Nicola here with a classic post from a few years ago that I originally posted on the UK Historical Romance Authors Blog. It got such an interesting response then that I thought I would update it and share it here because I was keen to hear what the Wenches and Wench readers thought of it.
So here goes. Do you dunk? I’m using the word “dunk” in the British sense of the word which means “to dip a biscuit or some other food, usually baked goods, into a drink, especially tea, coffee, or milk." Dunking releases more flavour from confections by dissolving the sugars, while also softening their texture. With the UK/US differences in language I had no idea about the basketball definition of dunking until I looked it up!
It turns out that dunking is an ancient tradition but it’s also a divisive one. Apparently in a recent survey done by the Great British Bake-Off TV Programme, 52% of people said they wouldn’t dream of dunking a biscuit – they never had and they never would!
It was the Romans who started the dunking tradition, like they did so many things. They dipped their hard, unleavened wafers in 
wine in order to soften them. These wafers were known as “bis cotum” meaning “twice baked.” The French word “bis qui” derived from that, and the English biscuit from bis qui. The Roman biscuit was more what we would think of as a rusk, very hard and very dry. It kept for longer than plain bread which was useful when you were travelling and also for soldiers’ rations. You can imagine, though, that a bis cotum might be rather unpalatable and so dipping them in wine would be one way of making them more edible – or if there was enough wine with them, maybe you didn’t notice the taste!
By the 14th century the word biscuit had entered the English language to describe not only twice-baked rusks but also sweet wafers made of batter which were a particular treat. However, the hard biscuit was still a staple of many diets and by the 16th century it was also a staple food of the Navy. Ship’s biscuits, a flour and water mixture also known as “hard tack” was baked and used for sailors’ rations. These incredibly unappealing biscuits were also known as “tooth dullers” and “molar breakers” making the need for dunking very clear. Hard tack was routinely dipped in beer or even in seawater brine if sailors were desperate, it was the only way to soften it and make it remotely edible. The fact that the one in the picture has survived since 1784 proves just how tough they must have been!
The 17th and 18th centuries saw new ingredients and many new styles of biscuit take over from 
the original plain twice baked ones. However the tradition of dunking continued more for fun than necessity. Savoys and ratafias, baked in long tins and cut into slices, were served at the end of the meal and dipped into wine or other alcoholic beverages. They are the ancestors of the trifle.
From that time on, a number of biscuit recipes proliferated until in the Victorian period, biscuits, cake and tea were partaken mid-afternoon as the formal afternoon tea. Dunking, however, was discouraged in the later 19th century as it was considered unrefined. The Victorians disapproved of public biscuit dipping, feeling that if you had to do it, it was best done in the privacy of one’s own home! The fact that Queen Victoria was a fan, though, ensured that the practise didn’t die out.
Along the way, dunking has evolved into the pastime it is today, with sweet biscuits generally dipped in tea, coffee or milk rather than alcohol. This change occurred when afternoon tea was introduced in the 19th century, though with the caveat of privacy (see above!)
Dunking is also an international occupation; I read about something called the “Tim Tam Slam” in Australia, that New Zealand prefers the ginger nut and that the Brits’ favourite is the chocolate digestive biscuit. It’s also an art form. Too long in the liquid and the biscuit will disintegrate leaving you with nothing but mush at the bottom of your cup.
Not everyone enjoys dunking and the choice of a dunking biscuit is still a very personal matter. So here is the all-important question. Do you dunk? And if so, what is your biscuit, and your liquid, of choice?
I am not a dunker. Both my mother and grandmother were and they would dunk my grandmother’s shortbread in their tea. They had the whole thing down pat and never had a disintegration problem. I, on the other hand because I was young, never could get the dunk down and always ended up with half an inch of mush at the bottom of my teacup. No, I gave up. No dunking for me. 🙂
I am not a dunker. Both my mother and grandmother were and they would dunk my grandmother’s shortbread in their tea. They had the whole thing down pat and never had a disintegration problem. I, on the other hand because I was young, never could get the dunk down and always ended up with half an inch of mush at the bottom of my teacup. No, I gave up. No dunking for me. 🙂
I am not a dunker. Both my mother and grandmother were and they would dunk my grandmother’s shortbread in their tea. They had the whole thing down pat and never had a disintegration problem. I, on the other hand because I was young, never could get the dunk down and always ended up with half an inch of mush at the bottom of my teacup. No, I gave up. No dunking for me. 🙂
I am not a dunker. Both my mother and grandmother were and they would dunk my grandmother’s shortbread in their tea. They had the whole thing down pat and never had a disintegration problem. I, on the other hand because I was young, never could get the dunk down and always ended up with half an inch of mush at the bottom of my teacup. No, I gave up. No dunking for me. 🙂
I am not a dunker. Both my mother and grandmother were and they would dunk my grandmother’s shortbread in their tea. They had the whole thing down pat and never had a disintegration problem. I, on the other hand because I was young, never could get the dunk down and always ended up with half an inch of mush at the bottom of my teacup. No, I gave up. No dunking for me. 🙂
I’m not a dunker either. My mother thought it a terrible habit and we were trained out of it at a young age. I have tried it from time to time, but I confess I prefer a crunchy biscuit. I have also tried the Tim Tam Slam and again, it’s not for me at all.
I’m not a dunker either. My mother thought it a terrible habit and we were trained out of it at a young age. I have tried it from time to time, but I confess I prefer a crunchy biscuit. I have also tried the Tim Tam Slam and again, it’s not for me at all.
I’m not a dunker either. My mother thought it a terrible habit and we were trained out of it at a young age. I have tried it from time to time, but I confess I prefer a crunchy biscuit. I have also tried the Tim Tam Slam and again, it’s not for me at all.
I’m not a dunker either. My mother thought it a terrible habit and we were trained out of it at a young age. I have tried it from time to time, but I confess I prefer a crunchy biscuit. I have also tried the Tim Tam Slam and again, it’s not for me at all.
