Biscuits always have had a special place in the culinary tradition around the world. The history of biscuits dates back to a few centuries and they have evolved significantly with time. The modern versions of biscuits have a huge difference from the old ones in their appearance as well as in taste. With a satisfying combination of texture, flavour and crunch biscuits have become an all-time favourite coffee time snack for people from different cultural backgrounds. This article is about one such biscuit that has a rich historical background and tradition. Biscuiți Englezești or English Biscuits have a different fandom among biscuit lovers due to their delectable appearance and unique flavour. So, let’s delve deeper into this delicious journey to know more about this unique and delicious biscuit.
Overview of Biscuiți Englezești
Biscuiți Englezești is not a single biscuit type, it refers to a wide variety of biscuits that have originated from England. These biscuits have unique textures, delicious flavours and different types of ingredients that will make you crave them. Due to their distinct flavour, these biscuits have become popular worldwide. Not only that, but Biscuiți Englezești also comes in various types and that is why you can have any time you want and can enjoy them in any situation. From less sweet digestive biscuits to creamy sandwich biscuits, Biscuiți Englezești has it all within its category. Apart from its taste and variety, Biscuiți Englezești is also popular for the tradition related to it. These biscuits are always present at any type of occasion, family gatherings and celebrations. They are also common in comfortable afternoon tea times. All these factors make Biscuiți Englezești unique and different from other regular biscuits.
The History and Origin
Biscuiți Englezești has its origin in the Middle English period, specifically in 13th-century England. The term “Biscuit” came from the French “Bis-Coi” which also has a Latin root and actually means twice-cooked bread. Immediately after the introduction of biscuits, they became popular all over England due to their crispy texture and amazing flavour. With time it became a regular staple in every household of the country. During the Victorian period, the manufacturing of biscuits increased to a significant extent due to the rise of the industries. Needless to say, in modern times Biscuiți Englezești has become worldwide popular crossing the boundary of England.
Different Types of Biscuiți Englezești
As I have mentioned previously Biscuiți Englezești includes a wide variety of biscuit types. So, let’s explore them to get an understanding of their rich flavours.
Digestive Biscuits:
This is the simplest type of biscuit but significantly a popular one in the common households in England. The origin of this particular type of biscuits goes back to 19th-century England. They created this type of biscuits in order to serve as a digestive aid considering the health benefits they can provide. The ingredients are also simple and healthy which include whole grain flour, sugar, salt, milk, oil and obviously baking powder. This is one of the most favourite teatime snacks in British households.
Jammie Dodgers:
This is another iconic Biscuiți Englezești that has massive popularity all over the world. Jammie Dodgers are basically two crumbly shortbreads with strawberry or raspberry jam in the middle. This is as sweet as desserts and has a playful appearance. People of all ages like these fun biscuits, however, children have a special spot in their hearts for Jammie Dodgers.
Shortbread Biscuits:
These biscuits are extremely famous for their crumbly texture and buttery flavour. The core ingredients are very simple- flour, sugar and butter. These biscuits are an all-time favourite for festivities, especially at Christmas or New Year parties.
Bourbon Biscuits and Custard Cream:
These biscuits are mainly for people who are in love with chocolates and creams. Bourbon Biscuits are basically the typical sandwich biscuits where there are cocoa-flavoured biscuits on two sides and rich chocolaty cream in the middle as filing. Each bite of this biscuit will give you an extraordinary chocolaty experience. Custard Creams are also a type of sandwich biscuit with two beautifully designed biscuits and sweet vanilla cream in the middle. You if have a liking for vanilla-flavoured treats, you will definitely fall in love with these biscuits.
Core Ingredients
The ingredients of all these biscuits are more or less the same except for a few. The primary ingredient for Biscuiți Englezești is flour which works as the base. However, it can also vary for different types, it can be white flour or wholemeal flour depending on it. Next comes sugar which helps to sweeten the biscuits. Depending on the texture and taste the type of sugar also varies. It is mostly white sugar or brown sugar depending on the type of biscuits. Butter is another essential ingredient for most of the types of Biscuiți Englezești. For Shortbread Biscuits and Jamie Dodgers, butter is a must. It enhances the flavour of the biscuits and makes the crumbs tender which melts in your mouth after taking a bite.
In some more fancy types of biscuits, eggs are used to make a proper binding of the ingredients and also for good baking results. It’s only for a few types of biscuits. You can not miss baking powder or Sodium Bicarbonate for making the biscuit rise during baking. This also helps in making the biscuits crispier. The final ingredient for Biscuiți Englezești is artificial food flavour. Depending on the type they use vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and other flavours.
Process of Making
The preparation of Biscuiți Englezești is easier than you think. You can prepare them at home anytime you want. You just need to collect all the ingredients first. The ingredients are simple and easily available. The first thing you need to do to make Biscuiți Englezești is preparing the dough. You have to mix all the dry ingredients like flour and baking powder with oil or butter. Depending on what flavour or type you want to make you can add other ingredients like nuts, chocolate, strawberry jams or creams.
You can also add artificial flavours for extra taste. Mix them well to prepare a smooth dough. Then you have to cut them into pieces using cutting tools. Shape them however you want, and bake them until they are golden brown. Once the process is complete you can add filling if you want to make sandwich biscuits. Add strawberry jam, vanilla cream or chocolate cream as the filling and enjoy with your tea or coffee.
Concluding Thoughts
Biscuiți Englezești biscuits are fun to eat, whether you have them with your favourite hot beverage or munch on them without anything. You will always experience a burst of favour whenever you take a single bite. You can also enjoy them with some fun toppings like cheese or butter or even chocolate syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Vegans have Biscuiți Englezești?
Of course, read the ingredients on the packaging and avoid the types which contain eggs.
Can I make Biscuiți Englezești at home?
Yes. The ingredients are simple. You just need to learn to bake.
Is Biscuiți Englezești gluten free?
Not all of them. There are some options available that do not contain gluten.