Full disclaimer from the off – this recipe involves sugar. So if that’s not your bag then scroll on past this one. However, it also contains some delicious and nutrient dense spices and pistachios, so as ‘eat in moderation’ sweet treats go I’m onboard. These biscuits also offer nourishment of a different kind. The flavours and aromas from these simple little biscuits feed my soul – so it’s topping up my vitamin P (pleasure).
The recipe for these beauties was supplied by my good friend Zahour Saffron whose midlife transition took her from Nutritional Therapist and Lecturer to farming grade 1 saffron outside of Marrakesh (as you do!).
Saffron is one of the unsung heroes for supporting midlife health, with studies suggesting it’s benefits in reducing a number of symptoms associated with menopause, particularly relating to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Although this spice has a reputation as a pricey purchase when you consider how little you need to get an abundance of its distinct floral and earthy tones, I think it’s worth the outlay. Get me – I’ve come over all wine buff!
As ever – I’m not a big one for having to trawl through paragraphs and paragraphs of pre-amble before I hit the actual recipe so let’s get right to the good stuff – here’s the how to of making delicious saffron biscuits. Enjoy xx
AuthorSuzanneCategorySweet TreatsDifficultyBeginnerPreheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Grind the saffron in a small pestle and mortar and add it to the milk.
Grind the cardamom seeds and nutmeg to a fine powder and set aside.
In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together until well combined.
Add the saffron mixture, ground cardamom and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
Add the flour and gently form into a dough. You can use your hands to form into a dough if you prefer. This is a fairly crumbly dough but a few drops of milk can be added if the dough is not coming together.
Roll out the dough to approx. 1 cm thickness. Using a cookie cutter of your choice, cut into individual biscuits.
Place biscuits on baking paper on a tray and sprinkle with a few chopped pistachios.
Bake for around 15 minutes.
Cool completely. You may like to drizzle with a bit of white chocolate for decoration. Store in an airtight container.
Ingredients
The Health Benefits of these Saffron and Pistachio Cookies
- Saffron contains compounds that may help regulate hormonal balance. Some studies suggest that it may have a positive impact on mood swings and emotional symptoms associated with hormonal changes. Saffron’s potential antidepressant and mood-stabilising properties may be beneficial during menopause, where mood swings and emotional fluctuations are common.
- Pistachios are rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for hormone production. They also contain fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and indirectly influence hormone balance. Pistachios are a good source of vitamin E, which may help alleviate some symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, the antioxidants in pistachios can contribute to overall health during this life stage.
- While there isn’t direct evidence linking cardamom to hormone balance, it does contain antioxidants that may have general health benefits, indirectly supporting overall well-being, including hormonal health. Cardamom’s potential anti-inflammatory properties may be helpful in managing inflammation-related symptoms during menopause.
- Nutmeg contains compounds that may have a modulating effect on hormonal levels. It has been traditionally used in some cultures to address hormonal imbalances. Nutmeg’s potential calming and mood-enhancing properties may be beneficial for managing stress and mood swings during menopause.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe, and all my others for that matter. Are you a saffron fan? If so, what are your go to saffron recipes and has this little spice helped your menopause symptoms? For more hormone supporting recipes like this one keep an eye on the recipe blog. And if you’re interested in nutrition for midlife and menopause, or how to combat emotional eating then head to my blog where you’ll find lots of posts offering practical tips for staying well in midlife and beyond.
If you like what you’ve read and would like more practical information and tips on nutrition, lifestyle and mindset for midlife women then I’d love it if you followed me @motherflushingmidlife at the social links below.
