Build Your Best Biscuit

Ever wondered where biscuits come from? For starters, the word biscuit comes from Latin word “biscotus”, which means “twice baked”. Soldiers in ancient Rome used to carry the “biscotus” – which was a hard, flat, very unexciting type of biscuit – in their rations. For centuries the simple biscuit became a staple food for military personnel and on seafaring voyages, where it was also known as “ship’s biscuit” and “sea biscuit”.

The southern-style American biscuit we know and love today wouldn’t have been possible without the introduction of baking soda in the 1700s, which gave biscuits a chance to level up. Fast forward to 1875, when Alexander P. Ashbourne, a black Philly native born into slavery who went on to own his on grocery, obtained patent number 170,460 for a new and improved biscuit cutter. Ashbourne’s biscuit cutter allowed for multiple biscuits to be shaped in dough at once.

Biscuits have come a long way since their ancient and militaristic roots of a twice-baked and twice-as-hard provision. The southern biscuit and its many variations from honey, to raisin or cheddar, have become one of the ultimate sides and appetizers. But how do you like them best? Try the Interactive Tasty recipe above and show us your favorite biscuit.