Marshmallow Teacakes

nelliethehooker
nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
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edited April 25 in Food & Drink #1

Who doesn't love a marshmallow teacake, especially Tunnocks? Here is an interesting tale about the biscuit.

When Royal Air Force pilots discovered chocolate-coated marshmallow teacakes expanded at high altitudes, they became “the subject of some rather unscientific in-flight experiments” in the 1950s.
⁠Air crews removed their silver foil packaging and perched them around the cabin for observation: The marshmallows swelled as pressure changed. Eventually, they became too big to eat in one bite. ⁠
⁠Many noted that, despite the extreme physical effects, the expansion didn’t compromise the taste. ⁠
⁠But the expanding teacakes’ fame was short-lived. After a period of marshmallow fever aboard the V-Bombers departing from Gaydon air base, an explosion put a stop to the fun. ⁠
⁠During the summer of 1965, a captain and student pilot forgot they had placed unwrapped teacakes above their instrument panels. When the captain pulled an emergency depressurizing switch during a training mission, the treats erupted. ⁠
⁠Shards of chocolate and marshmallow hit the windshield, flight controls, and the mens’ uniforms. Shortly thereafter, the RAF put marshmallows on their no-fly list.

Comments

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 26 #2

    Brilliant tale Nellie👏👏I love things like this. Like Tunnocks Teacakes as well, but like Tunnocks Wafers even more. Doubt they would blow up though🤔😁

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited April 26 #3

    25 yeas or so  ago the Marketing Manager of Tunnocks was on the same tour as ourselves and others and he had brought along ample supplies of samples for participants. I was hooked on the biscuit bar forever after. I suspect I was not the only regular customer Tunnocks gained that trip.

    peedee

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 26 #4

    First time I had a Tunnocks Teacake was when we were visiting one of Margaret's relatives in Newcastle so I had manage to escape them for much of my lifewink I do quite like them but prefer the dark chocolate version which not so many shops seem to sell?

    David

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 27 #5

    I love the Dark Chocolate Tunnocks as well. As you say DK, not as available, but you do see them in nice Deli’s, and more in Scotland.

    Another Northern based institution (for tea and biscuits) is Rington’s, with their little black and gold vans. We are on the Southern Border of their delivery scheme, and the van calls here every fortnight. Can give Tunnocks a run for their money, lots of biscuits, teas and coffees, and seasonal gifts, all very nice. Available on line if you are South of Derbyshire. OH’s Mum was from NE, so he was early indoctrinated.🙂

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 27 #6

    And how about their Caramel Wafers? Tunnocks at their best!

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 27 #7
  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 27 #8