National Charlotte Day

A young woman dressed in a vintage outfit, enjoying a creamy charlotte pudding, surrounded by an elegant tea party setting.. — National charlotte day illustration

Are you ready for a sweet, creamy, and delectably crunchy treat? Well, buckle up dear reader, because we’re about to dive into the delightful world of National Charlotte Day. Hailed by dessert lovers far and wide, this day honors not a person, but a pudding that has tantalized taste buds everywhere.

When is Charlotte Day?

It's national charlotte day on the 28th October.

A Day for Desserts

Having only mustered a modest 33 mentions online, National Charlotte Day may not be the most well-known of celebratory days but it's certainly one of the tastiest. Largely coming to the fore on October 28, 2017, it’s a gastronomic celebration dedicated to the culinary delight known as the charlotte.

The Sweet History

The charlotte is reputedly named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England. This delightful dessert has its origins in the 18th century and is typically made by lining a mold with sponge-fingers (also known as ladyfingers) before filling it with fruit puree and setting it with gelatin. From apple to raspberry, the options are endless!

Celebrating National Charlotte Day

So how might one celebrate National Charlotte Day? Apart from the obvious way of breaking out your dessert spoons and digging into a scrumptious charlotte, there are other ways you could commemorate this under-the-radar day. For instance, you could try your hand at creating your own fruity or chocolatey version amidst a fun and messy kitchen adventure.

A Day of Appreciation

No matter how you choose to observe National Charlotte Day, remember it is a day for appreciating the art of dessert creating and the joy it brings to people's lives. It’s time to allow your taste buds to take a respite from your diet plan and immerse themselves in the pure pleasure that only a charlotte can bring.

History behind the term 'Charlotte'

18th century

The origin: Queen Charlotte

The term 'charlotte' originated in the 18th century and was named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England. Queen Charlotte was known for her love of desserts, and it is believed that the term 'charlotte' was used to honor her fondness for these delectable treats.

1796

First recorded recipe: Apple Charlotte

The first recorded recipe for a 'charlotte' appeared in a cookbook called 'The Experienced English Housekeeper.' Published in 1796, the recipe was for a dessert called 'Apple Charlotte,' which consisted of sliced apples cooked with sugar and spices, layered with buttered bread crumbs, and then baked until golden and crispy.

19th century

Variations and popularity

During the 19th century, the term 'charlotte' became more widely known and various variations of the dessert started to emerge. These variations included different fruit fillings such as berries, peaches, and cherries. The dish gained popularity among the upper class and quickly became a staple in many elegant dinner parties.

Early 20th century

Expansion to other countries

In the early 20th century, the term 'charlotte' spread beyond England and gained popularity in other countries, especially in France and the United States. French variations of the dessert, such as 'Charlotte à la framboise' (Raspberry Charlotte), became well-loved desserts in French cuisine. In the United States, 'charlottes' were often served with a side of whipped cream or a custard sauce.

Modern era

Further variations and creativity

In the modern era, the term 'charlotte' continues to inspire creative variations and interpretations of the classic dessert. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with different types of bread, fillings, and presentations. Some modern versions even incorporate savory ingredients, pushing the boundaries of what a 'charlotte' can be.

Did you know?

Did you know that there's an ice cream version of charlotte called a 'Charlotte Russe'? It was named in honor of the Russian Czar Alexander I, and was developed by French chef Marie Antoine Carême. Delicious diplomacy at its finest!