The first thing you might think of when you see a croissant is probably France. This iconic French pastry is as ubiquitous as the baguette and can be found in almost any French bakery. However, did you know that the origin of the croissant didn’t actually come from France? Let’s explore the classic bakeries in Illinois where you can find some of the best croissants and discover the fascinating stories behind them.
Illinois, with its rich cultural diversity, is also a melting pot of long-standing bakeries, offering unique croissant flavors and captivating historical tales. Here are some experiences exploring classic bakeries in Illinois that you shouldn’t miss.
The History of Croissants: From Austria to Illinois
While French innovation is credited with perfecting the croissant, the French weren’t actually the first to enjoy this crescent-shaped pastry. Some food historians trace the origins of the croissant to Austria and other parts of Eastern Europe, thanks to a pastry called the kipferl.
Made with yeast and rolled into a crescent shape, kipferl has been around since about the 13th century. Unlike modern croissants, which feature paper-thin layers of yeasted puff pastry and a scandalous amount of pure butter, kipferl were much denser and sweeter, made with flour, milk, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Golden brown croissant
Around the start of the 20th century, French bakers began using alternating layers of puff pastry (Pâte feuilletée) and yeast in the production of the now-classic croissant recipe, enjoyed just about everywhere in the world today, including Illinois. This cultural exchange has created unique croissant variations, reflecting the flavors and styles of each region.
Discovering Classic Bakeries in Illinois
Illinois boasts a number of classic bakeries where you can find some of the best croissants and uncover fascinating historical stories. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roeser’s Bakery (Chicago): Established in 1911, Roeser’s Bakery is a Chicago institution. They are famous for their traditional croissants, made with a family recipe passed down through generations.
- Dinkel’s Bakery (Chicago): Another long-standing bakery in Chicago, Dinkel’s Bakery has been serving the community since 1921. They offer a variety of croissants, from classic to modern.
- Weber’s Bakery (Chicago): Weber’s Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been in operation since 1930. They are known for their freshly baked croissants, made daily.
- Swedish Bakery (Chicago): If you want to try a unique croissant variation, visit Swedish Bakery. They are famous for their cinnamon croissants, a Swedish specialty.
- La Patisserie P (Highland Park): Located in the suburbs of Chicago, La Patisserie P is a hidden gem. They are renowned for their authentic French croissants, made by talented pastry chefs.
When you visit these bakeries, you not only get to enjoy delicious croissants but also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Illinois. Chat with the bakers, listen to their stories, and discover the secrets behind the perfect pastries.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Croissant
To have a complete croissant tasting experience, keep the following in mind:
- Choose fresh croissants: The best croissants are freshly baked. Look for croissants with a golden brown color, crispy crust, and soft interior.
- Enjoy with a hot drink: Croissants are often enjoyed with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The combination of the sweetness of the pastry and the slight bitterness of the hot drink creates a wonderful experience.
- Eat croissants the right way: To fully appreciate the flavor of a croissant, tear off each layer and eat it slowly. You can dip the croissant in a hot drink or eat it with jam, butter, or cream.
Close-up of a person holding and enjoying a croissant outdoors
The Shape and Meaning of Croissants
Legend has it that the croissant’s crescent shape owes its support to a group of Viennese bakers who began making a special local pastry in the shape of a half-moon sometime in the mid-1800s to commemorate a sneaky siege on the Austrian municipality by the Ottomans.
The story goes that a string of bakers working in the city’s subterranean cellars took note of Ottoman troops tunneling under Vienna’s streets to get past its protective walls. They alerted the authorities, who in turn gave the Ottomans the boot, thereby preventing a potentially devastating invasion.
Soon after, Vienna’s baking community came together to pay homage to the brave souls who helped save their city by baking hörnchen (German for “little horns”), crescent-shaped kipferl-like pastries. Found on the Turkish flag to this day, the crescent moon was a symbol of the Ottoman Empire — one that Austrian citizens could now metaphorically devour whenever they chose.
How Did Croissants Get to France and Illinois?
How hörnchen landed in France is also an open question. You might guess their arrival coincided with another Austrian export: French Queen Marie Antoinette, a royal practically synonymous with pastry.
But food historians also dispute this account, noting that croissants didn’t really become widely circulated in France until well into the 19th century. A more accurate account, they claim, traces the croissant’s origins to a Viennese bakery in Paris, which opened in 1837 and was run by Ernest Schwartzer and August Zand — both Austrians. From France, croissants spread to many other countries around the world, including Illinois.
Conclusion
Exploring classic bakeries in Illinois is a fascinating journey that brings you closer to the history, culture, and cuisine of this region. Take the time to visit these long-standing bakeries, enjoy the best croissants, and discover the interesting stories behind them. You are sure to have unforgettable experiences. Are you ready to explore the classic bakeries in Illinois?