îles flottantes, vanilla crème anglaise… delight in semplicity

Îles Flottantes, or “floating islands,” is a beloved French dessert with roots in classic European cuisine. Its origins trace back to the 18th century, where variations appeared in aristocratic cookbooks under names like œufs à la neige (eggs in snow). Traditionally, the dish consists of poached meringue “islands” floating in a sea of crème anglaise, a rich vanilla custard sauce.
Over time, chefs refined the technique, replacing soft-poached meringue with more stable versions like Italian meringue, and introducing garnishes such as caramel threads or toasted nuts for added texture. The dessert became a staple in French bistros and homes alike, admired for its lightness and elegance, and it continues to be a favourite across the world for those seeking a touch of classic refinement.
…îles flottantes, vanilla crème anglaise… delight in semplicityRead More »