What Can I Bake With Lard: Discovering Delicious Lard-Based Recipes

Lard has been used for centuries as a versatile cooking ingredient and is often associated with traditional, homemade dishes. However, with the growing popularity of healthy eating, many people have been reluctant to use lard in their cooking. But, if used in moderation, lard can actually be a healthier alternative to some cooking oils, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats.

What is lard?

Lard is a semi-solid cooking fat that is rendered from pig fat. It has been used for centuries as a versatile ingredient in cooking, especially in baking. Unlike other oils, lard has a unique flavor profile that can enhance the taste and texture of many baked goods.

Benefits of baking with lard

There are several benefits to baking with lard, including:

• Lard has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning.
• Lard is a great source of monounsaturated fat, which is a healthy fat that can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Lard adds a rich, buttery flavor to baked goods that cannot be replicated by other oils.
• Lard produces flaky, tender baked goods because it melts at a higher temperature than butter or shortening.

Common baked goods made with lard

Lard has been used for centuries to make a variety of baked goods, including:

• Pie crusts: Lard produces a flaky, tender crust that is perfect for sweet and savory pies.
• Biscuits: Lard produces tender, flaky biscuits that are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for dinner.
• Cakes: Lard can be used to make moist, fluffy cakes with a rich, buttery flavor.
• Tarts: Lard is often used to make tart crusts, which have a crisp, flaky texture.
• Cookies: Lard can be used to make soft, chewy cookies with a rich, buttery flavor.
• Bread: Lard can be used to make homemade bread that is soft and fluffy.

Recipes using lard

Pie crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup lard, chilled
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add lard and use a pastry cutter to cut the lard into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half and form into two discs.
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out and using for your favorite pie recipe.

Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup lard, chilled
• ¾ cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Add milk and stir until a soft dough forms.

5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently.
6. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1 inch and use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits.
7. Place the biscuits onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup lard, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat lard and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, alternating between the two and mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Tarts

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup lard, chilled
• 3-4 tbsp ice water

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add lard and use a pastry cutter to cut the lard into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a 6-inch circle.
5. Press the dough into 4 individual tart pans and prick the bottom of the dough with a fork.
6. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup lard, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat lard and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter and mix until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.

Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup lard, melted

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add water and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.

6. Roll each portion into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.

7. Cover the loaf pans and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
9. Brush the tops of the loaves with melted lard and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

FAQs

Conclusion

Lard is a versatile and flavorful fat that can be used in a variety of baked goods. From flaky pie crusts to tender biscuits, lard can add richness and texture to your baked goods.

By using lard in your baking, you can create delicious treats that will be sure to impress your friends and family.