I’m not a dunker either. My mother thought it a terrible habit and we were trained out of it at a young age. I have tried it from time to time, but I confess I prefer a crunchy biscuit. I have also tried the Tim Tam Slam and again, it’s not for me at all.
It’s clearly an art, theo, because like you I have never managed to dunk successfully either! These days I don’t eat biscuits and so am spared the disintegration problem but I could never get it right. It’s interesting that you come from a line of dunkers, and that shortbread sounds like a tasty option!
It’s clearly an art, theo, because like you I have never managed to dunk successfully either! These days I don’t eat biscuits and so am spared the disintegration problem but I could never get it right. It’s interesting that you come from a line of dunkers, and that shortbread sounds like a tasty option!
It’s clearly an art, theo, because like you I have never managed to dunk successfully either! These days I don’t eat biscuits and so am spared the disintegration problem but I could never get it right. It’s interesting that you come from a line of dunkers, and that shortbread sounds like a tasty option!
It’s clearly an art, theo, because like you I have never managed to dunk successfully either! These days I don’t eat biscuits and so am spared the disintegration problem but I could never get it right. It’s interesting that you come from a line of dunkers, and that shortbread sounds like a tasty option!
It’s clearly an art, theo, because like you I have never managed to dunk successfully either! These days I don’t eat biscuits and so am spared the disintegration problem but I could never get it right. It’s interesting that you come from a line of dunkers, and that shortbread sounds like a tasty option!
Hard Tack or Navy Biscuits are alive and well! They are still used as a staple in some of the Pacific Islands – essentially because of their keeping qualities.
They are baked twice to give them that extra time for storage. And yes, you REALLY have to dunk them.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wrEls
Hard Tack or Navy Biscuits are alive and well! They are still used as a staple in some of the Pacific Islands – essentially because of their keeping qualities.
They are baked twice to give them that extra time for storage. And yes, you REALLY have to dunk them.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wrEls
Hard Tack or Navy Biscuits are alive and well! They are still used as a staple in some of the Pacific Islands – essentially because of their keeping qualities.
They are baked twice to give them that extra time for storage. And yes, you REALLY have to dunk them.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wrEls
Hard Tack or Navy Biscuits are alive and well! They are still used as a staple in some of the Pacific Islands – essentially because of their keeping qualities.
They are baked twice to give them that extra time for storage. And yes, you REALLY have to dunk them.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wrEls
Hard Tack or Navy Biscuits are alive and well! They are still used as a staple in some of the Pacific Islands – essentially because of their keeping qualities.
They are baked twice to give them that extra time for storage. And yes, you REALLY have to dunk them.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wrEls
That’s so interesting, Anne. It feels as though there is a strong surviving strain of the non-dunkers who never liked the habit. My mother was exactly the same. She thought it was a horrible habit when she was younger and looked down her nose at her parents when they dunked. I was never encouraged to dunk either, but she came around to it in later years when she developed a very sweet tooth.
That’s so interesting, Anne. It feels as though there is a strong surviving strain of the non-dunkers who never liked the habit. My mother was exactly the same. She thought it was a horrible habit when she was younger and looked down her nose at her parents when they dunked. I was never encouraged to dunk either, but she came around to it in later years when she developed a very sweet tooth.
That’s so interesting, Anne. It feels as though there is a strong surviving strain of the non-dunkers who never liked the habit. My mother was exactly the same. She thought it was a horrible habit when she was younger and looked down her nose at her parents when they dunked. I was never encouraged to dunk either, but she came around to it in later years when she developed a very sweet tooth.
That’s so interesting, Anne. It feels as though there is a strong surviving strain of the non-dunkers who never liked the habit. My mother was exactly the same. She thought it was a horrible habit when she was younger and looked down her nose at her parents when they dunked. I was never encouraged to dunk either, but she came around to it in later years when she developed a very sweet tooth.
That’s so interesting, Anne. It feels as though there is a strong surviving strain of the non-dunkers who never liked the habit. My mother was exactly the same. She thought it was a horrible habit when she was younger and looked down her nose at her parents when they dunked. I was never encouraged to dunk either, but she came around to it in later years when she developed a very sweet tooth.
Really interesting post. But in Canada and the U.S. we do not say “biscuit”, we say cookies. A biscuit is something like a cracker that is broken up and put in soup or had with peanut butter and banana on it. I never dunked cookies or biscuits for that matter. But I do like to dunk a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in milk!
Really interesting post. But in Canada and the U.S. we do not say “biscuit”, we say cookies. A biscuit is something like a cracker that is broken up and put in soup or had with peanut butter and banana on it. I never dunked cookies or biscuits for that matter. But I do like to dunk a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in milk!
Really interesting post. But in Canada and the U.S. we do not say “biscuit”, we say cookies. A biscuit is something like a cracker that is broken up and put in soup or had with peanut butter and banana on it. I never dunked cookies or biscuits for that matter. But I do like to dunk a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in milk!
Really interesting post. But in Canada and the U.S. we do not say “biscuit”, we say cookies. A biscuit is something like a cracker that is broken up and put in soup or had with peanut butter and banana on it. I never dunked cookies or biscuits for that matter. But I do like to dunk a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in milk!
Really interesting post. But in Canada and the U.S. we do not say “biscuit”, we say cookies. A biscuit is something like a cracker that is broken up and put in soup or had with peanut butter and banana on it. I never dunked cookies or biscuits for that matter. But I do like to dunk a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in milk!
It’s interesting that you have both cookie and biscuit in North America, Donna, and that they mean different things, and that the “biscuit” is a cracker-type. So many variations of words and meanings in a language from the same roots!
