Toast Water
A classic 19th-century restorative beverage made by steeping deeply toasted bread in boiling water to create a mild, amber-colored infusion. Known historically as 'Toast Water,' this gentle drink offers a subtle nutty flavor and was traditionally served to convalescents for its digestibility and hydration properties. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, often serving as a comforting, simple remedy for settling the stomach.
Ingredients
- 2 slices Bread slices (thin) (White bread is traditional.)
- 2 cups Boiling water (Quantity estimated for standard toast water ratio (approx. 1 pint).)
Instructions
- 1Cut two thin slices of bread and carefully remove all crusts.
- 2Toast the bread slices thoroughly until they are a deep golden brown, bordering on slightly scorched. This deep color is essential for flavoring the water.
- 3Place the hot toast into a pitcher or heat-proof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the toast and let it stand until cool. This allows the flavor and color to extract into the water.
- 4Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the soggy bread and crumbs. Serve the clear amber liquid.