Questions & Answers - Tuile

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Question:

I found this and wondered:  "coffee mousse with orange tuiles." Is "tuiles" equivalent to orange peels? I didn't see it in your online dictionary, but I LIKE your online dictionary!!! Thanks - Jim (11/24/03)
 

Answer: 

tuile (TWEEl) - French for "tile."  A tuile is a thin, crisp cookie that is placed over a rounded object (like a rolling pin or a mold) while still hot from the oven. Once cooled and stiff, the cookie resembles a curved roof tile. The classic tuile is made with crushed almonds but the cookie can also be flavored with orange, lemon, vanilla or other nuts. Tuiles belong to a category of small fancy cookies, pastries, or confections called "petits fours."


Feedback:

Thanks for your explanation! I am familiar with those red tile roofs (love 'em). Also, classifying them in the "petits fours" category helps because I've always been a bit uncertain just what fits as a "petits fours." My impression is that many Americans call any little cookie (or crustless sandwich) "petits fours". In some instances, I know the women using the term have never been out of the US and have seriously doubted that the correctness of their terminology. Thanks again for your thoughtful reply! - Jim