Rusks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A variety of baked goods that are dry and crunchy, commonly enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to beverages
2. These are crisp, twice-baked bread products that can be flavored and eaten on their own or with toppings
3. Pieces of bread that have been baked twice to become dry and crunchy, often used as a snack or with drinks

Etymology: "Rusks" is the plural of "rusk", and the singular word came into English from Spanish or Portuguese "rosca", meaning a twist or roll of bread. The Iberian original describes the shape of the loaf rather than the baking method, so the English word's link to a twisted or coiled bread is the key to its meaning. Over time the sense shifted from a twisted roll to a bread that has been baked twice and dried into a hard, crisp slice. That second baking is what gives the modern product its long shelf life and its crunch, and it is why rusks are often sold as a biscuit-like snack that can be spread with butter or jam or eaten plain.

Synonyms: biscuit, cracker, toast, dry bread, twice-baked bread