A BRIEF HISTORY OF BISCUITS AND CAKES By Tim Lambert Early Cakes
and Biscuits The word biscuit is derived from the Latin words
bis cotus, meaning twice baked. The idea of making biscuits goes
back to the Romans. However biscuits as we know them were
developed in the late Middle Ages. People have eaten pancakes
since the Middle Ages. (The earliest recipe dates from the 15th
century). At that time people were supposed to fast certain
foods during Lent, the 40 days before Easter. They were also
supposed to confess their sins. The old word for confess was
shrive so the day when confessions were made was shrive or
shriven Tuesday. Later it became Shrove Tuesday. At that time
making pancakes was a useful way of using up food like butter,
eggs and milk before the period of fasting. The Tudors were also
fond of sweet foods (if they could afford them). The rich ate
preserved fruit, gingerbread, sugared almonds and jelly. However
in the 16th century sugar was very expensive so most people used
honey to sweeten their fo