For the love of words

A crossword to put your mind to.

Across

1 Easily crumbled (and sounds like it can be cooked?) (7) 5 Footwear often worn in January (7)

9 Literally, whipping; metaphorically, afflicting severely (9) 10 Giuseppe, an Italian composer (d.1901) (5) 11 Fireplaces, sometimes with cosy nooks (6)

12 Dairy product often associated with a 30 across (3,5) 15 Criminals such as Nicolas Cage’s character in Lord of War (3-7)

16 May be hit and kicked, but bounces back! (4)

19 A composer seen at the seaside? (4) 20 Undergoes a mixing process (such as making vinaigrette, for example) (10)

23 What you should slip-slop-slap, perhaps when on 30 across (8)

25 Make a dash (6)

27 A committee used in the surf? (5)

28 Costumes used in the surf (and “glamour photography”) (9)

29 Is this the least difficult clue? (7)

30 Madonna’s first mainstream hit single in the US (7)

Down

1 Pastime patient people pursue, possibly on 30 across (7) 2 Non-living material (9)

3 Outdoor cooking method, cooking device, style of food, meal... (8) 4 Expel time backwards? (4)

5 Slang for the same place as “Nick” and “Cage” (3)

6 An initiate (who’s lacking vice?) (6)

7 Be in accord (5)

8 Relating to an earthquake (anagram of “aimless”) (7) 13 Religious songs may be heard around this time (6) 14 Describes a mysterious utterance that may be wise (6) 17 Soured or made bitter (9)

18 The act of getting rid of something, or being available (at one’s ___) (8)

19 A live wire, metaphorically (4,3)

21 Meet requirements (7)

22 A snow vehicle, or type of hammer (6)

24 Approaches (5)

26 Thy ___ was father, Harry, to that thought (Shakespeare, Henry IV Part 2) (4)

28 Take a pew, as they say (3)