I love that you’ve introduced a whole new dunking theme of sandwiches in milk! I’ve never tried that but do feel tempted to give it a go…
It’s interesting that you have both cookie and biscuit in North America, Donna, and that they mean different things, and that the “biscuit” is a cracker-type. So many variations of words and meanings in a language from the same roots!
I love that you’ve introduced a whole new dunking theme of sandwiches in milk! I’ve never tried that but do feel tempted to give it a go…
It’s interesting that you have both cookie and biscuit in North America, Donna, and that they mean different things, and that the “biscuit” is a cracker-type. So many variations of words and meanings in a language from the same roots!
I love that you’ve introduced a whole new dunking theme of sandwiches in milk! I’ve never tried that but do feel tempted to give it a go…
It’s interesting that you have both cookie and biscuit in North America, Donna, and that they mean different things, and that the “biscuit” is a cracker-type. So many variations of words and meanings in a language from the same roots!
I love that you’ve introduced a whole new dunking theme of sandwiches in milk! I’ve never tried that but do feel tempted to give it a go…
It’s interesting that you have both cookie and biscuit in North America, Donna, and that they mean different things, and that the “biscuit” is a cracker-type. So many variations of words and meanings in a language from the same roots!
I love that you’ve introduced a whole new dunking theme of sandwiches in milk! I’ve never tried that but do feel tempted to give it a go…
Thank you for the link, John! They look like cream crackers but I wonder if they taste different? It makes sense that they should still be around in places where it might be difficult to keep food for long, although one hopes they are a little more palatable than the original ones!
Thank you for the link, John! They look like cream crackers but I wonder if they taste different? It makes sense that they should still be around in places where it might be difficult to keep food for long, although one hopes they are a little more palatable than the original ones!
Thank you for the link, John! They look like cream crackers but I wonder if they taste different? It makes sense that they should still be around in places where it might be difficult to keep food for long, although one hopes they are a little more palatable than the original ones!
Thank you for the link, John! They look like cream crackers but I wonder if they taste different? It makes sense that they should still be around in places where it might be difficult to keep food for long, although one hopes they are a little more palatable than the original ones!
Thank you for the link, John! They look like cream crackers but I wonder if they taste different? It makes sense that they should still be around in places where it might be difficult to keep food for long, although one hopes they are a little more palatable than the original ones!
I don’t recall ever being lectured about it, but it was always associated with bad table manners in my mind. However, I do occasionally dunk – most often with biscotti and tea.
Interesting blog though. The idea of dunking something in wine or beer sounds repulsive, but given the quality of the biscuits they were eating, I can see why. I guess they valued their teeth as much as we value ours (smile).
I don’t recall ever being lectured about it, but it was always associated with bad table manners in my mind. However, I do occasionally dunk – most often with biscotti and tea.
Interesting blog though. The idea of dunking something in wine or beer sounds repulsive, but given the quality of the biscuits they were eating, I can see why. I guess they valued their teeth as much as we value ours (smile).
I don’t recall ever being lectured about it, but it was always associated with bad table manners in my mind. However, I do occasionally dunk – most often with biscotti and tea.
Interesting blog though. The idea of dunking something in wine or beer sounds repulsive, but given the quality of the biscuits they were eating, I can see why. I guess they valued their teeth as much as we value ours (smile).
I don’t recall ever being lectured about it, but it was always associated with bad table manners in my mind. However, I do occasionally dunk – most often with biscotti and tea.
Interesting blog though. The idea of dunking something in wine or beer sounds repulsive, but given the quality of the biscuits they were eating, I can see why. I guess they valued their teeth as much as we value ours (smile).
I don’t recall ever being lectured about it, but it was always associated with bad table manners in my mind. However, I do occasionally dunk – most often with biscotti and tea.
Interesting blog though. The idea of dunking something in wine or beer sounds repulsive, but given the quality of the biscuits they were eating, I can see why. I guess they valued their teeth as much as we value ours (smile).
I leave leftovers out for the raven family in my garden. They’re smart enough to fly the food over to some water and dunk it in to soften it.
Does that count? 😀
I do dunk biscuits when I have them. I need to start doing that more often.
I leave leftovers out for the raven family in my garden. They’re smart enough to fly the food over to some water and dunk it in to soften it.
Does that count? 😀
I do dunk biscuits when I have them. I need to start doing that more often.
I leave leftovers out for the raven family in my garden. They’re smart enough to fly the food over to some water and dunk it in to soften it.
Does that count? 😀
I do dunk biscuits when I have them. I need to start doing that more often.
I leave leftovers out for the raven family in my garden. They’re smart enough to fly the food over to some water and dunk it in to soften it.
Does that count? 😀
I do dunk biscuits when I have them. I need to start doing that more often.
I leave leftovers out for the raven family in my garden. They’re smart enough to fly the food over to some water and dunk it in to soften it.
Does that count? 😀
I do dunk biscuits when I have them. I need to start doing that more often.
