Issue #516 Tue 25 Feb
Strands hints — February 25, 2025
A gentle Tuesday grid. It requires a bit of patience to sort through the clutter before the pattern emerges.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You bite into the center and find exactly what the baker promised.
Confectionery and culinary components
INTERIOR SUBSTANCES
Spangram 4 nudges · 8 letters
The connector word
Single word noun
8 letters.
Starts with F, ends with S.
FILLINGS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (7 letters)
- 2 C (7 letters)
- 3 L (7 letters)
- 4 N (6 letters)
- 5 T (6 letters)
- 6 T (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AL (7 letters)
- 2 CA (7 letters)
- 3 LI (7 letters)
- 4 NO (6 letters)
- 5 TO (6 letters)
- 6 TR (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A crunchy, nut-based addition found in many brittle snacks.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AL.
ALMONDS
Theme word 2 of 6 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
This golden, buttery syrup turns sticky when heated.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CARAMEL
Theme word 3 of 6 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A splash of spirits often used to flavor a decadent dessert.
7 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LI.
LIQUEUR
Theme word 4 of 6 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A chewy, aerated mixture often folded with honey and nuts.
6 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NO.
NOUGAT
Theme word 5 of 6 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
Hardened sugar cooked until it snaps.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TO.
TOFFEE
Theme word 6 of 6 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A rich, ganache-based round coated in cocoa powder.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRUFFLE