Why we love a Dorset Knob

The words ‘love’ and ‘knob’ are not normally uttered in the same sentence. Unless you’re talking about the iconic creations by the Moores bakery. Since the late 1800s this family bakery from the small town of Bridport in Dorset, southern England, has been making a small savoury biscuit known as the Dorset Knob. But what’s in a name...?

The story of the Dorset Knob

The story of the Dorset Knob begins in the 1880s. By this time, the Moores family has already been baking in Dorset for over 20 years. Using the leftover dough from a morning’s bread production, the family comes up with a new recipe. They mould the dough into small rounds, resembling a ‘Dorset Knob’ button, a piece of traditional embroidery from this part of England. The dough is proved and baked overnight in the falling heat of the wood-fired oven. The following morning, the biscuits would emerge crisp and golden. Because of their double bake, the biscuits have a remarkable keeping quality and quickly become a popular cupboard staple among local farming families.

     

A lovely local treat

Traditionally, Dorset Knobs are eaten for breakfast by pouring hot tea and sugar on them. People also have them with salted butter and mature cheese. However, we quite like them dipped in tea and topped with some local jam. Whatever way you eat them, Dorset Knobs are one of those lovely local English foods you just have to try once. And if the story behind this legendary food wasn’t enticing enough already, the beautiful packaging will surely win you over. Truly iconic.

Embroided heirloom buttons by Nancy Nehring