The word "biscuit" is spelled with one "s" in American English and two "s's" in British English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈbɪskɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by the "s" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a hard "k" sound and then the "t" sound. Commonly eaten as a breakfast or tea-time snack, the biscuit is a popular baked good around the world.
A biscuit is a small, baked savory or sweet food item that is typically made from a mixture of flour, fat, and a leavening agent. It is characterized by its firm and crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Biscuits can be consumed as a standalone snack or accompany various dishes.
In its savory form, a biscuit often features added ingredients such as butter, cheese, herbs, or spices to enhance its flavor. It is frequently served as a side dish alongside meals, particularly in the United States. Savory biscuits can be enjoyed plain or used as a base for sandwiches or as a vehicle for spreads and toppings.
Sweet biscuits, on the other hand, are usually enriched with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners and are often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit. These cookies have a wide range of shapes and textures, from crunchy to crumbly. They are commonly enjoyed as a dessert or as accompaniments to beverages like tea or coffee. Some popular sweet biscuit varieties include shortbread, gingerbread, or chocolate chip cookies.
Biscuits are prepared by mixing the ingredients together to form a dough, which is then rolled out and cut into individual portions. The dough is then baked in an oven until it is fully cooked and has achieved its desired texture and coloration. Biscuits can be consumed immediately after they are baked while they are still warm, or they can be stored for later consumption.
Bread baked hard for a keeping; articles of pottery before they are glazed and ornamented.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "biscuit" originated from the Latin term "bis coctus", which means "twice baked". This term referred to a type of bread that was first baked, then sliced and baked again to make it crisp and dry. The French later adopted this term as "biscuit", and it referred to a similar type of twice-baked bread. Over time, the word "biscuit" evolved to encompass various types of baked goods, both sweet and savory, that are characterized by their dry and crumbly texture.