Victorian Mourning Biscuits and 3 Tips for Meditative Baking

In a world that seems to be constantly in motion, where time is a commodity in high demand, the idea of meditative baking might sound like a distant luxury. But let's take a step back to the Victorian era, where time moved at a slower pace, and even in the midst of mourning, people found solace in the art of crafting the iconic Victorian Mourning Biscuits. Today, we explore how this intriguing culinary tradition can offer a dose of mindfulness and why it might just be the perfect antidote to our modern, hectic lives.

The Victorian Meditation:

Victorian Mourning Biscuits were more than just baked goods; they were a form of meditation. The process of meticulously shaping and decorating these biscuits was an act of mindfulness, a way to channel grief into something tangible and therapeutic. In an age when meditation and mental health was a less-discussed topic, these biscuits served as a meditative outlet for the grieving.

Ingredients of Intent:

Every ingredient in Victorian Mourning Biscuits carried profound symbolism. Anise, with its calming properties, encouraged emotional solace. Caraway seeds, representing the bitterness of loss, encouraged reflection. And rosewater, with its delicate floral notes, offered a touch of grace in times of sorrow. Each component was carefully selected to create a recipe not just for biscuits but for healing.

Resurrecting the Tradition:

In today's fast-paced world, the act of slowing down and baking with intention can be transformative. By resurrecting the tradition of Victorian Mourning Biscuits, we can find a moment of stillness amidst the chaos, a chance to reconnect with ourselves and honor the emotions we often suppress. It's a reminder that, even in our modern lives, we can infuse everyday activities with mindfulness and meaning.

The Therapeutic Benefits:

These biscuits encourages us to be present in the moment, to focus on the task at hand, and to express our emotions through creativity. The repetitive actions of kneading and shaping the dough can be soothing, providing a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of our daily routines.

A Contemporary Twist:

While Victorian Mourning Biscuits hold deep historical significance, they can also be adapted to suit modern tastes and preferences. Experiment with different flavors and shapes, infuse them with your unique symbolism, and create a cookie that resonates with you.

In a world that often prioritizes speed and efficiency, Victorian Mourning Biscuits offer a gentle reminder that there is value in slowing down, in embracing traditions that allow us to express our grief and emotions. So, why not try your hand at this time-honored tradition, infusing your life with a bit of meditative baking and mindfulness? In doing so, you might just discover that the ancient art of Victorian Mourning Biscuits has a place in our modern world, providing a moment of peace and reflection in the midst of our busy lives.

Below you will find three recipes to kick off your adventure. Two of the recipes are a bit more complicated than the simple biscuit recipe but I’ve left the rosemary recipe relatively stripped down in terms of difficulty. Feel free to use these as jumping off points. Each of these mourning biscuit recipes offers a unique sensory experience, inviting you to focus on the aromatherapy, savor the distinct flavor profiles, and embrace the symbolism associated with the ingredients. These elements come together to create a mindful and meaningful baking practice that pays homage to the Victorian tradition while finding relevance in the present.

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Lavender Lemon Remembrance Biscuits

Author Amber Carvaly

Aromatherapy: The scent of lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an excellent aroma to focus on during baking. The fresh scent of lemon zest adds a bright and uplifting element to the experience.Flavor Profile: These biscuits have a delicate floral flavor with a hint of citrus. Lavender offers a soothing, almost ethereal note, while the lemon zest provides a refreshing and zesty contrast.Symbolism: Lavender symbolizes tranquility, peace, and healing, making it a perfect choice for a mourning biscuit. Lemon, with its bright and uplifting aroma, represents hope and the promise of a new beginning, offering comfort during times of grief.

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Ingredients

Lavender Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• large egg, room temperature: I use Bob’s Redmill Egg Replacer
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour, substitute all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers

Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers, optional

Instructions

1. Add the softened butter and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. If using egg replacer, follow the instructions provided and allow the mixture to sit and gel. At least 5 minutes.
3. Add in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add in the flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until just combined. The dough should come together into a ball but will feel dry. If the dough doesn't come together, you can add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it does.
5. Then gently fold in the dried lavender flowers.
6. Press the dough into a disc and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm (2 hours minimum but ideally overnight).
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough ¼ inch thick and cut into circles. Re-roll and cutout the scraps.
9. Place cutout cookies 1-2 inches apart on your baking sheet (they won’t spread). Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a minimum of 20 minutes (or the fridge for 40 minutes) before baking to allow the cookies to firm back up. This ensures the cookies won't spread during baking.
10. While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Bake on the middle rack of the oven and rotate the pan halfway through baking for the best results. It usually takes 2-3 batches to bake all the cookies.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then remove and let them finish cooling on a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.
13. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl, until smooth. Then stir in the lemon zest and lavender flowers if desired.
14. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze and place back on the cooling rack. After about 20 minutes the glaze will harden.

mourning biscuits

dessert, funeral food

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Rosemary Almond Comfort Biscuits

Author Amber Carvaly

Aromatherapy: Rosemary has a robust and earthy aroma that is often associated with clarity and mental strength. It can promote focus and a sense of well-being. In this recipe, the scent of fresh rosemary is a key element to savor.Flavor Profile: These biscuits have a savory-sweet flavor profile. Rosemary adds a warm, herbal note, while the chopped almonds provide a comforting and slightly nutty undertone.Symbolism: Rosemary is traditionally associated with remembrance and fidelity. It symbolizes enduring love and loyalty, making it a meaningful addition to a mourning biscuit. Almonds represent endurance and resilience, reminding us of the strength to endure life's challenges.

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• I use Bob’s Redmill Egg Replacer
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ cup chopped almonds
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and pale.
2. Beat in the egg until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, chopped rosemary, chopped almonds, and a pinch of salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the chilled dough and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they become golden around the edges.
9. Let the biscuits cool before enjoying. The combination of rosemary and almonds offers a comforting flavor profile.

Mourning Biscuits

Dessert, Funeral Food

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Chocolate Cherry Memory Biscuits

Author Amber Carvaly

Aromatherapy: While chocolate itself is not typically considered an aromatherapy ingredient, its rich and indulgent aroma can evoke feelings of comfort and pleasure. The scent of dark chocolate is known for its mood-enhancing properties. Dried cherries offer a subtle fruity note.Flavor Profile: These biscuits have a decadent and slightly sweet flavor. Dark chocolate chips provide a deep, velvety richness, while the chopped dried cherries contribute a sweet and tart contrast.Symbolism: Dark chocolate represents indulgence and the sweet memories we hold dear. Cherries, with their bright red color, symbolize love and passion. Together, they create a combination of comfort and fond recollection.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• I know it’s annoying but would you rather I write 7/8?
• 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) of non dairy butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• To make this vegan I would just do 2 vegan egg replacements. I know it’ll taste different but I’ve never met a cookie I turned down.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, patted dry and chopped
• flaked salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
3. In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars together until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and egg yolk until combined. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Beat in the dry ingredients until just combined. Beat in the chocolate chips and the cherries until mixed.
5. Scoop or roll the dough into balls that are 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size. Make sure they are about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are just barely set. Sprinkle with flaked salt. Let cool completely before serving.

Mourning Biscuits

Dessert, Funeral Food