Spot On

I love digestive biscuits, and McVitie's are my favorite. I prefer the plain biscuits, and I've tried a good many different biscuit recipes, looking for the same tender crunchy not too sweet wholemeal flavor. They were all good, but none were quite like the real thing, until today:



This recipe is compiled from several sources, changed to US measurements, and tweaked to my taste, which is for less sugar and oatmeal than most of the recipes called for. The dough is easy to handle and roll out, they smell fantastic while baking, and they are just about spot on for McVitie's texture and flavor.

Easy Digestives

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose or bread flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp oatmeal (rolled or quick)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (8 oz) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk

Cream the butter and sugar.
Add the dry ingredients and beat or stir (mixture will be crumbly).
Stir in the milk to make a firm dough.
Knead the dough a few times.
Roll out very thin, and cut into your favorite biscuit shape.
(or if hungry and in a hurry, just cut into squares).
Poke with a fork (to allow steam to escape and make them crisper).
Bake at 375 F (190 C, Gas mark 5) for 15 minutes.
Try not to eat them all right before supper.

Baking for Britain has a fine writeup about the history of digestives, with some traditional recipes.