National Crêpe Suzette Day

National Crêpe Suzette Day is observed annually on May 6th to celebrate the amazing, unique, and very delicious dessert that features or comes in multiple different versions.

Why National Crepe Suzette Day?

This remarkable day reminds everyone to enjoy a delicious dessert prepared with expertise and authenticity. Suzette crepes can be prepared in many different ways and are popular for being a distinct serving that stands out from the recipes of many other desserts.

Crepe Suzette is a French dessert that features crepes with beurre Suzette sauce. The sauce is prepared using caramelized sugar and butter. There is also orange juice and lemon zest along with orange liqueur. The flame is lit at the time of the liqueur; the alcohol content in the alcohol evaporates to form a thick caramel sauce. This recipe is usually prepared in the presence of guests at the table.

A recipe and dessert prepared for a French audience, the Suzette crepe first hit the table in the 19th century and is credited with the skill and expertise of Chef Henri Charpentier. This remarkable chef made Suzette crepes after an accidental prep incident in the kitchen. In the course of his usual refreshment duties, Chef Henri was preparing a meal for the Prince of Wales, Prince Edwards, who was King Edward VII at the time. Prince Edwards was also accompanied by distinguished guests.

Chef Henri accidentally spoiled the sauce for the crepe he was slated to serve and didn't have time to recover. The decision to modify a source that he burned was very creative on his part. After tasting it and noticing the unique and delicious blend of flavors, this talented chef decided to serve it as a dessert called Crepes Princesse.

However, the prince did not connect with the name given to that dessert and objected to it, an act that prompted Chef Henri Charpentier to change the name to Suzette. Suzette was the name chosen to honor one of the distinguished guests present at that gathering.

Later, Charpentier moved to America and worked as a personal chef for the famous John D. Rockefeller. Chef Henri also studied history under the famous Auguste Escoffier, a chef known for his many signature dishes and recipes.

History of National Crepe Suzette Day

The history of this remarkable day remains a mystery, as to date no one has confirmed its merits. Even so, research is still underway to find out who suggested National Crepe Suzette Day as a national holiday.

Although there are several different versions of the Suzette crepe, this dish is quite different from most other crepes. This recipe first appeared in 19th century Paris with the help of Chef Henri Charpentier. According to the cook's memoirs, he accidentally spoiled the sauce for crepes he was serving to Prince Edward of Wales (who would be King Edward VII) and his guests. With no time to recover, he tasted the burnt sauce and discovered the flavors blended deliciously. When serving the dish, Charpentier named it Crepes Princesse. However, when the prince gently protested, Charpentier changed his name to Suzette in honor of a female guest at the table.

Charpentier then went to the United States and worked as the chef of John D. Rockefeller. However, before that, Charpentier was known all over the world and studied under Auguste Escoffier (a famous chef with other famous dishes).

French desserts include crepes with beurre Suzette sauce. To make the sauce, you can use caramelized sugar and butter, orange juice, zest and orange liqueur. Once burned, the alcohol evaporates rapidly, resulting in a thick caramel sauce. Restaurants often prepare Crepes Suzettes at diners' tables.

How to celebrate National Crepe Suzette Day

• Organize a Crepe Suzette Preparation

The most basic way to observe and celebrate this wonderful day is to have a Crepe Suzette making session at home with your family or friends. Then you can share the dessert together as a family.

• Share Crepe Suzette for friends as well as colleagues

In case you are a student, you can prepare Crepe Suzette with your parents or siblings at home and bring it to school to share with friends and classmates. On the other hand, adults can also bring Crepe Suzette to work and share with colleagues and customers. Doing so will go a long way in preserving the tradition and ensuring that it is never forgotten.

• Schedule a Crepe Suzette making contest.

The day can also be observed by participating in a Crepe Suzette making contest and then sharing dessert to determine who prepared the best. The winner can get a prized house.

• Post on social media

Posting on social media with #NationalCrepeSuzetteDay will also go a long way in raising awareness of the day. You can share some photos with your opinion on the social media with the aim of spreading the meaning of National Crepe Suzette Day.