National Quiche Lorraine Day

On the 20th of May every year, we celebrate another food holiday, dedicated to the famous Quiche Lorraine called National Quiche Lorraine Day.

National Quiche Lorraine Day is on May 20th, and we couldn't be more pleased that this dish is getting the attention it deserves. This dish has humble beginnings in Medieval Europe and has managed to develop and delight the taste buds ever since. Imagine a full English breakfast - some cheese eggs, baked beans with toast, bacon, sausage, maybe some sauteed mushrooms and other veggies on the side. Now, imagine it all coming together in one great dish. That's exactly where the quiche comes in and it's here to stay.

History of National Quiche Lorraine Day

Although hailed as a French dish, Quiche Lorraine originated in the German Kingdom of Lothringen (present-day Lorraine), in the 1500s. Lothringen is unique because of its geographical location between both France and Germany, with each state making claims to the area at different points in history. The Germans in Lothringen have an open pie with pieces of meat, 'Kuchen', which means 'cake' in German. This savory cake evolved into the word 'Kische' and when the French conquered Lothringen, they also acquired the rights to the dish. It was renamed Lorraine and the spelling of 'Kische' was Frenchified to 'quiche' (pronounced kee-sh). It is said to have been a favorite of Duke Charles III of Lorraine.

Originally a poor man's dish, the main ingredients of Quiche Lorraine at the time were custard made from cream and eggs, and bacon or lard (cubes of lard), cooked on a base bread in a cast iron pan. These are staples that most households have. Cheese was added later, as it developed. A traditional Quiche Lorraine also doesn't include onions, so adding those turns Quiche Lorraine into Quiche Alsacienne.

Although not much is known about its birth date, the quiche itself became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to its versatility, it became a late-morning snack. Popular (and we all know the younger generation loves brunch) can be served hot or cold and is as delicious as both a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian dish. Although it briefly lost popularity among men in the 1980s (as it was associated with brunch - a 'feminine' concept), it made a comeback the next decade and still as popular as it is now.

Why Celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day?

This dish was originally hailed as a poor man's dish and served with custard consisting of eggs and cream, with chunks of lard and bacon cooked over a bread dish in a pan. Since the ingredients are found in almost every household, it is a favorite and very easy to make. Although this dish is a famous French dish, the dish originated in present-day Lothringen or Lorraine, a kingdom of Germany since the 1500s.

The quiche is a versatile dish and it can be made in a variety of combinations as long as you have a custard and custard tart. However, you can use ingredients that are locally available and tailored to your taste to make quiche. In addition, it is also versatile enough to server for any meal, lunch or dinner, or breakfast. It can be made for any occasion. Because it's so easy to make, you can make this dish right in your kitchen to bond with family and friends. Here are some reasons why we love this dish and why it needs a day to celebrate its versatility and simplicity.

Interesting truths about National Quiche Lorraine Day

• Joan of Arc, the lauded warrior of history, the woman who has been the role model for many women to this day, hails from Lorraine.
• The name of the Lorraine region is derived from the German word "Lothar", which translates to "famous army".
• When it comes to white wine, we always refer to two regions in France, Lorraine and Alsace. Both regions are famous for their white wines, thanks to their viticulture.
• Lorraine is not only famous for its white wine and quiche. It is also famous for its Mirabelle plum, madeleine, macarons and the famous Lorraine hot pot.
• The areas of Lorraine and Alsace were continuously fought between the nations of France and Germany. Areas of overlap between the two countries lead to this state.
• The term quiche is derived from the German word "kuchen" which translates to cake. However, it was changed later according to the French who adopted the dish.
• Chef Alain Marcotullio created the world's largest quiche in 1997. He created it in Paris, France.
• Since the quiche didn't have much meat, it wasn't considered a real men's food until the early 1900s.

Why National Quiche Lorraine Day be loved

• The variations are endless

There's almost no limit to the combinations of things you can put in a quiche, as long as you have the creamy custard and pastry portions. You can even use ingredients specific to your culture and make it your own.

• A dish to suit every occasion

Not only do quiches go well with any meal, but they can also be adapted to suit many different occasions. So whether you want to impress your boss at dinner or greet new neighbors - your quiche can be dressed up (or down) to serve the purpose.

• Anyone can make quiche

Since filling a quiche involves just stuffing everything into your creamy custard, this is a great dish to get the whole family involved in the preparation. The traditional Quiche Lorraine is even simpler, so enjoy the cohesion in the kitchen as you make this mouthwatering savory tart.

How to celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day

There is no way to make this day special and memorable. Since this is a food holiday, the best way is of course to enjoy the food itself.

• If you're a cooking enthusiast or you love experimenting in the kitchen, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to do it. All you need to make the dish are basic staples readily available in any kitchen like eggs, bacon, milk, cream, cheese. You can even try making a cake from scratch or use a store-bought cake depending on your preference.
• Quiche Lorraine tastes best when you pair it with the right Alsatian white wine, from the Alsace region, France. You can turn it into a picnic with loved ones and make it a memorable occasion for years to come.
• If you want to learn how to bake then this is the best day to start learning how to bake. Pastry dough is hard to make and with the right guidance, you'll be making it from scratch next year.

Remember to share your images, ideas, and more about this day with the hashtag #NationalQuicheLorraineDay.