Torchette: A Breton Biscuit with a Twisted Past

I spotted these torchettes stacked high in a Breton shop — golden, crisp, and generously studded with almonds and raisins.

The name caught my eye straight away. A close cousin of torch, it hints at something twisted or curled — and sure enough, the original torch was just that: a twist of cloth or stick, dipped in pitch to hold a flame.

But here in Brittany, torchette has taken on a much sweeter meaning.

This post explores how words twist and turn across time, language and baking trays — from the Latin torquēre to modern patisserie.

#greatexpectationseducation #etymology #torch #howwordswork #spelling #morphology #symbolism #literacy #latinroots