Posts tagged “pears helene”

March 15 – Today’s Food History

Posted on March 15, 2011


National Peanut Lover’s Day

Also: National Pears Helene Day

Today’s Food History

on this day…

  • 1858 Liberty Hyde Bailey was born. He was a world famous American botanist who studied cultivated plants. He was dean of Horticulture at Cornell University for 15 years.
  • 1891 Sir Joseph William Bazalgette died. A British civil engineer, he designed the main sewer system for London. Allowing for running water .
  • 1980 McDonald’s test marketed Chicken McNuggets in Knoxville, Tennessee. They are so popular that they have to look for a second supplier.

some content is courtesy of www.FoodReference.com, used with permission

Categories: 101 - lessons in food, Daily Food History, Encyclopedia, Food Facts

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March 15

Posted on March 15, 2011


National Peanut Lover’s Day

Also: National Pears Helene Day

Today’s Food History

on this day…

  • 1858 Liberty Hyde Bailey was born. He was a world famous American botanist who studied cultivated plants. He was dean of Horticulture at Cornell University for 15 years.
  • 1891 Sir Joseph William Bazalgette died. A British civil engineer, he designed the main sewer system for London. Allowing for running water .
  • 1980 McDonald’s test marketed Chicken McNuggets in Knoxville, Tennessee. They are so popular that they have to look for a second supplier.

some content is courtesy of www.FoodReference.com, used with permission

Categories: Food Holidays, March Food Holidays, Uncategorized

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Pears Helene

Posted on March 14, 2011

Pears Hélène, or Pears Belle-Hélène, is of French origin. It does not carry the American pronunciation, hel-LEEN, but el-ENN, the French version of the name. It’s original name is Poire Belle-Hélène.

The dessert owes its origin to the opera La belle Hélène by composer Jacques Offenbach. It’s a comedic take on the elopement of Queen Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, with Prince Paris of Troy. This act of l’amour started the Trojan War, as the Greeks sailed to Troy to retrieve their queen. The opera debuted on December 17, 1864, was a big success, and the dessert was developed by Auguste Escoffier as a tribute.

The dessert is composed of pears poached in sugar syrup, topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and crystallized violets (today sliced almonds are more commonly used).

A Parisian menu staple and a favorite dessert for dinner parties, Pears Hélène offers the lightness of fruit with the richness  of chocolate sauce.  In America, March 15 is National “Pears Helene” Day.

Categories: Encyclopedia

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