Flaky, crumbly and creamy all at once, the decadent French dessert the millefeuille — which translates as “a thousand leaves” — is one of the most delectable pastries out there. Known in the English-speaking world as a custard slice, a Napoleon or a vanilla slice, the millefeuille is sweet without being overly sugary, complex without being overwhelming, and somehow paradoxically light and rich at the same time. (Above Photo courtesy of Tobik via Shutterstock).
Crafted from thin layers of pastry, cream and a topping of cocoa, vanilla icing or almond fondant, the concoction is a staple in all good pâtisseries, and a favorite of the discerning French.
So where does the millefeuille come from?
Photo courtesy of Rocky33 via Shutterstock.
Millefeuille Or Napoleon: Historical Ambiguities
Despite its widespread popularity, we know very little about the millefeuille’s background, and its exact origins are unknown. Mention of the millefeuille dates back to 1600s France, when gastronomic chronicler François Pierre de la Varenne recorded it in an early cook book. However, a century later, renowned chef to the aristocracy and pioneer of French haute cuisine Marie-Antoine Carême enigmatically referred to it as an “ancient recipe”. At the time, the dessert was more poetically named gâteau de mille feuilles, or “cake of a thousand leaves.”
The alternative name, Napoleon, refers not to France’s 19th-century emperor (although it would be just like him to extend his personal propaganda strategies to pastries), but to uncertain connections with the Italian city of Naples. However, whether the dessert was originally Italian or French is contested. There is even some suggestion that the millefeuille owes its layered design, though not its ingredients, to the Hungarian caramelized dessert, Szegedinertorte.
The Perfect Millefeuille In Paris
One thing’s for sure, however; when in France – especially Paris – a visit to a fine millefeuille purveyor, like Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Elysées) or Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli) is a must. There are countless restaurants, tearooms and boulangeries in the French capital which serve up sublime versions of the pastry. The more traditional places will stick to a classic layering of puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with vanilla icing or a light dusting of cocoa. If you’ve never experienced a millefeuille before, this kind is the first you should try.
Photo courtesy of keko64 via Shutterstock.
However, modern millefeuille makers are beginning to experiment with variations on the classic recipe. Some pâtissiers nestle fresh berries between the layers of cream. Still others are incorporating chocolate shavings. Others work with hints of caramel.
In any case, if you’re looking for the perfect millefeuille experience, head to unrivalled pastry heaven Ladurée. These days, there are multiple Ladurée destinations around the city, but the only true choice is their original location on the rue Royale, in the picturesque first arrondissement. Cosy up to a pot of tea at one of their tiny little tables, surrounded by gilt mirrors and rococo paintings, and order their scrumptious hazelnut rendition. While not the cheapest available in Paris, Ladurée’s take on the millefeuille is a dainty mix of feathery puff pastry sheets held together by decadent, nutty cream that makes you understand the expression “melt-in-your-mouth.” Magnifique.
What’s your favorite French pastry? Please share in the comments below.
By Gemma King
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
