also, the values mentioned are for the whole batch of ingredients. If you want the nutritional information per serving, you'll need to divide these values by the number of servings you get from the recipe.

Enjoy your homemade Iced Vo-Vo biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious and nostalgic snack.