I don’t dunk biscuits as I like them to be crunchy, not mushy, but like Donna, I do dunk sandwiches! (Thank you Donna, I thought I was the only one!) I dunk cheese or ham sandwiches in tea or hot chocolate and can highly recommend it. I’m not sure if it’s a Swedish thing or just my family, but we all do it. My English aunt, however, was horrified when she saw me do that! (And I would never do it in public)
I don’t dunk biscuits as I like them to be crunchy, not mushy, but like Donna, I do dunk sandwiches! (Thank you Donna, I thought I was the only one!) I dunk cheese or ham sandwiches in tea or hot chocolate and can highly recommend it. I’m not sure if it’s a Swedish thing or just my family, but we all do it. My English aunt, however, was horrified when she saw me do that! (And I would never do it in public)
I don’t dunk biscuits as I like them to be crunchy, not mushy, but like Donna, I do dunk sandwiches! (Thank you Donna, I thought I was the only one!) I dunk cheese or ham sandwiches in tea or hot chocolate and can highly recommend it. I’m not sure if it’s a Swedish thing or just my family, but we all do it. My English aunt, however, was horrified when she saw me do that! (And I would never do it in public)
I don’t dunk biscuits as I like them to be crunchy, not mushy, but like Donna, I do dunk sandwiches! (Thank you Donna, I thought I was the only one!) I dunk cheese or ham sandwiches in tea or hot chocolate and can highly recommend it. I’m not sure if it’s a Swedish thing or just my family, but we all do it. My English aunt, however, was horrified when she saw me do that! (And I would never do it in public)
I don’t dunk biscuits as I like them to be crunchy, not mushy, but like Donna, I do dunk sandwiches! (Thank you Donna, I thought I was the only one!) I dunk cheese or ham sandwiches in tea or hot chocolate and can highly recommend it. I’m not sure if it’s a Swedish thing or just my family, but we all do it. My English aunt, however, was horrified when she saw me do that! (And I would never do it in public)
There’s a lovely scene in It Happened One Night in which Clark Gable is demonstrating to Claudette Colbert the are to dunking a doughnut in coffee. If you have never seen the movie, you really should. It’s an absolute delight.
As for dunking, I don’t generally, but biscotti stand up well to it, especially in sweetened coffee. I never tried it in wine but I can see it working out well.
There’s a lovely scene in It Happened One Night in which Clark Gable is demonstrating to Claudette Colbert the are to dunking a doughnut in coffee. If you have never seen the movie, you really should. It’s an absolute delight.
As for dunking, I don’t generally, but biscotti stand up well to it, especially in sweetened coffee. I never tried it in wine but I can see it working out well.
There’s a lovely scene in It Happened One Night in which Clark Gable is demonstrating to Claudette Colbert the are to dunking a doughnut in coffee. If you have never seen the movie, you really should. It’s an absolute delight.
As for dunking, I don’t generally, but biscotti stand up well to it, especially in sweetened coffee. I never tried it in wine but I can see it working out well.
There’s a lovely scene in It Happened One Night in which Clark Gable is demonstrating to Claudette Colbert the are to dunking a doughnut in coffee. If you have never seen the movie, you really should. It’s an absolute delight.
As for dunking, I don’t generally, but biscotti stand up well to it, especially in sweetened coffee. I never tried it in wine but I can see it working out well.
There’s a lovely scene in It Happened One Night in which Clark Gable is demonstrating to Claudette Colbert the are to dunking a doughnut in coffee. If you have never seen the movie, you really should. It’s an absolute delight.
As for dunking, I don’t generally, but biscotti stand up well to it, especially in sweetened coffee. I never tried it in wine but I can see it working out well.
Hi, I’m a definite dunker. Shortbread biscuits hits the spot #dunking
Hi, I’m a definite dunker. Shortbread biscuits hits the spot #dunking
Hi, I’m a definite dunker. Shortbread biscuits hits the spot #dunking
Hi, I’m a definite dunker. Shortbread biscuits hits the spot #dunking
Hi, I’m a definite dunker. Shortbread biscuits hits the spot #dunking
Nicola, what a fascinating topic that I never would have even thought to ask! I’m impressed at the survival of that ancient hard tack. *G* I have occasionally dunked things like cookies in the privacy of my own home, but imagination boggles at the thought of dunking a sandwich. At the least, one would need a wide mug!
Nicola, what a fascinating topic that I never would have even thought to ask! I’m impressed at the survival of that ancient hard tack. *G* I have occasionally dunked things like cookies in the privacy of my own home, but imagination boggles at the thought of dunking a sandwich. At the least, one would need a wide mug!
Nicola, what a fascinating topic that I never would have even thought to ask! I’m impressed at the survival of that ancient hard tack. *G* I have occasionally dunked things like cookies in the privacy of my own home, but imagination boggles at the thought of dunking a sandwich. At the least, one would need a wide mug!
Nicola, what a fascinating topic that I never would have even thought to ask! I’m impressed at the survival of that ancient hard tack. *G* I have occasionally dunked things like cookies in the privacy of my own home, but imagination boggles at the thought of dunking a sandwich. At the least, one would need a wide mug!
Nicola, what a fascinating topic that I never would have even thought to ask! I’m impressed at the survival of that ancient hard tack. *G* I have occasionally dunked things like cookies in the privacy of my own home, but imagination boggles at the thought of dunking a sandwich. At the least, one would need a wide mug!
It’s very interesting that you absorbed the idea of it being bad manners as well, Mary. There was definitely a sense of that around and still is if the stats are to be believed! The biscotti/tea combination does sound nice.
Yes, I can’t imagine any pleasure in dunking dry biscuits in wine or beer but I can definitely see how the idea of sweet biscuits and wine caught on.
It’s very interesting that you absorbed the idea of it being bad manners as well, Mary. There was definitely a sense of that around and still is if the stats are to be believed! The biscotti/tea combination does sound nice.
Yes, I can’t imagine any pleasure in dunking dry biscuits in wine or beer but I can definitely see how the idea of sweet biscuits and wine caught on.
It’s very interesting that you absorbed the idea of it being bad manners as well, Mary. There was definitely a sense of that around and still is if the stats are to be believed! The biscotti/tea combination does sound nice.
Yes, I can’t imagine any pleasure in dunking dry biscuits in wine or beer but I can definitely see how the idea of sweet biscuits and wine caught on.
It’s very interesting that you absorbed the idea of it being bad manners as well, Mary. There was definitely a sense of that around and still is if the stats are to be believed! The biscotti/tea combination does sound nice.
Yes, I can’t imagine any pleasure in dunking dry biscuits in wine or beer but I can definitely see how the idea of sweet biscuits and wine caught on.
It’s very interesting that you absorbed the idea of it being bad manners as well, Mary. There was definitely a sense of that around and still is if the stats are to be believed! The biscotti/tea combination does sound nice.
