Twist bread, stokbrood, snobrød, or campfire bread is a type of bread in which the dough has been rolled into a long sausage shape, twisted over the end of a stick, and baked over an open

fire Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition point, flames a ...

. The dough is an ordinary bread dough, usually with

yeast Yeasts are eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms classified as members of the fungus kingdom. The first yeast originated hundreds of millions of years ago, and at least 1,500 species are currently recognized. They are estimated to constit ...

as a

leavening agent In cooking, a leavening agent () or raising agent, also called a leaven () or leavener, is any one of a number of substances used in doughs and batters that cause a foaming action (gas bubbles) that lightens and softens the mixture. An altern ...

but

baking powder Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent, a mixture of a carbonate or bicarbonate and a weak acid. The base and acid are prevented from reacting prematurely by the inclusion of a buffer such as cornstarch. Baking powder is used to increas ...

may also be used. The ideal stick is fairly straight and made of non-poisonous hardwood that will not impart a disagreeable taste; good choices include branches of

birch A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus ''Betula'' (), in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech- oak family Fagaceae. The genus ''Betula'' contains ...

, hazel or

willow Willows, also called sallows and osiers, from the genus ''Salix'', comprise around 400 speciesMabberley, D.J. 1997. The Plant Book, Cambridge University Press #2: Cambridge. of typically deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist so ...

trees. The bark should be whittled away from the branch 15–20 cm in from the end, where the dough will be wrapped. The length depends on one's comfort and the fire's size. The thickness of the bread-holding end is around 1.5–2 cm. The thicker the stick, the heavier it is and thus the harder it is to hold. However, a branch that is too thin will bend under its own weight if it is freshly cut. The bonfire should be gradually burned so far down that there are only glowing pieces of wood left, with almost no flames. The most suitable types of firewood are from hardwood trees similar to beech and

oak An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus ''Quercus'' (; Latin "oak tree") of the beech family, Fagaceae. There are approximately 500 extant species of oaks. The common name "oak" also appears in the names of species in related genera, notably ''L ...

, but other hardwoods can be used, except for poplar and

aspen Aspen is a common name for certain tree species; some, but not all, are classified by botanists in the section ''Populus'', of the '' Populus'' genus. Species These species are called aspens: *'' Populus adenopoda'' – Chinese aspen (Chin ...

, which create a sour

smoke Smoke is a suspension of airborne particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass. It is commonly an unwanted by-produc ...

. Conifers, especially fir, are unsuitable because they do not create many glowing embers, and moreover pop and spark so that cooking over such a fire can become an unpleasant and messy affair. The fire must burn down a little, so that there are not many flames, and the embers can be spread out a little so that there is enough room for the twist breads. When the fire is ready, the dough is rolled out into a long

sausage A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat—often pork, beef, or poultry—along with salt, spices and other flavourings. Other ingredients, such as grains or breadcrumbs may be included as fillers or extenders. ...

, just thick enough that the stick can bear the weight of the dough. The dough is twisted around the peeled end of the stick, starting from the outside. The ends are smushed closed so that the dough will not unravel. The dough is then baked over

coal Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Coal is formed when ...

s, not flames. The baker must keep a good distance of about 15–30 cm and turn the stick regularly so that the bread is baked evenly. Tired arms may result in the bread dipping down into the fire pit, so a log or the like can be used to keep the branch upright. When the bread sounds hollow over its whole body when tapped gently with a knife, it is done and can be gently pulled off the stick when it has cooled down enough. It can be eaten by itself or with

butter Butter is a dairy product made from the fat and protein components of churned cream. It is a semi-solid emulsion at room temperature, consisting of approximately 80% butterfat. It is used at room temperature as a spread, melted as a condimen ...

marmalade Marmalade is a fruit preserve made from the juice and peel of citrus fruits boiled with sugar and water. The well-known version is made from bitter orange. It is also made from lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, sweet oranges, bergamot ...

, cheese, and the like. If the dimensions of the stick are similar to a hot dog, one can squirt

ketchup Ketchup or catsup is a table condiment with a sweet and tangy flavor. The unmodified term ("ketchup") now typically refers to tomato ketchup, although early recipes used egg whites, mushrooms, oysters, grapes, mussels, or walnuts, among o ...

mustard Mustard may refer to: Food and plants * Mustard (condiment), a paste or sauce made from mustard seeds used as a condiment * Mustard plant, one of several plants, having seeds that are used for the condiment ** Mustard seed, seeds of the mustard p ...

and other toppings into the hole of the twist bread and stick a boiled or roasted

inside. In this case it is most practical to be careful in the positioning of the dough, so that there are no cracks.

Traditions

Twist bread is often made and eaten to celebrate Sankt Hans Aften, also known as Midsummer's Eve. Sankt Hans Aften originally celebrated the summer solstice, but was later associated with the Christian feast day of St. John the Baptist. Now the holiday is more widely regarded as a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate a feeling of togetherness by lighting bonfires, drinking, and cooking food such as twist bread.

References

{{Reflist Breads

Traditions

See also

References