6 Comments
May 24Liked by Julia Watson

Goodness! How nice to be reminded of brandy snaps. A childhood favourite. I had no idea brandy had nothing to do with them. Fascinating!

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Food's history is also about language - always a surprise.

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May 22Liked by Julia Watson

One question: if Golden Syrup was invented in 1881, how were brandy snaps made as far back as 1279?

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😅 Bang on question. To which I have no answer. I imagine honey, the first discovered sweetener, or defrutum, from fruits, must have been the syrup. They couldn't have created quite the same 'filigree-d' cookie, I don't think. But you cross a Yorkshire man at your peril so I shan't inquire further.

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You'd have to be foolhardy indeed to challenge a Yorkshireman!

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Or own a suit of armour.

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