The gastronomy in Picardy is the delight of a culture inherited despite its historical changes. From the main course to the dessert, expect to taste and discover a thousand and one flavors, but it is in its desserts that Picardy gastronomy really stands out. All these delicious sweets are handmade with care and respect for local ingredients, combining spices and sweet pastries in dishes that will delight all your senses. Each bite offers an exceptional gastronomic experience: come and discover for yourself why Picardy gastronomy is so appreciated!

The delicious beaten cake: an old Picardy speciality

The gastronomy of Picardy has a wonderful surprise in store for its citizens and visitors: the batté cake. This adorable brioche, in the shape of a toque, has been a regional specialty since 1900. Delicious and light, it’s made with flour, eggs, butter, sugar, yeast and a little salt.

Although it is enjoyed with jams and compotes, such as apple or rhubarb, to satisfy sweet tooths, it often accompanies people during important cultural moments such as baptisms, weddings, Easter and other ceremonies where people want to treat themselves. To ensure the continuity of this ancient heritage, there is even a Beated Cake brotherhood that organizes a competition for the best beaten cake every year!

The Amiens macaron: a macaron like no other

The gastronomy of Picardy is abundant and is home to many culinary specialties, including the macaron d’Amiens. This recipe dates back to the sixteenth century, when Catherine de’ Medici brought it from Italy to France, fashioned from Valencias almonds from Spain. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with:

• Almonds
• Sugar,
• Honey,
• Egg whites,
• Almond and bitter almond extracts.

Plus, this is a great anti-waste recipe, if you have leftover egg whites after baking a cake, use them to make macarons! Jean-Trogneux has been producing this delicious treat since 1872 and his recipe has remained virtually unchanged over the years.

The very famous Oise whipped cream

Picardy gastronomy has long been at the origin of astonishing culinary inventions and the birth of whipped cream is no exception. Described as an essential part of France’s gastronomic heritage, whipped cream is said to have been invented by François Vatel, maître d’hôtel at the Château de Chantilly for the Prince de Condé, who found himself with insufficient resources to meet the demands of guests who arrived during a 3-day party.

Necessity being the mother of invention, he decided to whip some of the remaining cream and add air to it to give volume, thus creating one of the priceless delights of summer, we may never know all the gastronomic wonders that existed before its advent!