Every May 6th, we commemorate National Crepe Suzette Day, an occasion to relish a delectable dish with a captivating backstory. As one account goes, in 1895, a 15-year-old assistant waiter named Henri Charpentier at Monte Carlo's Cafe de Paris accidentally concocted this culinary delight. While preparing a meal for Prince Edward of Wales and the esteemed French noble dame Suzette, Charpentier unintentionally botched a sauce for the crepes but serendipitously created a delicious new dish. In honor of the occasion, the prince christened it "Crepe Suzette.".

What is a Crêpe Suzette?

A Crêpe Suzette is a thin French pancake served with a hot sauce of caramelized sugar, butter, orange juice, zest, and orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Curaçao). The dish is famously flambéed right before serving, where the alcohol is set alight, creating a stunning visual and adding a slightly burnt caramel flavor to the sauce.

Key Ingredients:

1. Crêpes: The base is a very thin pancake made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, butter, and sugar.
2. Butter: Butter adds richness to the sauce.
3. Sugar: Used to create a caramelized flavor in the sauce.
4. Orange Juice and Zest: Provides the citrusy, tangy flavor that is characteristic of Crêpe Suzette.
5. Orange Liqueur: A key ingredient in the sauce, lending depth to the citrus flavor and contributing to the flambé process.
6. Optional Garnishes: Some variations include adding whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or candied orange slices for extra decadence.

History of Crêpe Suzette

The origin of Crêpe Suzette is surrounded by intriguing legends. The most popular story dates back to the late 19th century when it is said to have been created by accident by a young assistant waiter named Henri Charpentier in the Café de Paris in Monte Carlo. Charpentier was preparing a dessert for the future King Edward VII of England (then the Prince of Wales), and during the preparation, the sauce accidentally caught fire. Rather than discard the dish, Charpentier served it, and the prince loved it. When asked for the name of the dish, Charpentier said it was named "Suzette," after a young girl dining with the prince.

Other theories suggest that Suzette was a famous French actress, or it may have simply been a common name at the time. Despite its unclear origins, Crêpe Suzette has since become a signature dish in French cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its elegance and flavor.

Purpose of National Crepe Suzette Day

The purpose of National Crepe Suzette Day is to celebrate this beloved dessert by encouraging people to either try making their own Crêpe Suzette at home or enjoy it at a local French restaurant. The day is also an opportunity to appreciate the art of flambéing and the history of this dessert as part of the rich tradition of French cooking.

How to Celebrate National Crepe Suzette Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Crepe Suzette Day, whether you are a seasoned cook, a beginner in the kitchen, or someone who simply enjoys eating delicious food. Here are a few ways to mark the occasion:

1. Make Crêpe Suzette at Home: Try your hand at making this famous dish by following a recipe. Although it may seem complex due to the flambé technique, the process is quite manageable with the right ingredients and care. You can experiment with different citrus fruits or liqueurs to personalize the flavor.

2. Dine Out at a French Restaurant: Many restaurants, especially French eateries, may offer Crêpe Suzette as a special dessert on May 6. Treat yourself to a night out and enjoy the expertise of a chef who can masterfully prepare and flambé the dessert in front of you.

3. Host a French-Themed Dinner Party: Celebrate the day by hosting a French-themed dinner, culminating in a Crêpe Suzette finale. Pair the dessert with complementary dishes like coq au vin, ratatouille, or bouillabaisse, and serve with champagne or wine.

4. Learn About French Cuisine: Take the time to dive into the world of French cooking by exploring its history, techniques, and other classic dishes. Crêpe Suzette is just one example of the intricate flavors and sophisticated techniques that define French gastronomy.

5. Experiment with Flavors: While orange is the traditional flavor in Crêpe Suzette, you can try variations with lemon, lime, or even grapefruit. Additionally, consider pairing the crêpes with seasonal fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, to add a personal twist to the dish.

6. Share on Social Media: Post photos of your Crêpe Suzette creation or restaurant experience on social media using hashtags like #NationalCrepeSuzetteDay or #CrepeSuzette to join the broader celebration and inspire others to try the dessert.

Fun Facts About Crêpe Suzette

1. Flambéing enhances flavors: The act of setting the orange liqueur on fire not only creates a dramatic presentation but also intensifies the caramelization and adds complex, burnt-sugar notes to the sauce.
2. Thin crêpes originated in Brittany: Crêpes have their origins in the Brittany region of France, where they were traditionally made from buckwheat flour. Sweet crêpes, like those used in Crêpe Suzette, are typically made with wheat flour.
3. Henri Charpentier’s rise to fame: The accidental creation of Crêpe Suzette helped launch Henri Charpentier’s culinary career. He later became a world-renowned chef and wrote about the experience in his memoirs.
4. Suzette’s mysterious identity: To this day, the true identity of “Suzette” remains unknown, adding an element of intrigue and romance to the history of the dessert.

Importance of National Crepe Suzette Day

National Crepe Suzette Day highlights the culinary artistry and cultural significance of one of France’s most famous desserts. It also underscores the importance of traditional cooking techniques, such as flambéing, that require skill and precision. For food lovers, this day is an opportunity to appreciate the blend of simple ingredients that, when combined with care and expertise, produce a show-stopping and delicious result.

Moreover, it’s a chance to celebrate French culture and its influence on global cuisine, while indulging in a dessert that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Conclusion

National Crepe Suzette Day on May 6 is a delightful occasion to honor one of the world’s most elegant and theatrical desserts. Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine, enjoy cooking, or simply have a sweet tooth, this day is the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of citrus and caramelized sugar combined with the spectacle of flambé. From creating your own Crêpe Suzette to enjoying it at a fine dining restaurant, there are many ways to participate in this delicious celebration.