Exploring the History and Impact of Quick Breads: From Invention to Modern Masterpiece
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Where do Quick Breads Come From?
Quick breads have been a common part of Western cuisine for many centuries. In the early 1700s, Native Americans discovered how to make bread and similar products rise without using yeast. They used a substance called pearl ash, which is now known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, to help the baked goods leaven.
Over time, other chemical leavening agents were created, such as baking powder and baking ammonia. Due to the inability to afford ingredients in their new country, European immigrants substituted yeast with these chemical leavening agents. This led to the development of a thriving food industry that focuses on baked goods made with a wide range of ingredients and crafted into both simple and elaborate designs.
What are 4 Types of Quick Breads?
Quick breads consist of four main types: biscuits, muffins, cornbread, cake, and loafs (such as pumpkin spice loaf). Now, let's delve into the history behind each type of quick bread.
Biscuit is a type of quick bread made by blending cold butter into flour. They can be leavened with either baking powder or baking soda to help the dough rise during baking. The term "biscuit" originates from French and refers to a dry, flat cake that is twice-baked (bis = twice + cuit = cooked). In the time of Louis XIV, soldiers created the biscuit de guerre ("war biscuit") as a military ration. This "war biscuit" eventually made its way to England, where it was enhanced with butter and eggs, evolving into what we now know as "scones". Throughout history, the biscuit de guerre has developed into three variations: American biscuits, shortcakes, scones, and flaky pie crusts. Now, let's explore how to make the perfect biscuit.
The rise of biscuit production in the 17th century was closely linked to the increase in sugar production. England's colonization of the West Indies in the 1660s, which expanded the sugar trade through the use of slave labor, led to a significant drop in sugar prices. This made sugar more accessible and affordable to settlers, fueling the growth of a sugar empire. With the economic viability of sugar in the 17th century, the variety of biscuits (and cakes) expanded rapidly, making them a popular choice for various occasions. In 1874, the British government abolished the sugar import tax and dismantled the old guild system that regulated baked goods, allowing individuals to bake biscuits at home. This move led to the widespread availability of biscuits by the 19th century. Biscuits became a staple dessert for the middle and upper classes, often served with accompaniments such as ice cream, fruit, nuts, and spices.
Cakes and loaves are variations of quick bread that can be made in single-tiered or multi-tiered layers, cake pops, small cakes (such as cupcakes), or geometric shapes. Similar to muffins, cakes have a fine texture and a sweet flavor whether served warm or cold. The term "cake" originates from the Viking era, while the techniques for preparation and baking date back to ancient Greece in the Roman Empire era. The Romans enhanced basic bread dough by adding butter, eggs, and honey to create a sweet baked treat. Subsequently, the British and the Spaniards embraced these techniques from the Roman Empire, with minor adjustments, to craft uncomplicated yet sophisticated cake designs with a range of flavors and textures.
Muffins are a type of quick bread that requires a specific mixing method for batter preparation. These British and American delicacies have evolved over time, influenced by Native American culinary traditions. The term "muffin" originates from the French word "moufflet," referring to a small, round, sweet bread typically served warm.
Every variety of muffin originated in the United States, including the English muffin. Samuel Bath Thomas, an English immigrant who arrived in the US in 1874 and established his bakery in New York City, is credited with the invention of the English muffin. The traditional muffin has a texture akin to small cake-like breads, while English muffins are more like small pancakes, and crumpets lie somewhere in between English muffins and pancakes. Crumpets feature holes that extend to the outer crust, making them ideal for capturing streams of melted butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Cornbread originated from cornmeal dumplings and cornmeal pancakes, which were staples in Native American cooking. European settlers enriched the recipe by adding wheat flour, eggs, and milk to achieve a softer cake-like texture. Instead of frying the batter over an open fire, they introduced baking in ovens or steaming as alternative cooking methods. As time passed, distinct variations of cornbread recipes emerged between the Northern and Southern regions of the United States.
What Is The Process of Making Food?
Food is not spontaneously created. It evolves and transforms gradually to satisfy both our visual and taste preferences. Throughout centuries, food has been impacted by the economic and political conditions of each era. The prices of ingredients and resources are determined by trade agreements, taxes, and inflation, ultimately shaping the way food is prepared and processed.
To sum up, the character, flavor, and appearance of food are influenced by politics, economics, customs, and culture. Understanding the history of food and the specific details of each ingredient will offer a thorough comprehension of the recipe and an appreciation for the cooking process.
In this blog, we will consistently provide a historical nugget for every pastry we showcase. When you next indulge in a baked treat, savor the taste, examine the texture, and acknowledge the extensive time spent perfecting the baking techniques to create a delightful and alluring flavor for your enjoyment.
Want to Learn More?
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If there is any other information about baking that you wish was covered in this article, feel free to share by leaving a comment below.
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References:
The history of the biscuit. English Heritage. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/the-history-of-the-biscuit/
Nunemaker, P. B. J., & About Jessy NunemakerAward-winning Author. Writer. #1 Fan of Dessert. (2021, October 19). The history of muffins. Little Indiana Bakes. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://littleindianabakes.com/history-muffins/
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