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Nigel Slater's Great British Biscuit

Documentary in which Nigel Slater looks at the history of the humble biscuit and asks what makes Britain a nation of ardent biscuit eaters like no other in the world.

Nigel Slater takes us on a nostalgic, funny and heart-warming journey back in time - through the biscuit tins of mum and dad, the doilies and saucers of aunties and grannies, the lunch boxes of friends and siblings. Nigel charts the origins of the humble biscuit, from its vital contribution to Britain's nautical dominance of the globe, through to the biscuit tin becoming that most ubiquitous of household items. He explores the history of our most famous brands, uncovering the Georgian and Quaker origins of the biscuits we love and eat today, meeting eccentric biscuit anoraks who have dedicated their lives to a love of these simple baked treats and meeting scientists who squash, dunk and ignite biscuits for research purposes.

Nigel recalls the biscuits he found in his lunch box, the ones he cherished and the ones that would shape his formative years.

He asks why it is, that of all the treats we indulge in on a regular basis, the biscuit has become such a dependable culinary companion. What makes Britain a nation of ardent biscuit eaters like no other in the world, with a Β£2.3 billion industry to match?

1 hour

Last on

Wed 30 Nov 2016 01:00

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Nigel Slater
Executive Producer Jane Merkin
Director Mark Adderley

Broadcasts

Nigel Slater's Recipes

Discover Nigel Slater's own recipes on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Food