Yes, I can’t imagine any pleasure in dunking dry biscuits in wine or beer but I can definitely see how the idea of sweet biscuits and wine caught on.
Sonya I had always heard Ravens are very clever birds and that definitely proves it!
Sonya I had always heard Ravens are very clever birds and that definitely proves it!
Sonya I had always heard Ravens are very clever birds and that definitely proves it!
Sonya I had always heard Ravens are very clever birds and that definitely proves it!
Sonya I had always heard Ravens are very clever birds and that definitely proves it!
I love how everyone’s dunking secrets are coming out! That’s fascinating, Christina! I might just try the cheese sandwich and hot chocolate combination. Privately, of course!
I love how everyone’s dunking secrets are coming out! That’s fascinating, Christina! I might just try the cheese sandwich and hot chocolate combination. Privately, of course!
I love how everyone’s dunking secrets are coming out! That’s fascinating, Christina! I might just try the cheese sandwich and hot chocolate combination. Privately, of course!
I love how everyone’s dunking secrets are coming out! That’s fascinating, Christina! I might just try the cheese sandwich and hot chocolate combination. Privately, of course!
I love how everyone’s dunking secrets are coming out! That’s fascinating, Christina! I might just try the cheese sandwich and hot chocolate combination. Privately, of course!
What a fun article, Nicola. I was particularly interested to read how the Latin “bis cotum” and French “bis qui” led to the English “biscuit”. With “biscotti”, you can see how Italian is closer to its Latin roots.
I am not a dunker of biscuits/cookies (or sandwiches!), but I have tried it. Thanks again, Nicola!
What a fun article, Nicola. I was particularly interested to read how the Latin “bis cotum” and French “bis qui” led to the English “biscuit”. With “biscotti”, you can see how Italian is closer to its Latin roots.
I am not a dunker of biscuits/cookies (or sandwiches!), but I have tried it. Thanks again, Nicola!
What a fun article, Nicola. I was particularly interested to read how the Latin “bis cotum” and French “bis qui” led to the English “biscuit”. With “biscotti”, you can see how Italian is closer to its Latin roots.
I am not a dunker of biscuits/cookies (or sandwiches!), but I have tried it. Thanks again, Nicola!
What a fun article, Nicola. I was particularly interested to read how the Latin “bis cotum” and French “bis qui” led to the English “biscuit”. With “biscotti”, you can see how Italian is closer to its Latin roots.
I am not a dunker of biscuits/cookies (or sandwiches!), but I have tried it. Thanks again, Nicola!
What a fun article, Nicola. I was particularly interested to read how the Latin “bis cotum” and French “bis qui” led to the English “biscuit”. With “biscotti”, you can see how Italian is closer to its Latin roots.
I am not a dunker of biscuits/cookies (or sandwiches!), but I have tried it. Thanks again, Nicola!
Here in the U. S. we have a commercial brad “cookie” called Oreos. It is a “sandwich cookie”: two chocolate wafers where are the cover for a creamy filling. It has been marketed since it’s inception (probably about 1900) as a cookie to be dunked into milk. I love Oreos, and I love milk, but I have never combined the two. I just feel that I wouldn’t like the texture.
Here in the U. S. we have a commercial brad “cookie” called Oreos. It is a “sandwich cookie”: two chocolate wafers where are the cover for a creamy filling. It has been marketed since it’s inception (probably about 1900) as a cookie to be dunked into milk. I love Oreos, and I love milk, but I have never combined the two. I just feel that I wouldn’t like the texture.
Here in the U. S. we have a commercial brad “cookie” called Oreos. It is a “sandwich cookie”: two chocolate wafers where are the cover for a creamy filling. It has been marketed since it’s inception (probably about 1900) as a cookie to be dunked into milk. I love Oreos, and I love milk, but I have never combined the two. I just feel that I wouldn’t like the texture.
Here in the U. S. we have a commercial brad “cookie” called Oreos. It is a “sandwich cookie”: two chocolate wafers where are the cover for a creamy filling. It has been marketed since it’s inception (probably about 1900) as a cookie to be dunked into milk. I love Oreos, and I love milk, but I have never combined the two. I just feel that I wouldn’t like the texture.
Here in the U. S. we have a commercial brad “cookie” called Oreos. It is a “sandwich cookie”: two chocolate wafers where are the cover for a creamy filling. It has been marketed since it’s inception (probably about 1900) as a cookie to be dunked into milk. I love Oreos, and I love milk, but I have never combined the two. I just feel that I wouldn’t like the texture.
That’s funny, I was just thinking about Oreos, which I generally can do without. I prefer soft cookies or none at all. But occasionally I have dunked an oreo in milk. I prefer to hold the oreos with chopsticks to dunk so I don’t get my fingers wet. Does that make it better mannered? ha ha 🙂
That’s funny, I was just thinking about Oreos, which I generally can do without. I prefer soft cookies or none at all. But occasionally I have dunked an oreo in milk. I prefer to hold the oreos with chopsticks to dunk so I don’t get my fingers wet. Does that make it better mannered? ha ha 🙂
That’s funny, I was just thinking about Oreos, which I generally can do without. I prefer soft cookies or none at all. But occasionally I have dunked an oreo in milk. I prefer to hold the oreos with chopsticks to dunk so I don’t get my fingers wet. Does that make it better mannered? ha ha 🙂
That’s funny, I was just thinking about Oreos, which I generally can do without. I prefer soft cookies or none at all. But occasionally I have dunked an oreo in milk. I prefer to hold the oreos with chopsticks to dunk so I don’t get my fingers wet. Does that make it better mannered? ha ha 🙂
That’s funny, I was just thinking about Oreos, which I generally can do without. I prefer soft cookies or none at all. But occasionally I have dunked an oreo in milk. I prefer to hold the oreos with chopsticks to dunk so I don’t get my fingers wet. Does that make it better mannered? ha ha 🙂
Biscotti are getting a lot of recommendations! I’ve never seen anyone dunk a doughnut.I must check out that scene!
