CRISP BREAD Meaning and
Definition
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Crisp bread, also known as rusk or hardtack, is a type of bread that is made with a simple mixture of flour, water, and occasionally yeast or salt. It is characterized by its dry and crisp texture, as it is baked to a point where it is completely dried out, leaving no moisture in the bread.
Crisp bread is usually made in the form of flat, bite-sized or larger, round or rectangular pieces. It has a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period without spoiling due to its dryness. It is neither soft nor fluffy like regular bread, but rather has a hard and crunchy texture that can sometimes be brittle.
Traditionally, crisp bread was developed as a way to preserve bread for long periods, especially during times when fresh bread was scarce. It was made by baking the bread dough twice, first to cook it and then again to dry it out completely. This process gives crisp bread its distinctive hard and crunchy texture.
Crisp bread is often served as a base for a variety of toppings, such as cheese, spreads, or sliced meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack. It is commonly associated with Scandinavian cuisine, where it is a staple food and enjoyed with various accompaniments.
Etymology of CRISP BREAD
The word "crisp bread" is a compound noun that consists of two distinct words.
1. Crisp: The term "crisp" originated from the Middle English word "crisp", which meant easily breakable or brittle. It can be traced back to the Latin word "crispus", meaning curly, frizzy, or wrinkled.
2. Bread: The term "bread" has its roots in the Old English word "brēad". This word has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as German "Brot" and Dutch "brood".
When combined, the term "crisp bread" refers to a type of bread that is dry, brittle, and crunchy in texture.
