Hemp and Oat Biscuits

• These hemp and oat biscuits offer so much more than the traditional ANZAC biscuit. They are dairy-free, contain no refined sugar and can be made vegan and/or gluten free.

These Hemp and Oat Biscuits almost remind me of ANZAC biscuits, but the added hemp seeds just gives it such a natural boost of flavour that beats the traditional ANZAC bicky. Not only do hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts) provide an extra boost of flavour, but they contain a large number of vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. Plus, they pack a punch of protein! These Hemp and Oat Biscuits are dairy-free, refined sugar-free and with a quick substitution, can be made both vegan and gluten-free! *see note at the bottom for substitution.

Why hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds are about the size of sesame seeds and are soft and nutty in flavour. This makes them easy to eat, especially by children! Hemp seeds are best known for their superior fatty acid profile. The ratio of omega 3 to 6 in hemp seeds is almost identical to human requirements, making them a must have in your daily diet.

Sugar free cookies - what does this really mean?

It is pretty tricky to find any foods that are 100% sugar free. This is because most foods contain naturally occurring sugars. When recipes claim to be sugar free they are generally referring to refined sugar. Refined sugars are those that have been processed, as opposed to the natural sugars found in fruit and other sweet foods. The most common refined sugar is granulated sugar but there are also powdered sugars, syrups and natural processed sugars. Natural sugars are less harmful than refined sugar. They give our body the energy it needs to function at its best.

Gluten free recipes

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. We consume it most frequently in breads and cereals. Reducing gluten intake can improve overall health but unless you suffer from celiac disease, omitting gluten entirely may mean you are missing out on a lot of healthy foods. Do your research before going 100% gluten free. You may benefit from a simple reduction in your total gluten intake.

About me

Hi, my name is Emma and I am an Aussie health and fitness fanatic. My health journey first began back in 2016 where I was dealing with some gut issues. To combat this, I decided to fix my diet and adopt a healthier way of living. In 2017, I started my Instagram page @nourishbyemma to share my recipes and food. Little did I know I would be doing the same thing 3 years down the track!

Hemp and oat biscuits

A recipe by Emma Wilks - @nourishbyemma_ TIME - Prep: 15 mins, Cooking 25 mins MAKES - 20 biscuits - INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup / 125g plain flour* see below for gluten-free alternative
• 1 cup / 90g oats
• 1/2 cup Vasse Valley Hemp Hearts
• 1/3 cup / 75g melted Nuttelex (can substitute for coconut oil and peanut butter)
• 4 tbsp / 35g Stevia OR ¾ cup/ 150g sugar alternative
• 1/4 tsp / 1.25g salt
• 2 eggs* see below for vegan substitution
• 1 3/4 tsp / 4.25g baking powder
• 3 tbsp / 42g honey
• 2 tbsp Vasse Valley Roasted Hemp Crumble *optional

- METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 150C. Line a large baking tray.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder, hemp hearts, salt and stevia until combined.
3. Lightly whisk eggs and add to the dry mixture.
4. Melt the nuttelex and add to the dough along with the honey. Mix the dough until all ingredients are combined.
5. Roll into tbsp sized balls and layout onto the baking tray. Lightly press down on the balls to spread.
6. Sprinkle on roasted hemp seed crumble.
7. Bake for 25-30 or until slightly golden.
8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

  VEGAN SUBSTITUTION Substitute egg for chia egg: 1 egg = 1 tbsp chia seeds + 2.5 tbsp water. Substitute honey for maple, rice malt or golden syrup.   GLUTEN-FREE SUBSTITUTE Substitute plain flour for gluten-free flour. Substitute oats for gluten-gree oats, quinoa flakes, flattened buckwheat or shredded coconut.