Garibaldi biscuits are known by many other names, including squashed fly biscuits, dead fly biscuits, flies' graveyard, fly sandwiches, and fly traps. It is the black currants spread over the biscuits that give the resemblance of flies. Garibaldi biscuits are much loved in the UK, especially ones from Crawford's brand.

Crawford's is one of the oldest biscuit factories in the UK, and when it was flourishing, it was also one of the largest. They manufacture delicious Garibaldi biscuits along with a few more types of biscuits.

What are the Essential Ingredients of Crawford’s Garibaldi Biscuits?

Crawford's Garibaldi Biscuits are mainly made from black currants, wheat flour, dried skimmed milk, sugar, and glucose syrup, along with a few more ingredients.

How Did the Biscuits Get the Name - Garibaldi Biscuits?

The history behind how Garibaldi biscuits got their name is an interesting one. Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi was a famous Italian general, revolutionary, and patriot who played a major role in the unification of Italy. On his way to New York, when Garibaldi arrived in the UK in 1854, he was already a hero. Soon, he conquered Naples and Sicily, and the news was covered by many important British news outlets.

It is probably Garibaldi’s popularity that made the Bermondsey biscuit company Peek Freans in 1861 name a biscuit after him. The name was given by Jonathan Dodgson Carr who held an important position in the company.

Because of his popularity at the time, there are several explanations for why an Italian commander was named after a British biscuit innovation. Some of these theories are darker than others, such as one that claims Garibaldi and his redshirts were once forced to dip their stale sliced bread in horse blood and berries. Others argue that after conquering Sicily, Garibaldi fell in love with a particular type of bun filled with beef spleen, which was why he liked dark-coloured meals. It is this thought that the biscuit makers used to create their biscuits using berries, figs, and raisins.

The most likely explanation is that Peek Freans chose to capitalize on Garibaldi's name at the time and attach his name to the biscuit to increase sales.

About Crawford’s

In 1856, William Crawford took over an existing Scottish company that used to make ship's biscuits. Crawford, along with his sons, established two big factories in Liverpool and Leith. It is said that Crawford's is one of the oldest biscuit factories in the UK. Around this time, Garibaldi was also getting famous, and the company was expanding its business by making ship biscuits. Garibaldi biscuits were also added to the production list. Since then, Crawford's Garibaldi biscuits have been a part of the UK households and have delighted the taste buds of all.

Relishing Crawford’s Garibaldi Biscuits

Here are some interesting ways to enjoy Crawford's Garibaldi besides just having them plain:

Cheese - Create a simple cheese board with Garibaldi biscuits. The sweetness of the biscuits complements various kinds of cheese, offering a balance of flavours.

Dessert Topping - Crush Garibaldi biscuits and use them as a topping for desserts including ice cream, yogurt, or puddings. The texture of the biscuits adds a crunchy texture to your favourite sweets.

Ice Cream Sandwiches - Prepare ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favourite ice cream in between two Garibaldi biscuits.

Biscuit Trifle - Use Garibaldi biscuits in a trifle dessert. Layer them with custard, whipped cream, and fresh fruits for a delicious and visually appealing dessert.

Dunking in Chocolate - Dip Garibaldi biscuits in melted chocolate to add a chocolatey layer to the sweet and fruity taste. Allow the chocolate to set for a delightful treat.

Biscuit Crust - Crush Garibaldi biscuits and use them as a base for pie crusts or cheesecake crusts. The currant-filled biscuits add a unique twist to traditional crusts.

Garibaldi Parfait - Create a parfait by layering Garibaldi biscuit pieces with yogurt or whipped cream. Add fresh berries or fruit compote for extra flavour.

Bread Pudding - Incorporate Garibaldi biscuits into bread pudding for a fruity and flavourful twist. The biscuits add texture and sweetness to the dessert.

Chocolate Spread Sandwich - Spread chocolate hazelnut spread or Cadbury Chocolate Spread between two Garibaldi biscuits to create a sweet sandwich.

Breakfast Cereal Topper - Crush Garibaldi biscuits and sprinkle them over your morning cereal or oatmeal for a unique and tasty topping.

Picnic Snack - Pack Garibaldi biscuits as a convenient and satisfying snack for picnics. They are easy to carry and share.

Recipes

Garibaldi Biscuit Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed Crawford Garibaldi biscuits
• 16 oz softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup currants or raisins
• Zest of one lemon
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation

• Get ready the oven to 325°F OR 163°C and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mix the crushed Garibaldi biscuits with melted butter. Place the mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
• Beat the cream cheese in a different bowl till it becomes smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until well combined.
• Fold in the currants or raisins and lemon zest.
• Add the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit crust and spread it evenly.
• Bake it for 25-30 minutes or till the edges get set and the centre is slightly jiggly.
• Let the cheesecake bars cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Once chilled and set, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar.

Garibaldi Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients

• Crawford Garibaldi biscuits
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chopped nuts or sprinkles

Instructions

• Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly.
• Take one Garibaldi biscuit and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it.
• Top with another Garibaldi biscuit, creating a sandwich.
• Roll all the sides of your ice cream sandwiches in chopped nuts or sprinkles.
• Keep the ice cream sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, they are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful treat.

This is a very easy to prepare dessert especially when you have unexpected guests and you are looking to treat them with something special. They are also perfect for small gatherings or children's parties.