National Cordon Bleu Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Cordon Bleu Day is observed annually on April 4 to honour the creation of Cordon Bleu, a cuisine that has quickly become a restaurant favourite around the world. This dish is essentially composed of poultry breast, pork, or veal that is stuffed with ham and any cheese (Swiss, Emmental, or Gruyere), coated in breadcrumbs, and fried or baked to perfection. Typically, it is served with a Dijon cream sauce. And Americans in particular seem to go crazy for it, which is unsurprising given that it resembles a cheesy nugget bathing in a creamy sauce — a truly mouthwatering dish.

The background of National Cordon Bleu Day

The dish Cordon Bleu is said to have originated in Switzerland, where it was originally known as schnitzel. In 1578, in France, there was an order of knights known as the “Order of the Knights of the Holy Spirit,” who hung their talismans from blue ribbons. Due to this, they became known as “Les Cordon Bleus” (literally “the blue ribbons”), and during the reign of King Henry III of France, the blue ribbon acquired its significance by being awarded to only the highest-ranking knights.

As a result, it remains a symbol of distinction even today, as blue ribbons began to be awarded to chefs whose dishes met the highest standards. Despite the name, Le Cordon Bleu has nothing to do with the creation of National Cordon Bleu Day, contrary to prevalent belief. The dish can also be traced to Veal Kiev, which was introduced in the late 1840s in Paris. Later, in Moscow, veal was replaced with chicken, and the recipe appeared in print for the first time in 1955.

The dish arrived in America in the 1960s, making its first print appearance in 1967 in “The New York Times.” Given this rather dull history, however, we prefer the story (even if its veracity is questionable) in which a Swiss chef ran out of meat for two sizable groups of restaurant patrons. She earned a blue ribbon by butterflying the meat filets, loading them with ham and cheese, and then frying them. She declined but suggested it would be an appropriate moniker for the dish, hence the name Cordon Bleu.

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NATIONAL CORDON BLEU DAY ACTIVITIES

Taste some genuine Cordon Bleu

If you have never experienced the dish before, we recommend that you visit any authentic French restaurant to do so. You can make it a rendezvous with your significant other or a family outing. Regardless of your selection, be sure to enjoy its delicacy.

Make your own “blue ribbon” meal.

Do you have a signature dish that you’ve perfected over the years? Create a dish worthy of a blue ribbon, with family and friends serving as judges at the table. Or, try creating your own Cordon Bleu; there are numerous variations available.

Explore the culinary history of France

There are so many delicious dishes with universal appeal that originated in France. This day may provide the ideal opportunity to delve into the history of these dishes and arm yourself with intriguing anecdotes and origin stories that will impress your dinner party guests.

5 FRENCH CUISINE FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

We say this with all sincerity: in France, food has the utmost priority and cultural significance.

Each French region has its own distinct cuisines and dishes.

In all French restaurants, baguette is complimentary and available in unlimited quantities.

France produces over 400 distinct types of artisanal cheeses.

The French adore all of the renowned American fast-food chains!

NATIONAL CORDON BLEU DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	April 4	Tuesday
2024	April 4	Thursday
2025	April 4	Friday
2026	April 4	Saturday
2027	April 4	Sunday