Saturday, March 3, 2012

When is a biscuit not a biscuit?


According to Wikipedia a biscuit is a baked, edible, and commonly flour-based product...but when is a biscuit not a biscuit?

You're on your way to the US aboard an American airline and you've got your cup of tea on inflight service. Thinking of a sweet goodie to dunk, you request a 'biscuit' but to your dismay you’re told they don't serve those…which would come as quite a surprise to someone from a culture where Arnotts Niece twin-packs are standard. (think Driver Reviver!) In fact, with your request for a biscuit, you would have been asking for more of a scone-like baked good to accompany a meal…which frankly is not airline fare. I'll know next time to ask for a 'cookie' or a 'cracker' '.

Whether you consider gingerbread to be a biscuit or a cookie, the wonderful experience of its aroma, spices and warmth is highly desirable. With an imminent visit to the United States, I took a little look around on the net to see how Americans are enjoying gingerbread and discovered some interesting gourmet items including gingerbread spice chocolate bars, tea and a gingerbread flavoured syrup that can be added to drinks. We even found some products that transcend the edible...candles and a gingerbread liquid handsoap!

Well I'll be sure to be cruising the snack aisles selecting carefully my 10kg quota of biscuits…err – cookies, allowed back into the country.