Wow, these are lovely! A forgotten French pastry... Very interesting history. You may be familiar with a very popular french drinking song called "Fanchon", that tells the story of a lovely French woman who loves food, drink, and singing. One of the few French drinking songs that isn't pornographic! (I learned these songs in French vet school).
As a sometime hurdy-gurdy player, I was delighted to learn of this pastry and the history behind its name. Couldn't help wondering if a secondary reason for La Fanchonnette's decline in popularity was that Fanchon la Vieilleuse continued the perception of the vielle as a refined, dignified instrument, which it had been in the Baroque and through the 1700's (Marie Antoinette played one). But by the late 19th century, the vielle was viewed as a beggar's instrument or an instrument played by provincial rustics, not charming young women on the streets of Paris. I doubt the reference to the play and its female lead would have been understood by then--though evidently the drinking song kept the name "Fanchon" alive!!
I love the rich history here - and how men tried to be so delicate and politically correct (given the period) in their descriptions of Mme. Henri-Belmont :))
Wow, these are lovely! A forgotten French pastry... Very interesting history. You may be familiar with a very popular french drinking song called "Fanchon", that tells the story of a lovely French woman who loves food, drink, and singing. One of the few French drinking songs that isn't pornographic! (I learned these songs in French vet school).
The refrain says: "she loves to laugh and drink, she loves to sing like us, yes, like us." 🙂 https://youtu.be/jj7coEGtEi8?si=oju2UlCHIGtLvgHW
Yet another great article. Well researched and beautifully written. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom around matters culinary.
Ahhh, the delights of distraction! Oooh la la, merci beaucoup.
Fascinating - and sounds delicious!
As a sometime hurdy-gurdy player, I was delighted to learn of this pastry and the history behind its name. Couldn't help wondering if a secondary reason for La Fanchonnette's decline in popularity was that Fanchon la Vieilleuse continued the perception of the vielle as a refined, dignified instrument, which it had been in the Baroque and through the 1700's (Marie Antoinette played one). But by the late 19th century, the vielle was viewed as a beggar's instrument or an instrument played by provincial rustics, not charming young women on the streets of Paris. I doubt the reference to the play and its female lead would have been understood by then--though evidently the drinking song kept the name "Fanchon" alive!!
Loved this article! Back in my chicken keeping days I would have been all over a recipe that uses this many eggs. Enjoyed learning about this dessert.
oooh, I do like this!!!!!
I love the rich history here - and how men tried to be so delicate and politically correct (given the period) in their descriptions of Mme. Henri-Belmont :))
Looks very yummy, indeed.