En Croûte: When the French Wrap Food in Pastry
What could be more delightfully French than taking something delicious, wrapping it in buttery pastry, and baking it to golden perfection? In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we unwrap the story behind one of France’s most elegant and enduring culinary techniques — en croûte. From beef and salmon to vegetables and even cheese, en croûte is the art of encasing food in pastry to create something that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat.
We’ll explore the fascinating history of this technique — from its humble medieval beginnings as a way to preserve and protect food, to its transformation into a symbol of French refinement and celebration. You’ll hear how legendary chefs like Marie-Antoine Carême turned en croûte into edible art, and how the tradition has continued to evolve in modern French kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to village boulangeries.
Along the way, we’ll uncover the secrets behind a perfect golden crust, talk about famous dishes that owe their success to this technique (yes, even the beloved Beef Wellington), and celebrate the creativity that makes en croûte such a timeless part of French gastronomy. Whether you’re a home cook, a pastry lover, or simply curious about what’s hiding under that golden crust, this episode is for you.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, imagine the smell of buttery pastry wafting through the air, and join me, Andrew Prior, as we dive into the fabulously delicious world of En Croûte: When the French Wrap Food in Pastry.
My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com
For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com
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