Thu, Dec 20th 2007, 00:00
Long golden sticks of baguette are a symbol of France. Baguette, often just called French bread, is a perfect accompaniment to the French meal.
The history of bread making is as old as the history of cooking itself. Each region of the world has its own version of bread and France is no different. Each area in France produced its own style of bread to accompany local delicacies.
The arrival of the baguette changed all this. It was scientific innovation that paved the way for the baguette revolution in France. Many people believe that the baguette was invented during Napoleonic times when Napoleon ordered the baking of long sticks of bread that soldiers could carry in their trouser legs while on the march.
This is a romantic tale, but the reality is slightly different. Few people realise that the quintessential French bread was actually invented in Vienna. It is here that they designed a way to inject steam into the ovens while baking bread loaves. The steam caramelises the starch on the crust to give the baguette its slightly translucent golden colour that characterises a good loaf.
In modern times the baking process has become mechanised and many feel that this has resulted in bland, tasteless baguettes. This prompted the French government to pass legislation in 1993 to set the standards for the genuine French bread. A bakery can only call itself a boulangerie if it makes, kneads and bakes the bread from scratch on the premises.
The mark of a good baguette is a hard caramel coloured crust. The inside should be should be creamy with irregular air holes. The texture should be slightly chewy with a full nutty-type flavour.
Featured Businesses
PV-Holidays Lacanau Apartments2009-05-28
Pierre & Vacances Lacanau Holiday Village, Lacanau, a wonderful 4.6 hectare family resort that will satisfy children and adults alike. 126 Apartments and 99 houses to choose from with many standard holiday resort facilities.READ MOREBaguette Restaurant and Lounge Bar
Located in Brisbane, Stanley, Queensland, Australia
Baguette Restaurant and Lounge Bar is a dining institution in Brisbane which now has one of Australia's top chefs in Frenchman Bruno Loubet.READ MORELe Troquet French Bistro 2012-07-31
Located in London, Inner London, London, United Kingdom
Visit Le Troquet French Bistro in London for French cuisine, affordable prices, ideal venue, romantic dinners, French atmosphere, corporate launches, celebrationsREAD MORELe Troquet French Bistro 2012-08-02
Located in London, Inner London, London, United Kingdom
Visit Le Troquet French Bistro in London for French cuisine, affordable prices, ideal venue, romantic dinners, French atmosphere, corporate lunches, celebrationsREAD MORECupcake2009-02-16
Located in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States
Cupcakes, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, check out our delicious cupcakes, our extensive café menu, and our yummy freshly baked bread. If you are planning a big event ? let us help. We cater anything from corporate events to wedding cupcakes.READ MORERestaurants Coutanceau
Located in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, Bay of Biscay, France
Restaurants Coutanceau offers Passion, Diversity and Innovation in La Rochelle!
Firstly passion, because the finest cooking can only be obtained from a passion to experiment with tastes, to create innovative meals and to cook to perfectionREAD MOREFallon and Byrne 2012-08-01
Fallon and Byrne in Dublin, Ireland, has a very simplistic philosophy, and that is good company, excellent French cuisine served with fine wines, in a beautiful, relaxed environment. Dining out does not necessarily have to be overly expensive, and at Fallon and Byrne we always bear that in mind when compiling our menus, which consist of perfect combinations of classic French cuisine, using only the freshest of ingredients. We also have an extensive selection of fine wines, in fact more than 600 delectable wines which we sell per bottle, per glass, or even per case, its your choice. Fallon and Byrne also has several venues which are ideal for corporate functions, entertainment or parties, all guaranteed to make your function or party a great success, and brides-to-be will appreciate our new wedding planning service, which will make their wedding planning that much easier.
READ MORELes Quatre Sergents
Located in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, Bay of Biscay, France
In August 1975, the restaurant Les Quatre Sergents "the 4 Sergeants" was born in this middle-class residence from the 19th century. The beams of the canopy were molten in the iron-foundries of Rheims, just like those which make up the structure of the Eiffel tower in Paris.READ MORELa Boheme Restaurant2012-08-03
La Boheme Restaurant in Waterford, Ireland, was aptly named by its owners who wanted to give to visitors not only a taste of French cuisine, but also a taste of France, right here in Waterford, and our location in the basement of the well-known Chamber of Commerce building, does just that, right from the moment you step inside the restaurant. The basement was lovingly restored with flagstone floors, arched ceilings and lime washed walls which are reminiscent of the classic ambience found in a typical kitchen of a French chateau. Although La Boheme is a restaurant serving French cuisine, it sparkles with the warmth and character of a home. Our menu is not extensive, it offers modern classic French meals, and changes seasonally, as it should, and it does give diners sufficient options to choose from. If you are planning a formal business dinner, or a relaxed celebration with family and friends, La Boheme Restaurant has three dining areas which are suitable for functions and celebrations.
READ MORE
French Bread ... The Baguette is the cornerstone of French Food reviews
Login to comment