Also known as

Toast

Description

Bread toast is nothing but sliced bread cooked on an open flame or a conventional toaster to get a warm and crisp slice of bread. A dry source of heat is applied on bread and within minutes, the sugars and proteins on the surface of the bread get cooked to provide a caramelized or brown texture and colour. This browning reaction is a form of Maillard reaction.

Toasting has been one of the oldest cooking methods used by mankind. Toasting breads makes it crisp and allows toppings to stay securely on the toasted slice without getting moist. It is also a common method to cook stale bread.

Bread can be toasted in various ways. Few are as follows:

Open flame:

Use a skewer to hold the bread slice over open flame and toast till done.
Electric toasters: Bread slices are placed in the narrow slots of the device and the toast setting (as o how crisp you want the toast to be) is decided. Once the toaster lever is pressed down, the heating element gets activated and toasts the slices as per settings. Once done, it will pop up.

Salamander/ Grill:

It is less convenient than a conventional toaster. However, when toast is used as a base in recipes which use cheese etc, this is a preferred method. Bread slice is placed on a salamander and toasted on one side. Once turned, the toppings are placed and then the toast is heated along with the topping.

How to select

A well done bread toast will be golden brown or light brown on both sides and have a crunchy and dry texture. It is best to have toasts which are fresh out of the toaster.

Culinary Uses

· Bread toast is commonly a breakfast dish for people who don't have time for a fully loaded snack. Apply butter, spread, jam, marmalades etc on toast and enjoy.
· It is also used for making toast sandwiches which are two slices of toasts sandwiched with vegetables, meats, eggs etc.
· It is commonly used as a base in Beans on toast, Eggs on toast etc.
· Sprinkle buttered toast with sugar and cinnamon to make Cinnamon toast.
· Cube sliced bread and then toast, either plain or flavoured, to make bread croutons which are used in soups, salads etc.
· Toasted bread, if left over, can be ground into breadcrumbs.
· Toasts, when made with a variety of breads, are excellent alternatives to crackers.
· Cut sliced bread into fancy shapes and then toast. Use these as a canapé base and top with vegetables, cheese, corn, baked beans etc.

How to store

Bread toast is best consumed when freshly out from the toaster.