iMAP biscuit recipe for step 1 of the milk ladder
Written by Christina Hills, a nutritionist, registered paediatric dietitian and milk allergy specialist. Founder of the happy feeding company clinic.
Ok, so you’re ready to start the milk ladder!
Starting step one of the milk ladder can feel like a huge deal, and parents have usually had quite a journey before getting here! But it’s also really exciting to think that your little one might be starting to tolerate milk again soon – even if just in tiny amounts.
Before you start, check in with your dietitian and check it’s safe to do a milk challenge at home and that the iMAP 6-step milk ladder is suitable for you. Read my complete guide to step 1 of the milk ladder here
iMAP biscuit recipe for step 1 of the milk ladder
Ok so when doing a milk challenge, you will usually start off with a small amount of baked milk in a flour matrix - as this makes the milk less allergenic and less likely to cause a reaction. The ‘iMAP biscuit’ is a very common recipe recommended for step one of the milk ladder.
You can decide what ingredients you want to add - a savoury or ‘sweeter’ version with some grated fruit or fruit puree added.
I used ⅔ an apple, grated, as the fruit, and wholemeal flour instead of white - which has more nutrients- and I measured the added water needed to be around 4 teaspoons (or 20mls)
I rolled the dough out into an oblong and cut this into 20 rounds - instead of making finger shaped biscuits… as I find that makes it easier to get consistently sized biscuits (which is key for the milk challenge). And topped it off with a sprinkling of desiccated coconut… because, well, why not!
The recipe worked for me- which is the main thing! They taste quite bland… and a bit like baby biscuits (not-surprising!!) - but my little one happily ate them- so that’s good. Here is the recipe and good luck!
YOU NEED
125g plain flour (1 cup) - I used wholemeal, but you can use white
1 teaspoon of skimmed milk powder (found down the long life aisle of the supermarket!)
1/4 cup dairy free spread (50g)
1/4 - 1/3 cup of grated or pureed fruit like grated apple or mashed banana or grated vegan / milk free cheese (if you prefer a savoury option)
1-2 tablespoons of water (add as much as needed to get a workable consistency*, you may need more if not adding puree or mashed fruit and less if you are) *I used 4 teaspoons / 20mLs
TO MAKE
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
Mix the flour and milk powder in a bowl, rub in the dairy free spread, then stir through the fruit or grated vegan cheese - whatever you decide to use- and add the water as needed to get a workable consistency. Bring together with your hands or a spoon until you have a workable dough
Roll out with a rolling pin and then cut evenly into 20 finger sized shapes
Alternatively, you could roll the dough into an oblong and then cut into 20 rounds, before flattening each round with a fork or your finger like I did…
Bake the biscuits for 10-15 mins in an oven
What is skimmed milk powder?
You may have seen skimmed milk in the iMAP biscuit recipe - and wondered - where on earth can I find skimmed milk powder?! And what even is it? Well… Skimmed milk powder is made by separating the cream (fat) from whole milk using a process like centrifugation. The remaining liquid, now skimmed milk, is then concentrated by evaporating water, and then dried to produce a powder. It is commonly used in hot drinks in place of milk or in recipes- you may see it in some shop bought baby biscuits and other baked foods like brioche buns. Typically you can find it down the long life aisle of a supermarket, or you can find it online!
But, just incase you can’t get hold of skimmed milk powder I have adapted it the original recipe using whole milk instead. You can use milk instead of water to loosen the mixture before rolling out.
iMAP biscuit recipe: adapted to use whole milk instead of milk powder
YOU NEED
1 cup flour (125g)
1/4 cup dairy free spread (50g)
1/4 - 1/3 cup of grated or pureed fruit like grated apple or mashed banana or grated vegan / milk free cheese (if you prefer a savoury option)
4 teaspoons of cows milk (20 mls)
TO MAKE
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
Add the flour to a bowl, and rub in the dairy free spread, then stir through the fruit or grated vegan cheese - whatever you decide to use - and add the milk here too. Bring together with your hands or a spoon until you have a workable dough
Roll out with a rolling pin and then cut evenly into 20 finger sized shapes
Alternatively, you could roll the dough into an oblong and then cut into 20 rounds, before flattening each round with a fork or your finger
Bake the biscuits for 10-15 mins in an oven
Milk ladder instructions for step 1: biscuit recipe
Day 1: 1 biscuit*
Target portion= 3 finger biscuits
*Your dietitian may recommend starting with a smaller amount than this initially
Check out my complete guide to tackling step 1 of the milk ladder here
Download your copy of the iMAP biscuit recipe here:
Download all the original iMAP milk ladder recipes here.
Need help navigating the milk ladder?
Want to feel confident managing your little one’s milk allergy? If you’d like one-to-one guidance I offer personalised consultations to help you feel informed, and supported through every stage of your child’s allergy journey.
Get a tailored plan for each step of the milk ladder and support maximising nutrition and growth on a milk free diet from an experienced holistic baby nutritionist and registered dietitian with 10+ years NHS experience. Book your 1:1 today
