Questions and Answers – What is a Tuile Cookie
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 cookie 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 U.S. and have seriously doubted that the correctness of their terminology. Thanks again for your thoughtful reply! – Jim
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Baking Hints & Tips