Toast – The Easy & Satisfying Snack Food
Kathryn Lang
For the majority of people the smell of warm bread evokes pleasant memories- and toast has recently been voted one of Britain’s favourite comfort foods.
It is difficult to say when the toast was “invented”. The human race have been making bread since the Neolithic Period, although the first forms of bread were very different to the soft, fluffy bread we know and love. Until around 6,000 years ago, bread was unleavened, as no one had discovered that yeast and kneading would make a lighter bread. Legend has it that the ancient Egyptians somehow discovered that kneading the dough with their feet made it rise and have a fluffier texture, probably due to presence of yeasts on their skin. From Egypt, bread travelled to Rome, where some clever soul had the idea of toasting it on a fork over an open fire, and so as the Romans conquered Europe, so did toast.
Pre sliced bread was first developed in the 1930s and according to the Flour Advisory Bureau, UK residents now consume around 43 loaves of bread each per year. American Charles Strite had invented the first pop up toaster in 1919 and the easy method of crisping bread on both sides became popular, bringing toast to the masses. According to home electrics manufacturer Russell Hobbs, 9 out of 10 homes in the UK own an electric toaster, so clearly we all have a lot to thank Mr Strite for!
Despite the fact that most of us now buy ready made pre-sliced loaves for convenience, making home-made bread is not difficult and with practice, gives a better result than store bought products. Over recent years bread-making machines for domestic use have become widely available, so people are becoming more creative and trying new recipes from around the world to add some pizazz to their bread.
So now you know a little more about the history of that homely but delicious snack, toast, lets look at some ideas for toast toppings and fillings to whet your appetite.
•Perhaps the most popular topping for toast is butter, although people are generally choosing more health conscious low fat alternatives such as margarine. In Mediterranean countries, it is common to accompany most meals with bread drizzled with or dipped in quality olive oil. Most doctors have now come to the conclusion that this is a particularly beneficial aspect of the so-called “Mediterranean Diet” and that consuming Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be good for the heart.
•Another classic toast topping ingredient is sardines – as served up by Mr Tumnus the Faun to Lucy in CS Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. These little fish are full of flavour, and high in calcium and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. However, some people don’t like the small bones found in sardines- for a similar flavour, which is perhaps more child friendly, look out for little pots of fish paste in the supermarket.
•A substantial toast topping which serves well as a supper or brunch dishes is creamed mushrooms on toast. Finely sliced mushrooms are sautéed(with a little garlic if desired) and added to a rich creamy sauce. This dish is basic but flavoursome and loved by all ages – however if you can get your hands on some wild mushroom varieties, it will take your recipe to a gourmet level!
•To cure a sweet tooth craving try spreading cool cream-cheese on your toast and adding finely sliced bananas or your favourite jam- strawberry is especially good.
• If you have left-over curry or chili con carne in your fridge- don’t be afraid to use it to top your toast- both are great on toast, with some cheese grilled on top.
• Finally, how about changing the bread to ring the changes. Most large supermarkets now sell an abundance of bread types- look out for multi grain and seed loaves for extra health benefits, or bread that has sundried tomatoes and herbs for rich flavour.
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Filed under Food and Drink