National Cheese Soufflé Day is observed on May 18 in recognition of this French delicacy. On this day, individuals prepare and/or consume cheese soufflés alone or with companions and/or family. The term’soufflé’ is derived from the French verb’souffler,’ which means ‘to puff up’ or ‘to expand up.’ The recipe was first published in “Le Cuisinier Moderne” by Vincent La Chapelle, and it has since become a popular desert and main course.
The background of National Cheese Soufflé Day
A soufflé is essentially an egg yolk-filled white sauce. Fold stiff egg whites into the mixture. At this stage, you can add any flavour you desire, such as vegetables, cheese, chocolate, or fruits.
The term’soufflé’ is derived from the French verb’souffler,’ which means ‘to inflate up.’ In the mid-1800s, Marie-Antoine Carême refined the recipe. While preparing for the affluent of Paris, he utilised ovens heated by air draughts rather than coal, a crucial factor in the rise of soufflés.
Soufflés are difficult to make because, after a certain point, they collapse due to the chilly air outside the oven. Therefore, they must be served and consumed immediately after being removed from the oven.
From the early to mid-1900s, soufflés acquired popularity in upscale dining. According to the menu archives of the New York Public Library, soufflés frequently appeared on menus for special dinners with honoured guests at renowned establishments such as the Waldorf Astoria, The Biltmore, and Hotel Astor. Additionally, Washington D.C. was a city with convenient access to soufflés.
Soufflés are one of those delicacies that are difficult to surpass, as they are both a luxury and an affordable indulgence. Please note that cheese Soufflé Day is not the only national holiday celebrating soufflés. The 28th of February is also celebrated as National Chocolate Soufflé Day.
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5 SOUFFLÉ FACTS THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW
‘Souffle’ is the past tense of the French verb’souffler,’ which means ‘to inflate up’ or ‘puff up.’
In the popular 1954 film “Sabrina,” a master chef criticises Audrey Hepburn for attempting to make soufflés without turning on the oven.
The Palestinian city of Nablus holds the Guinness World Record for the largest soufflé, which weighed 3,891 pounds and measured 243 feet in length.
The key to making a delicious savoury soufflé is to beat the egg whites until they form stiff white peaks, and then to delicately fold them into the sauce while retaining as much air as possible.
In order to add a variety of delectable sauces, bakers commonly prick the tops of soufflés.
NATIONAL CHEESE SOUFFLÉ DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | May 18 | Thursday |
2024 | May 18 | Saturday |
2025 | May 18 | Sunday |
2026 | May 18 | Monday |
2027 | May 18 | Tuesday |