Ashcake is a type of bread that is made by cooking cornmeal or wheat flour mixed with water over hot ashes or coals. This traditional food has been a staple in many cultures around the world for centuries. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ashcake, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Ashcake is a type of bread made by mixing cornmeal or wheat flour with water and cooking it over hot ashes or coals. It is also known as ash bread, firecake, or Indian bread. The texture of ashcake varies depending on the type of flour used and the cooking method. It can be soft, dense, or crumbly.
Origin
Ashcake has been a staple food in many cultures around the world for centuries. It was a common food among Native American tribes, who cooked it over hot stones or in clay ovens. Ashcake was also a popular food during the Civil War era, when soldiers cooked it over campfires.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ashcake varies slightly in different dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, ashcake is “a cake made of cornmeal or wheat flour mixed with water and cooked over hot ashes or coals.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ashcake as “a cake of cornmeal or wheat flour mixed with water, cooked over hot ashes or coals, and eaten by Native Americans and early settlers in the southern United States.”
Associations
Ashcake is associated with traditional cooking methods and simple, rustic cuisine. It is often eaten as a side dish with stews, soups, or meat dishes. In some cultures, ashcake is considered a symbol of resilience and survival, as it was a staple food during times of hardship.
Synonyms
Ashcake is also known as firecake, Indian bread, and ash bread.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of ashcake, but it can be contrasted with modern bread made using commercial yeast and baking powder.
The same root words
There are no direct root words of ashcake, but it is related to traditional cooking methods and simple, rustic cuisine.
Example Sentences
- The Native American tribe cooked ashcake over hot stones.
- During the Civil War, soldiers often ate ashcake cooked over campfires.
- Ashcake is a traditional food that has been passed down for generations.
- Ashcake is a symbol of resilience and survival in some cultures.