Fougasse (bread) facts for kids

Fougasse is a special kind of bread that comes from Provence, a beautiful region in France. It's known for its unique flat shape, often looking like a leaf or a ladder. This delicious bread is usually baked with tasty ingredients like lardons (small pieces of bacon), olive oil, and sometimes herbes de Provence, which is a mix of yummy herbs. People often enjoy Fougasse as a snack before a meal, especially with an apéritif.

What is Fougasse?

Fougasse is a traditional French bread that's a bit like focaccia from Italy. It's usually flat and has cuts made in it before baking, which gives it its famous leaf-like or ear-of-wheat shape. These cuts aren't just for looks; they also help the bread cook evenly and make it easy to tear apart and share.

The History of Fougasse

Bread like Fougasse has been made in France for a very long time. It was often baked in the ashes of a fire or in a very hot oven. In the past, bakers would use a small piece of dough to test the oven's temperature. This small piece of dough was the ancestor of Fougasse. If it cooked well, the oven was ready for the main batch of bread. Over time, this simple test dough became a delicious bread in its own right, especially popular in the south of France.

How Fougasse is Made

Making Fougasse starts with a simple dough, usually made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. What makes it special are the ingredients added to the dough or sprinkled on top. These can include:

• Olive oil: A key ingredient that gives Fougasse its rich flavor and soft texture.
• Lardons: Small pieces of cured pork, similar to bacon, which add a savory taste.
• Herbes de Provence: A mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory. These herbs give the bread a wonderful smell and taste of the Mediterranean.
• Olives: Sometimes, whole or chopped olives are added.
• Anchovies: For those who like a saltier, more intense flavor, anchovies can be included.

After the dough rises, it's flattened and shaped, and then the cuts are made. It's then baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft and airy inside.

Different Kinds of Fougasse

While the classic Fougasse is savory, there are many different versions you might find:

• Sweet Fougasse: In some areas, Fougasse can be sweet, often flavored with orange blossom water and sugar. This version is sometimes called fougassette.
• Fougasse with Cheese: Some recipes include cheese, like goat cheese or Gruyère cheese, baked right into the bread.
• Seasonal Fougasse: Depending on the time of year, bakers might add seasonal ingredients like figs or walnuts.

A Fougasse.

Enjoying Fougasse

Fougasse is a very versatile bread. It can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As an appetizer: It's perfect for sharing with friends and family before a meal.
• With a meal: It can be served alongside soups, salads, or stews.
• As a snack: It's delicious on its own, perhaps with a little extra olive oil.
• For picnics: Its flat shape makes it easy to pack and carry for outdoor meals.

This unique bread is a wonderful example of the simple yet delicious food traditions of France, bringing a taste of Provence to tables everywhere.