Biscotti are getting a lot of recommendations! I’ve never seen anyone dunk a doughnut.I must check out that scene!
Biscotti are getting a lot of recommendations! I’ve never seen anyone dunk a doughnut.I must check out that scene!
Biscotti are getting a lot of recommendations! I’ve never seen anyone dunk a doughnut.I must check out that scene!
Biscotti are getting a lot of recommendations! I’ve never seen anyone dunk a doughnut.I must check out that scene!
I love shortbread and can imagine that if you get the timing right they would be ideal dunking biscuits!
I love shortbread and can imagine that if you get the timing right they would be ideal dunking biscuits!
I love shortbread and can imagine that if you get the timing right they would be ideal dunking biscuits!
I love shortbread and can imagine that if you get the timing right they would be ideal dunking biscuits!
I love shortbread and can imagine that if you get the timing right they would be ideal dunking biscuits!
Haha! Yes, that’s a practical consideration, Mary Jo. We’ll have to ask Christina for a demonstration!
Haha! Yes, that’s a practical consideration, Mary Jo. We’ll have to ask Christina for a demonstration!
Haha! Yes, that’s a practical consideration, Mary Jo. We’ll have to ask Christina for a demonstration!
Haha! Yes, that’s a practical consideration, Mary Jo. We’ll have to ask Christina for a demonstration!
Haha! Yes, that’s a practical consideration, Mary Jo. We’ll have to ask Christina for a demonstration!
Yes, of course, biscotti comes from the same source. Fascinating!
Yes, of course, biscotti comes from the same source. Fascinating!
Yes, of course, biscotti comes from the same source. Fascinating!
Yes, of course, biscotti comes from the same source. Fascinating!
Yes, of course, biscotti comes from the same source. Fascinating!
A sandwich cookie. Wow! Dunking that sounds deeply indulgent but maybe a bit too much of a good thing?!
A sandwich cookie. Wow! Dunking that sounds deeply indulgent but maybe a bit too much of a good thing?!
A sandwich cookie. Wow! Dunking that sounds deeply indulgent but maybe a bit too much of a good thing?!
A sandwich cookie. Wow! Dunking that sounds deeply indulgent but maybe a bit too much of a good thing?!
A sandwich cookie. Wow! Dunking that sounds deeply indulgent but maybe a bit too much of a good thing?!
I love that you have this special dunking technique Misti! Thank you for sharing!
I love that you have this special dunking technique Misti! Thank you for sharing!
I love that you have this special dunking technique Misti! Thank you for sharing!
I love that you have this special dunking technique Misti! Thank you for sharing!
I love that you have this special dunking technique Misti! Thank you for sharing!
I’m not a dunker at all! In fact, I hate cereal in milk. I couldn’t eat it as a kid and haven’t changed as an adult. I love soft, chewey cookies and they don’t need to be dunked. As for wine, I love pieces of fruit in it – like strawberries or peaches. Peaches in Chardonnay, perfect.
I’m not a dunker at all! In fact, I hate cereal in milk. I couldn’t eat it as a kid and haven’t changed as an adult. I love soft, chewey cookies and they don’t need to be dunked. As for wine, I love pieces of fruit in it – like strawberries or peaches. Peaches in Chardonnay, perfect.
I’m not a dunker at all! In fact, I hate cereal in milk. I couldn’t eat it as a kid and haven’t changed as an adult. I love soft, chewey cookies and they don’t need to be dunked. As for wine, I love pieces of fruit in it – like strawberries or peaches. Peaches in Chardonnay, perfect.
I’m not a dunker at all! In fact, I hate cereal in milk. I couldn’t eat it as a kid and haven’t changed as an adult. I love soft, chewey cookies and they don’t need to be dunked. As for wine, I love pieces of fruit in it – like strawberries or peaches. Peaches in Chardonnay, perfect.
I’m not a dunker at all! In fact, I hate cereal in milk. I couldn’t eat it as a kid and haven’t changed as an adult. I love soft, chewey cookies and they don’t need to be dunked. As for wine, I love pieces of fruit in it – like strawberries or peaches. Peaches in Chardonnay, perfect.
The only thing I ever dunk is biscotti in coffee when I go to an Italian restaurant. I rarely eat cookies or biscuits any more but when I was a kid we ate a lot of digestive biscuits and I was a major league dunker. Unfortunately, half the time the dunked portion of the biscuit inevitably ended up at the bottom of my teacup and I had to drink the rest while straining it through my teeth!
The only thing I ever dunk is biscotti in coffee when I go to an Italian restaurant. I rarely eat cookies or biscuits any more but when I was a kid we ate a lot of digestive biscuits and I was a major league dunker. Unfortunately, half the time the dunked portion of the biscuit inevitably ended up at the bottom of my teacup and I had to drink the rest while straining it through my teeth!
The only thing I ever dunk is biscotti in coffee when I go to an Italian restaurant. I rarely eat cookies or biscuits any more but when I was a kid we ate a lot of digestive biscuits and I was a major league dunker. Unfortunately, half the time the dunked portion of the biscuit inevitably ended up at the bottom of my teacup and I had to drink the rest while straining it through my teeth!
The only thing I ever dunk is biscotti in coffee when I go to an Italian restaurant. I rarely eat cookies or biscuits any more but when I was a kid we ate a lot of digestive biscuits and I was a major league dunker. Unfortunately, half the time the dunked portion of the biscuit inevitably ended up at the bottom of my teacup and I had to drink the rest while straining it through my teeth!
