Pithivier facts for kids
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| Type | Pie |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France |
| Region or state | Pithiviers |
| Main ingredients | Puff pastry, frangipane of almond paste if sweet. |
A Pithivier (say "pit-i-vee-yay") is a special kind of round, enclosed pie from France. It's usually made with two circles of light, flaky puff pastry and a yummy filling in the middle. This tasty treat gets its name from the French town of Pithiviers, where many people believe it first came from.
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What is a Pithivier?
Imagine a pie that looks like a little hill! That's often what a Pithivier looks like. It's usually decorated with cool spiral lines drawn from the center outwards. The edges are also often scalloped, which means they have a pretty wavy pattern.
How is this Delicious Pie Made?
When making a Pithivier, the filling isn't spread all over the pastry. Instead, it's placed in a small mound right in the middle. This helps stop the filling from leaking out while the pie bakes. To make the top crust shiny, bakers often brush it with an egg wash (a mix of egg and water) before baking. Sometimes, they also sprinkle confectioner's sugar (very fine sugar) on top and caramelize it, making it golden and slightly crispy.
What's Inside a Pithivier?
The most common filling for a Pithivier is a sweet cream called frangipane. This cream is made from almond paste and tastes wonderfully nutty. Sometimes, fruits like cherries or plums are added to the frangipane for extra flavor. But Pithiviers aren't always sweet! You can also find savory (not sweet) versions. These might have fillings made from vegetables, meat, or cheese.
When Do People Eat Pithiviers?
Pithiviers are often enjoyed during a special holiday called Epiphany. This holiday is celebrated on January 6th each year. It's a Christian holiday that remembers when the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus. In France, Pithiviers are very similar to another traditional cake eaten for Epiphany, called the galette des rois (which means "king cake").
