This is a very old and still popular drink. It is thought to purify the
water by reason of the charcoal which it contains. Cut crusts from a
stale wholemeal loaf, twice as thick as usually cut, toast carefully
until browned and hard, but not burnt or blackened. Instead, the crusts
may be cut up into dice and slowly roasted.
Next pour boiling water into a heated jug and put the toast crust or
the roasted dice into the jug. Do not pour the water upon the toast.
Let it stand until cold, strain to remove grit, and serve either hot or
cold as desired.
A little sliced lemon, orange juice, currant jelly or grated apple can
be added for flavouring as desired. The beverage should be as brown as
sherry.
“Put into a jug of hot water
A piece of bread toasted dark brown;
It’s refreshing in any complaint
And helps to keep fever down.”
(_Cookery Rhymes by Miss Potter_, 1862.)