{Sunday, March 21, 10:15 p.m.}

In this edition of Cooking with Katie, we will enjoy a chocolate masterpiece from the land down under. Brought to North America by the Australians years ago, these marvelous snacks are known as Tim-Tam Slams, although I much prefer to refer to them as cups of liquid heaven. A Tim-Tam Slam is the perfect snack for a relaxing night at home in front of a fire, or for a party with the girls. In fact, Tim-Tams are tip-top when served in a living room absolutely stuffed with friends who talk about anything and everything and laugh at inside jokes throughout the general proceedings.

To create your very own Tim-Tam Slam, first make a cup of rich cocoa by blending three or four scoops of hot chocolate powder with hot water. Next take a rectangular chocolate-covered wafer cookie, such as Arnott’s, and take a very small bite of two corners diagonal to each other. Grasping the middle of the cookie firmly, insert the shorter end into the cocoa until the corners are submerged. Place your mouth over the other corner which was previously bitten off, and, mustering all your strength, vigorously suck as through a straw. It may take several seconds for the hot liquid to melt through the chocolate and rise through the wafer. As soon as you taste cocoa, immediately slam the entire cookie into your mouth where it will melt, leaving you in an ecstasy of gustatory delight.

When more than one party is involved in creating and eating a Tim-Tam Slam, perfect unity and synchronicity must be preserved at all times. One person may be the designated leader to call out instructions such as “Bite!” “Dunk!” “Sip!” or “Slam!” at the proper times.

Although one Tim-Tam Slam is rarely enough to satisfy one’s appetite, no more  than three should be consumed on any one occasion. In fact, Tim-Tams should be reserved as a special delicacy lest they become too familiar to our palates and lose their overwhelming charm. But chocolate aficionados most certainly must experience one Tim-Tam Slam in their lifetime, for heaven was meant to be enjoyed on earth as well!

This edition of Cooking with Katie was brought to you by the Petillant Aux Canneberges and by Ground Squirrel and Singing Sparrow, our sponsors. We look forward to seeing you next week for our special on Capernwray Coffee!