It’s a rare thing for residents of these shores to hear a charming voice calling us " love, " in an English accent. Fortunately, eating a digestive cookie is nearly as sweet and just as authentically English. Invented in 1892 by an employee at McVitie’s, now their leading producer, these buttery, round cookies acquired their name because of their high baking-soda content, which aids digestion. They come plain or with a thin chocolate coating, an attribute that surely satisfies our American need to indulge. Don’t be fooled by the " plain " chocolate digestive — that’s just a more humble way of referring to the sinfully good stuff we call " dark " chocolate. Dunk them in milk, or, if you really want to get into the English spirit, snack on them at teatime.

Available in the world-foods section at Shaw’s Supermarkets for $1.39–$2.99.