30 May 2006
The first chocolate thing:
Unexpected Tim Tams from the generous Fiona! It seems like Tim Tams have been getting their fair share of blog time around the world lately, but does everybody know about the Tim Tam/Penguin rivalry? Tim Tams are chocolate-covered, chocolate-creme-filled, chocolate biscuits that come from Australia. Penguins are chocolate-covered, chocolate-creme-filled, chocolate biscuits that come from the UK. Which one is better? Well, it depends who you talk to, of course.
I thought I was unbiased -- why choose favourites when you might as well have both, no? And I still haven't made up my mind, but here are some things to consider: Tim Tams -- lighter and crunchier biscuit, smoother creme, sweeter chocolate. Penguins -- denser biscuit, more chocolate (I think?), a joke on every wrapper. My ideal would be Tim Tam creme and Penguin everything else.
Of course, there's the Tim Tam Slam to consider. This consists of nibbling off either end of the chocolate coating and then proceeding to slurp hot tea (or coffee) through the biscuit straw. I've heard that this is possible only with Tim Tams, because the denser Penguin biscuit inhibits the flow of tea. Colleague James tried the Tim Tam Slam this morning and dubbed it simultaneously 'disgusting and wonderful' (or something to that effect).
For further reading on Tim Tams, Penguins, and other amazing biscuits, check out A Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down by Nicey and Wifey. I laughed at every single page, and that's not even hyperbole. Rob actually had to tell me to stop snickering, because he couldn't concentrate.
Here is something chocolate-coloured:
I imagine every bird picture looks the same to most people, but I still like to post them. I like when the finches stand slightly upright and drop their wings a little (moreso than in this picture); they look like little penguins. And also like Penguins, finches cannot be used to drink tea, due to their dense, biscuity core.
Aaah. A Tim Tam slam with a caramel Tim Tam wins hands down every time. My best friend came back from her year out with the joys of this! It has been so long.... where are all my Australian friends with their constant supply?
posted by Roo at May 30, 2006 10:55 PM
I confess I do NOT like Tim Tams - at all - completely overated!!
I will probably get lynched, but just so you know, not all Australians bow to the God Tim or Tam...
posted by Edwina at May 31, 2006 12:39 AM
My backtack 2 partner sent me Tim Tams and I thought they were going to be pretty inedible, along the lines of cheapo cookies in the US. Boy was I wrong. I literally could not stop eating them. I think my husband got one and my kids got, well, um, something like, zero each.
:)
posted by angharad at May 31, 2006 03:25 AM
Sure, go ahead and flaunt your chocolate-creme-filled-chocolatey-biscuit dilemma to all us poor Americans whose only chocolate-creme-biscuit choice is Oreos. Hmmph.
Also, great pics from your house! Totally jealous on the food front and the waterfront! ; )
posted by Sarah at May 31, 2006 02:05 PM
Lovely post, the chocolate looked so delicious. When I lived in england I don't think I ever ate a Penguin, i was all about the flake bar. I couldn't get enough of them....I hear in Brighton they stick them in ice cream and call it a day....what a delightful little thing.
posted by Jessica at June 1, 2006 04:07 AM
When I lived in Cyprus I missed my Tim Tams badly but then I discoverd those UK Penguin biscuits - they were very similar but I think Tim Tams are a tad better
posted by Anastasia at June 1, 2006 08:47 AM
While I have no experience with Tim Tams, I have to post to say I love your bird pics, and they certainly do not look all the same! They are lovely. Thank you for sharing them.
posted by Carolyn at June 1, 2006 07:53 PM
Am living in Oz, but born in UK. Still prefer Penquins!
The Bear reckons that you nibble off each end of yr timtam and suck PORT through it!
BTW I do like the special edition Timtams that are covered in dark choc. with just a hint of chilli.
posted by herhimnbryn at June 2, 2006 02:56 AM
I live in Australia and rarely eat Tim Tams, something about taking it for granted until I have been reading about them all over blog land. Now I just want to get dressed and go out and get some! anyone who is curious email me and we can arrange a swap? but not if you are in summer, they melt pretty quick.
posted by Miss Dot at June 2, 2006 02:40 PM
Mmmmmmm Tim Tams.... Oh and vegemite on saos....so very Australian!!!
posted by kylie d at June 6, 2006 02:18 PM
You can also suck port, brandy, or whisky through them - it makes for a heck of a girls night!
posted by sharonb at June 9, 2006 10:44 AM