Pain au Chocolat – France’s Sweet Morning Indulgence

This episode unwraps the buttery, chocolate-filled French pastry known as pain au chocolat, exploring its origins, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. A cousin to the croissant, it shares the same laminated dough but distinguishes itself with bars of dark chocolate baked inside. The episode also highlights France’s spirited naming debate—pain au chocolat in most regions versus chocolatine in the southwest.

Listeners are guided through the art of crafting the perfect pastry, from folding butter into dough to achieving hundreds of flaky layers. Beyond technique, the pastry’s role in French life is emphasized, from schoolchildren enjoying it on the way to class to adults savoring it with espresso. Its worldwide journey reveals countless adaptations, from gourmet patisserie creations to supermarket staples.

Ultimately, the episode presents pain au chocolat as more than breakfast—it’s a cultural symbol of indulgence, regional pride, and everyday joy.