Cookies [antikvár]

Introduction Introduction The word cookie has become quite common throughout the world; here we present cookies in their many guises. The word "cookie" is of Dutch origin, from the word koekje meaning little cake. The origins of the British term for cookie, biscuit, are to be found in the word itself: it comes from the French bis cuit, meaning twice cooked, and goes back to the days when bakers put slices of newly baked bread back into the oven, so that they dried out completely, becoming something like a rusk. This was really a method of preservation, for it enabled the cookies to be kept for a long time; so long, in fact, that they could be taken as a basic food item, known as "ships biscuits," on long sea voyages. For many years cooks and housewives continued the practice of drying their biscuits a second time, and it was not until the beginning of the last century that the habit died out. Then both the quality and variety of biscuits that could be made improved dramatically. Now there are many names and forms for cookies, but usually they are individual, small, crisp baked cakes. We call them cookies when they are sweet, crackers when savory, while in Britain both cookies and crackers are called biscuits. To add to the confusion, we call biscuits what the British generally call scones, while we usually agree on what we call muffins. Happily, the distinctions are blurring, and in this Great Big Cookie Book you will find the truth in the baking and tasting of the many cookies, biscuits, crackers, muffins and scones described here. We have collected cookies from all over the world, family favorites for generations, classic recipes for holidays and celebrations, and national specialties that have crossed many borders, such as Amaretti from Italy, Basbousa from the Middle East and Oatcakes from Scotland. Here you will find a homemade cookie for every occasion. And homemade cookies put the store-bought to shame; a batch of cookies ready to come out of the oven will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, followed by the unbeatable taste of your own fresh-baked creation. Finally, cookies are easy and fun to make. You can make them alone to cheer up a rainy day, or share the enjoyment with your family and friends, especially fun at holiday times. So, turn the pages of this book with anticipation of the many treats to come.