The only thing I ever dunk is biscotti in coffee when I go to an Italian restaurant. I rarely eat cookies or biscuits any more but when I was a kid we ate a lot of digestive biscuits and I was a major league dunker. Unfortunately, half the time the dunked portion of the biscuit inevitably ended up at the bottom of my teacup and I had to drink the rest while straining it through my teeth!
I will dunk ginger nuts in coffee. However, in Australia it depends on where you live or are visiting (when not in lockdown) as to whether or not you’d find that palatable because Arnott’s Biscuits are made from different recipes in each state. In NSW they are quite hard. As for dunking with alcohol then I only do that with the Italian Biscotti.
I will dunk ginger nuts in coffee. However, in Australia it depends on where you live or are visiting (when not in lockdown) as to whether or not you’d find that palatable because Arnott’s Biscuits are made from different recipes in each state. In NSW they are quite hard. As for dunking with alcohol then I only do that with the Italian Biscotti.
I will dunk ginger nuts in coffee. However, in Australia it depends on where you live or are visiting (when not in lockdown) as to whether or not you’d find that palatable because Arnott’s Biscuits are made from different recipes in each state. In NSW they are quite hard. As for dunking with alcohol then I only do that with the Italian Biscotti.
I will dunk ginger nuts in coffee. However, in Australia it depends on where you live or are visiting (when not in lockdown) as to whether or not you’d find that palatable because Arnott’s Biscuits are made from different recipes in each state. In NSW they are quite hard. As for dunking with alcohol then I only do that with the Italian Biscotti.
I will dunk ginger nuts in coffee. However, in Australia it depends on where you live or are visiting (when not in lockdown) as to whether or not you’d find that palatable because Arnott’s Biscuits are made from different recipes in each state. In NSW they are quite hard. As for dunking with alcohol then I only do that with the Italian Biscotti.
I love a soft cookie too, Jeanne. Absolutely no need to dunk those! And the Peaches in Chardonnay sounds delicious!
I love a soft cookie too, Jeanne. Absolutely no need to dunk those! And the Peaches in Chardonnay sounds delicious!
I love a soft cookie too, Jeanne. Absolutely no need to dunk those! And the Peaches in Chardonnay sounds delicious!
I love a soft cookie too, Jeanne. Absolutely no need to dunk those! And the Peaches in Chardonnay sounds delicious!
I love a soft cookie too, Jeanne. Absolutely no need to dunk those! And the Peaches in Chardonnay sounds delicious!
A “major league dunker” is a great description, Janet!
A “major league dunker” is a great description, Janet!
A “major league dunker” is a great description, Janet!
A “major league dunker” is a great description, Janet!
A “major league dunker” is a great description, Janet!
Gosh that’s interesting about the biscuits being made from different recipes in different states, Robyn. I would never have imagined that!
Gosh that’s interesting about the biscuits being made from different recipes in different states, Robyn. I would never have imagined that!
Gosh that’s interesting about the biscuits being made from different recipes in different states, Robyn. I would never have imagined that!
Gosh that’s interesting about the biscuits being made from different recipes in different states, Robyn. I would never have imagined that!
Gosh that’s interesting about the biscuits being made from different recipes in different states, Robyn. I would never have imagined that!
I found the dunking scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7bMooFibAM
I found the dunking scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7bMooFibAM
I found the dunking scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7bMooFibAM
I found the dunking scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7bMooFibAM
I found the dunking scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7bMooFibAM
You can actually buy on Amazon a sickle-shaped gadget to hold your Oreo fir dunking.
You can actually buy on Amazon a sickle-shaped gadget to hold your Oreo fir dunking.
You can actually buy on Amazon a sickle-shaped gadget to hold your Oreo fir dunking.
You can actually buy on Amazon a sickle-shaped gadget to hold your Oreo fir dunking.
You can actually buy on Amazon a sickle-shaped gadget to hold your Oreo fir dunking.
In the US, a biscuit is something like a scone, though I’d never mistake one for the other. (I’ve never heard of crackers being called biscuits here, BTW.) Biscuits are served under stew, smothered in gravy, simply buttered for breakfast, as a side with Southern-fried chicken or fish, or with honey and butter for a snack. Definitely not dunking material!
What I do sometimes dunk are biscotti, when I want an indulgent experience. And sometimes I don’t, when I want a dentally visceral experience. (Read: I like crunch.) I buy Nonnie’s dark chocolate almond biscotti by the case in cooler months (so the chocolate doesn’t melt on my doorstep) and dole them out, one or two a day. Yes, I’m biscotti obsessed. I put them at the top of my food pyramid, for sure.
In the US, a biscuit is something like a scone, though I’d never mistake one for the other. (I’ve never heard of crackers being called biscuits here, BTW.) Biscuits are served under stew, smothered in gravy, simply buttered for breakfast, as a side with Southern-fried chicken or fish, or with honey and butter for a snack. Definitely not dunking material!
What I do sometimes dunk are biscotti, when I want an indulgent experience. And sometimes I don’t, when I want a dentally visceral experience. (Read: I like crunch.) I buy Nonnie’s dark chocolate almond biscotti by the case in cooler months (so the chocolate doesn’t melt on my doorstep) and dole them out, one or two a day. Yes, I’m biscotti obsessed. I put them at the top of my food pyramid, for sure.
In the US, a biscuit is something like a scone, though I’d never mistake one for the other. (I’ve never heard of crackers being called biscuits here, BTW.) Biscuits are served under stew, smothered in gravy, simply buttered for breakfast, as a side with Southern-fried chicken or fish, or with honey and butter for a snack. Definitely not dunking material!
What I do sometimes dunk are biscotti, when I want an indulgent experience. And sometimes I don’t, when I want a dentally visceral experience. (Read: I like crunch.) I buy Nonnie’s dark chocolate almond biscotti by the case in cooler months (so the chocolate doesn’t melt on my doorstep) and dole them out, one or two a day. Yes, I’m biscotti obsessed. I put them at the top of my food pyramid, for sure.
