Timbale (food) facts for kids

A timbale is a special kind of sweet dish, often like a small, fancy pie, that people enjoy as a dessert. The word "timbale" also refers to the specific mold or pan it is baked in. These molds are usually tall and round, giving the timbale its unique shape.

There are many different kinds of timbales. One famous example is the Timbale Brillat-Savarin. This dessert is named after a famous French food writer named Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. He was known for his love of good food and his writings about it.

Making a Sweet Timbale

Making a sweet timbale involves several steps to create a delicious and beautiful dessert. Here's a simplified way to understand how it's done:

Preparing the Base

• First, a special kind of bread dough called brioche is baked. It's baked in a charlotte mould, which is a tall, round baking pan.
• Once baked, the inside of the brioche is carefully scooped out. This leaves a hollow shell, about 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) thick, around the bottom and sides. This shell will hold the delicious filling.

Creating the Filling

• Next, a creamy filling is made. This is usually a type of sweet cream called a confectioner's custard.
• Crushed macaroon cookies are often mixed into the custard. This adds a lovely almond flavor and a bit of texture.
• Separately, pears are cut into quarters and cooked gently. They are simmered in a sweet syrup flavored with vanilla. This makes the pears soft and sweet.

Assembling the Timbale

• Before filling, the inside of the brioche shell is brushed with a warm mixture. This mixture is often made from apricot purée blended with a fruit brandy called Kirsch. This adds a fruity glaze and extra flavor.
• Then, the timbale is filled by adding layers. You put a layer of the creamy custard, then a layer of the cooked pears.
• You keep adding layers, alternating between the custard and the pears. The very last layer should always be pears.

Finishing Touches

• To make the timbale look extra special, it's often decorated. People might use colorful crystallised fruit on top.
• The timbale is usually served warm, making it a comforting and tasty dessert.

Images for kids

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  A timbale of salmon and sole

See also

In Spanish: Timbal, platillo para niños