Sweet Discovery: The Tim Tam Slam

So, I have a friend named Julie.

Julie's pretty great. There are many reasons why, but this week, two in particular stand out: first, the cookies she made the other day: malted corn flake cookies, inspired by Christina Tosi of MilkBar and author of Milk . And she shared these delicious cookies with me.

Two: Today, she introduced me to an activity known as the Tim Tam Slam. 

What's a Tim Tam Slam, you ask? Prepare to be amazed.

To understand the Slam, first, you must know what a Tim Tam is. It's a confection that hails from Australia, manufactured by a company called Arnott's. It is composed of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, separated by chocolate cream filling, and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate.

And it's a popular treat. According to Arnott's, around 35 million packs are sold each year. Like, whoa.

How was it invented? Per this article, inventor Ian Norris "first thought of the Tim Tam in 1958 while on a world trip for the company, searching for new ideas. In Britain, he came upon the Penguin, a type of chocolate-coated biscuit sandwich. "I thought that was not a bad idea for a biscuit ... we'll make a better one," he recalled."

Where'd it get that funny name? Per the treat's official website, "Tim Tam biscuits were named after a horse that won the Kentucky Derby! In 1958 Ross Arnott attended the race day and decided ‘Tim Tam’ was the perfect name for his new biscuit."

OK, OK. So now you are acquainted with the Tam. But what about the Slam? As I learned here, it is "a tradition Down Under of dunking and sucking tea through a chocolate biscuit." 

As I further learned on Wikipedia, 

Opposite corners of the Tim Tam are bitten off, one end is submerged in the drink, and the drink sucked through the biscuit. The crisp inside biscuit is softened and the outer chocolate coating begins to melt.

Ideally, the inside of the biscuit should collapse with the outside remaining intact long enough for the liquid to reach the mouth. Refrigerating or similar processes help to preserve the outside coating while allowing the inside of the biscuit to dissolve into a warm, creamy centre. The thicker chocolate coating on the Double Coat Tim Tam offers a more stable structure to prevent a premature collapse. The caramel centre of the Chewy Caramel variety helps to hold the biscuit together for a slightly longer time - contributing to enhanced enjoyment. When the biscuit structure collapses it is typically pushed into the mouth. This activity is often performed for show in front of large groups of people.

I know, I know. The best sporting event ever, right!? I don't know about you, but I am pretty ready to try it out myself. But not just because it sounds delicious...because celebrities do it, too:

For more, visit the Tim Tam website!

Comments

[Kathryn D]

Tim Tams are incredible. Are they even available State-side anymore? I know Pepperidge Farm brought them back for awhile but I haven't seen them.
I'll have to try the Slam next time I can snag some!

[EB]

I loved these when I was in Australia. I still make my friends there send me some occasionally. BTW it totally works with chocolate covered graham crackers (nifty trick my dad taught us as kids).

[Cara]

Tim Tams are totally available in the US! Not only does my local Fred Meyer have the Pepperidge Farm ones (though I believe they are inferior to the real thing), but Cost Plus World Market has them!!! They are just called "Arnott's" there though. But they sometimes have the Mint Slice and the Caramel ones too, which is awesome. Also, the best most decadent way to do a Tim Tam Slam in my opinion is with Hot Chocolate... Heavenly...

[Jessica]

I agree with Cara, you get a white choc Tim Tam and drink a milk hot chocolate through it....pure bliss!!!!
The best part though is jamming the biscuit into you mouth JUST before it completely collapses!

[JD]

I have found a Tim Tam Slam song =D

http://malwebb.customer.netspace.net.au/timtam.html

enjoy

[Sohroosh]

Just got a box of Tim Tams as a gift yesterday. I'm stoked now!

[Colleen]

I love Penguin biscuits, so I'm going to have to try Tim Tams if I'm ever in Australia (that, or make the effort to find them here.) xoColleen

PS. I just received a lovely CakeSpy holiday card from a friend today! Love it!

[Sami - From Oz]

I haven't done this in years. I need to drop into the supermarker and grab a packet of TimTams now... mmmmm :)

[Tim Tam Lover!]

I LOVE Tim Tams ... they are a girls best friend, but to be honest, I think Tim Tam slam is a waste of a Tim Tam! They are best eaten as they are. I believe the TIm Tams that are in the US (Target etc) are not the real Australian ones - you may have to go to a speciality shop. Check out the Malaysian flavoured Tim Tam - http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8393546/cheese-tim-tams-a-big-hit-in-indonesia eweeee!