BARMBRACK Meaning and
Definition
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Barmbrack is a traditional type of sweet bread or cake that is popular in Ireland, particularly around Halloween. The name 'barmbrack' can be traced back to the Irish language: 'bairín breac' which means "speckled loaf" or "mottled bread." This name accurately describes the appearance of the bread as it is studded with various dried fruits.
The dough for barmbrack is typically a lightly sweetened yeast bread enriched with ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. What distinguishes barmbrack is the addition of dried fruits, most commonly raisins and sultanas, but often featuring other dried fruits like currants or candied citrus peel. These fruits are soaked in tea or sometimes in whiskey to plump them up before being mixed into the dough.
Barmbrack has a rich history in Ireland and is particularly associated with Halloween, known as Samhain in the traditional Irish calendar. It is a customary practice to make or buy a barmbrack that contains a hidden token or small objects like a ring, a coin, a button, or a piece of cloth. The person who discovers these objects in their slice of barmbrack is said to have good fortune or sometimes a specific prediction associated with the object.
Overall, barmbrack is a beloved treat in Irish cuisine, enjoyed during Halloween season and throughout the year. It is cherished for its flavorsome combination of sweet bread and deliciously moist, fruity interior.
Common Misspellings for BARMBRACK
- varmbrack
- narmbrack
- harmbrack
- garmbrack
- bzrmbrack
- bsrmbrack
- bwrmbrack
- bqrmbrack
- baembrack
- badmbrack
- bafmbrack
- batmbrack
- ba5mbrack
- ba4mbrack
- barnbrack
- barkbrack
- barjbrack
- barmvrack
- barmnrack
Etymology of BARMBRACK
The word "barmbrack" originates from the Irish language. In Irish, it is called "báirín breac", which translates to "speckled loaf". It is a traditional fruitcake-like bread that is typically eaten in Ireland around Halloween. The name "barmbrack" refers to the appearance of the bread, which is speckled with fruits like raisins and currants. The word "barm" itself derives from Middle English and Old English, referring to the yeast foam that forms on fermenting beer or ale. "Brack" comes from the Irish word "breac", meaning "speckled" or "variegated". The combination of these terms gives us the name "barmbrack" for this particular type of bread.
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