National Quiche Lorraine Day
A shortcrust pastry, bacon, eggs, cream, milk, cheese, and a little time in the oven; that’s all it takes to make the delicious and fancy-sounding Quiche Lorraine.
A dreamy marriage of cheese and shortcrust, the humble quiche is one of the tastiest dishes you can get your mitts on. Served either warm or cold, and packed with ham or veggies, this is a super versatile meal that goes with all sorts of sides. And what’s more, they are pretty simple to cook!
The quiche lorraine has a history almost as rich as its crumbly crust and is enjoyed worldwide, especially during the warm summer months.
So it’s no surprise that fans of the meal have made May 20th a day to celebrate everything that’s great about this delicious, nutritious treat.
How to Celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day
Feeling hungry? That’s nothing that a slice or two of quiche lorraine can’t solve. If you’re feeling a bit artistic in the kitchen, this would be a great excuse to try your hand at making a quiche lorraine yourself!
You’ll need bacon, eggs, cream, milk, and cheese. And if you’re going to go the whole hog and be super authentic, you’ll need the ingredients to make a shortcrust pastry from fresh. It always tastes better than store-bought pastry cases!
Since quiche is best served at picnics with a side salad, why not get your friends together and have a picnic?
Serve up slices of quiche Lorraine with other picnic foods, and make an afternoon of it. Make sure there’s plenty of quiches, as it’s a very moreish dish! Remember to bring some meatless quiche for any vegetarians!
Have a great National Quiche Lorraine Day!
History of National Quiche Lorraine Day
A quiche is a kind of open topped pie, which is composed of a case of shortcrust pastry filled with savory egg custard and a choice of veggies and meats. It’s often regarded as being birthed from French cuisine, but it may have started life in medieval Germany.
The quiche lorraine is named after the Lorraine region of France, where it was created as an open pie filled up with savory custard and cubes of pork fat. Today, you’re more likely to find it made with bacon cubes rather than fat, but it’s just as tasty.
A quiche lorraine was originally made without cheese, but today you’ll probably find most recipes call for this dairy addition.
Usually, recipes call for cheddar cheese, but you can use all sorts if you wish. Traditionally, a Lorraine doesn’t include onions – if you do pop onions in your quiche Lorraine mixture, you’re making a quiche Alsacienne.
National Quiche Lorraine Day FAQs
Why was Quiche Lorraine once considered food for the elite?
Quiche Lorraine was a luxurious dish in its early history. Cream, eggs, and bacon were expensive ingredients, accessible mainly to wealthy households.
As food production expanded, the dish became more accessible to everyone.
Did medieval bakers use crust for flavor or function in quiches?
Crusts in medieval times acted as edible baking dishes rather than for taste.
Early quiches had thick, coarse crusts to hold the custard-like filling. These crusts were sometimes discarded after baking.
What’s the most unusual modern twist on Quiche Lorraine?
Chefs worldwide have reimagined the dish with creative fillings. Examples include seafood quiches in Japan or spicy chorizo versions in Mexico.
These adaptations show the dish’s global influence and versatility.
How does Lorraine’s geography influence its culinary history?
Lorraine’s proximity to Germany introduced hearty, meat-based dishes into its cuisine. Its cold climate led to the use of rich, calorie-dense ingredients like cream and bacon, staples in Quiche Lorraine.
How do Americans uniquely celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day?
In the U.S., people celebrate by exploring regional spins on the dish. For instance, Southern quiches often include Cajun spices, while West Coast versions feature fresh, seasonal vegetables. Many also host potlucks to share recipes.
What’s a common misconception about the word “quiche”?
Many think “quiche” is entirely French, but it comes from the German word “kuchen.” This connection reflects the region’s blended culinary heritage, influenced by both German and French traditions.
What unusual quiche customs exist in French rural communities?
Some rural towns in France hold quiche competitions to honor the dish. Villages compete to create the flakiest crusts or richest fillings, celebrating both tradition and community pride.
What makes a good wine pairing for Quiche Lorraine?
Dry white wines like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the rich, creamy filling. In Lorraine, locals often enjoy it with Riesling, a wine native to the region.
Did Quiche Lorraine ever face food critics’ backlash?
In the mid-20th century, critics labeled it as a “fad food” due to its sudden global popularity. However, its enduring appeal silenced skeptics as it became a timeless classic.
Why do some chefs prefer baking quiche with pre-cooked fillings?
Pre-cooking ingredients like bacon or onions prevents sogginess in the filling. It also enhances flavors by concentrating their natural juices, resulting in a richer and firmer quiche.
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