In the US, a biscuit is something like a scone, though I’d never mistake one for the other. (I’ve never heard of crackers being called biscuits here, BTW.) Biscuits are served under stew, smothered in gravy, simply buttered for breakfast, as a side with Southern-fried chicken or fish, or with honey and butter for a snack. Definitely not dunking material!
What I do sometimes dunk are biscotti, when I want an indulgent experience. And sometimes I don’t, when I want a dentally visceral experience. (Read: I like crunch.) I buy Nonnie’s dark chocolate almond biscotti by the case in cooler months (so the chocolate doesn’t melt on my doorstep) and dole them out, one or two a day. Yes, I’m biscotti obsessed. I put them at the top of my food pyramid, for sure.
In the US, a biscuit is something like a scone, though I’d never mistake one for the other. (I’ve never heard of crackers being called biscuits here, BTW.) Biscuits are served under stew, smothered in gravy, simply buttered for breakfast, as a side with Southern-fried chicken or fish, or with honey and butter for a snack. Definitely not dunking material!
What I do sometimes dunk are biscotti, when I want an indulgent experience. And sometimes I don’t, when I want a dentally visceral experience. (Read: I like crunch.) I buy Nonnie’s dark chocolate almond biscotti by the case in cooler months (so the chocolate doesn’t melt on my doorstep) and dole them out, one or two a day. Yes, I’m biscotti obsessed. I put them at the top of my food pyramid, for sure.
Thank you for this terrific post.
And in answer to your question – you’re darn right I do.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thank you for this terrific post.
And in answer to your question – you’re darn right I do.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thank you for this terrific post.
And in answer to your question – you’re darn right I do.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thank you for this terrific post.
And in answer to your question – you’re darn right I do.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thank you for this terrific post.
And in answer to your question – you’re darn right I do.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thank you for sharing that, Anne!
Thank you for sharing that, Anne!
Thank you for sharing that, Anne!
Thank you for sharing that, Anne!
Thank you for sharing that, Anne!
No!!! Oh my goodness, that really is amazing!
No!!! Oh my goodness, that really is amazing!
No!!! Oh my goodness, that really is amazing!
No!!! Oh my goodness, that really is amazing!
No!!! Oh my goodness, that really is amazing!
I love the differences in language (and biscuits!) Mary. Biscuits smothered in gravy! And chocolate almond biscotti sound amazing!
I love the differences in language (and biscuits!) Mary. Biscuits smothered in gravy! And chocolate almond biscotti sound amazing!
I love the differences in language (and biscuits!) Mary. Biscuits smothered in gravy! And chocolate almond biscotti sound amazing!
I love the differences in language (and biscuits!) Mary. Biscuits smothered in gravy! And chocolate almond biscotti sound amazing!
I love the differences in language (and biscuits!) Mary. Biscuits smothered in gravy! And chocolate almond biscotti sound amazing!
LOL, Annette! That’s an emphatic yes!
LOL, Annette! That’s an emphatic yes!
LOL, Annette! That’s an emphatic yes!
LOL, Annette! That’s an emphatic yes!
LOL, Annette! That’s an emphatic yes!
Oreos aren’t an overly large cookie. Maybe 3.5 cm diameter, and 1 cm thick. So too much of a good thing occurs if one can’t put down the package. There are seasonal flavors too. Each with a different colored cream filling. Orange -Halloween, red Christmas, mint flavored etc. The Oreo debate is: does one twist the cookie to separate and eat the cream first, or leave the cookie intact… The “cream” is stiff so usually involves some scraping with teeth. Not a pretty look…
Oreos aren’t an overly large cookie. Maybe 3.5 cm diameter, and 1 cm thick. So too much of a good thing occurs if one can’t put down the package. There are seasonal flavors too. Each with a different colored cream filling. Orange -Halloween, red Christmas, mint flavored etc. The Oreo debate is: does one twist the cookie to separate and eat the cream first, or leave the cookie intact… The “cream” is stiff so usually involves some scraping with teeth. Not a pretty look…
Oreos aren’t an overly large cookie. Maybe 3.5 cm diameter, and 1 cm thick. So too much of a good thing occurs if one can’t put down the package. There are seasonal flavors too. Each with a different colored cream filling. Orange -Halloween, red Christmas, mint flavored etc. The Oreo debate is: does one twist the cookie to separate and eat the cream first, or leave the cookie intact… The “cream” is stiff so usually involves some scraping with teeth. Not a pretty look…
Oreos aren’t an overly large cookie. Maybe 3.5 cm diameter, and 1 cm thick. So too much of a good thing occurs if one can’t put down the package. There are seasonal flavors too. Each with a different colored cream filling. Orange -Halloween, red Christmas, mint flavored etc. The Oreo debate is: does one twist the cookie to separate and eat the cream first, or leave the cookie intact… The “cream” is stiff so usually involves some scraping with teeth. Not a pretty look…
Oreos aren’t an overly large cookie. Maybe 3.5 cm diameter, and 1 cm thick. So too much of a good thing occurs if one can’t put down the package. There are seasonal flavors too. Each with a different colored cream filling. Orange -Halloween, red Christmas, mint flavored etc. The Oreo debate is: does one twist the cookie to separate and eat the cream first, or leave the cookie intact… The “cream” is stiff so usually involves some scraping with teeth. Not a pretty look…
Hmm, I see what you mean about it not being a good look, Martha, but I love the idea of the seasonal flavours!
Hmm, I see what you mean about it not being a good look, Martha, but I love the idea of the seasonal flavours!
Hmm, I see what you mean about it not being a good look, Martha, but I love the idea of the seasonal flavours!
Hmm, I see what you mean about it not being a good look, Martha, but I love the idea of the seasonal flavours!
Hmm, I see what you mean about it not being a good look, Martha, but I love the idea of the seasonal flavours!