A mixture of various ingredients (generally eggs mixed and beaten with water or milk) that are combined to be brushed on the surface of breads and rolls before baking in order to give the crust an added brownness, crispness and/or sheen after the item is baked. Depending on the ingredients added to the mixture, an egg wash can provide a variety of different apperances to the surface of baked goods. The following may serve as a general guide to be used for different surface results:
Whole egg and salt - provides a shiny surface
Whole egg and milk - provides a medium shiny surface
Whole egg and water - provides a golden amber colored surface
Egg yolk and water - provides a shiny surface with a golden amber color
Egg yolk and cream - provides a shiny surface with a darker brown color
Egg white - provides a crispy surface with a lighter coloring
