Pithivier

Pithivier is a classic French pastry that originated from the town of Pithiviers, located in the Loiret department in north-central France. It is a round, enclosed pie usually made by baking two disks of puff pastry, with filling stuffed in between.

History

The Pithivier is named after the town of its origin, Pithiviers, which is renowned for its culinary heritage. The exact history of the Pithivier is unclear, but it is believed to have been developed during the 17th century.

Preparation

The preparation of a Pithivier involves placing a filling between two layers of puff pastry. The filling can be either sweet or savory. Sweet fillings are traditionally made from frangipane, a cream made from sweet almonds, butter, eggs, and sugar. Savory fillings can include a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, and vegetables.

Once the filling is enclosed with the puff pastry, the edges are crimped to seal the pie. The top is then usually decorated with a distinct spiral pattern, which is achieved by scoring the pastry with a knife. The Pithivier is then baked until it rises and turns golden brown.

Variations

There are several variations of the Pithivier, including the Pithivier fondant (a version with a softer filling) and the Pithivier glacé (a version topped with icing sugar). The fillings can also vary greatly, with some modern versions using ingredients such as chocolate, fruit, or specialty cheeses.

In popular culture

The Pithivier has been featured in various cooking shows and competitions, including the Great British Bake Off, where contestants were challenged to make this classic French pastry.

See also

• List of French desserts
• List of pies, tarts and flans