It’s finally here, Christmas vacation. We have all been looking forward to a time to relax, be with family, and indulge in seasonal treats. We say, if you’re going to indulge, be bold! Start a new tradition on Christmas morning or any morning during the holidays. Surprise your kids with Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy for breakfast. That’s a Sugar Momma Splurge!
Buttermilk Biscuits
1 package dry yeast
5 tablespoons warm water
5 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups buttermilk
Preheat the oven to 450ºF. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl, place the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut the shortening into small cubes and add to the bowl. Gently mix with a spoon to incorporate. Add in the buttermilk and the yeast mixture and mix to combine. On a lightly floured work surface, gently knead the dough making sure not to overwork. Roll out the dough and cut with round or square biscuit cutters. Place the biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly browned.
SM Notes: Make as many biscuits as you want to eat. Store the unused dough in the refrigerator or pre-cut the biscuits and then freeze them until ready to bake.
SM Trick: For best results, place biscuits in the fridge until they are chilled and then cook them.
Chocolate Gravy
1/2 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups cream
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoons vanilla
In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Then place them in a small saucepan over medium heat. Slowly stir in the milk making sure to thoroughly incorporate the wet and dry ingredients. Continue stirring until the chocolate thickens to desired consistency. Be careful as the sauce will burn if left unattended. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
To assemble: Slice hot biscuits. Put a pat of butter on each biscuit half and top with gravy. Serve immediately.
Carpool Crunch: If you don’t have the time or patience to make buttermilk biscuits from scratch, we suggest Krusteaz Buttermilk Biscuit Mix or even quicker, Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits in the refrigerator section of your market.
The Sugar Mommas’ Recommend: Sublime Doughnuts. When we went online to check out Sublime Donuts, we were mesmerized by owner Kamal Grant’s hip-hop style video enactment of making donuts. Play it for your kids, they’ll get a kick out of it. When you are in town, drop by Sublime for their famous “A-Town Cream”. Sublime Donuts at 535 Tenth Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30318. www.sublimedoughnuts.com
Book Buzz: Very Merry Cookie Party: How to Plan and Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange by Barbara Grunes & Virginia Van Vynckt.
