Digestive

The name comes from the nineteenth-century belief that bicarbonate of soda in the dough helped with digestion. It is a traditional name, not a guarantee of any special effect.

Dip it briefly rather than leaving it to soak, and hold it flat so it is supported across the cup. A plain Digestive softens quickly once wet.

Crush the biscuits finely, mix with melted butter until the crumbs hold together when pressed, then pack firmly into the tin. Chill for at least 30 minutes before adding the filling.

Try it with a slice of Cheddar for a sweet-and-savoury snack, or spread it with peanut butter. Crumbled Digestives also add crunch to yoghurt, ice cream and fruit desserts.

Once opened, seal them in an airtight tin or container and keep it in a cool, dry cupboard. If they soften, spread them on a baking tray and warm them briefly in a low oven, then cool completely before sealing.

Plain oat biscuits or graham crackers make a similar crumb base; crush them and bind with melted butter in the same way. Oat biscuits tend to give the base a more pronounced toasted flavour.