In France, an afternoon snack is called le goûter, pronounced “goo-tay.” It’s a traditional treat for children and is usually eaten around 4 PM. Le goûter is a cherished part of French culture and was institutionalized in schools there in 1941. Since the French eat dinner around 8pm or later, this late day morsel doesn’t ruin anyone’s appetite. So smart!
The word goûter comes from the word “to taste.” It’s a time to enjoy sweets in cafés and tea parlors, or buy goodies from neighborhood pastry shops. Some traditional goûter foods include baguette with butter and jam, pain au chocolat, biscuits and fruit purée, and meringues. Even adults get in on this action. Adults however often have a “pause-café” meaning coffee-break after lunch, with the term goûter used exclusively for children. Whatever you call it, I’m totally on board, minus the java of course. So let the snacking begin.
Sometimes I’m a salty snacker, and sometimes I prefer a sweet treat. If it’s an afternoon time frame, my pause-café is usually sugar. If it’s an after dinner thing, meaning post-dessert, I usually go savory or popcorn specifically. I don’t think the French do post dinner snacks since they eat so much later than early bird special Americans. But you should know that in my abode, regardless of meal times, there are always snack options at the ready.
Knowing what you might want to have is key to actually getting what you want. I try to be the queen of planning ahead, but like all of you, sometimes the me that plans the meals and snacks and does the grocery shopping has absolutely no relation to the appetite of the me that is supposed to eat those items. So I ask, why do we do this to ourselves??
But speaking of tasty snacks, check out this yummy one. And thank you! I’d totally wear this jacket.
On a serious food note, I just saw an awesome recipe idea. And it involves putting two huge tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt into any pancake batter you favor. What a genius idea. Just fold in it before you cook up your flapjacks and watch those fluffies reach the ultimate moistness with an added punch of protein. I love this technique and a short stack of pancakes makes a great snack.
If you’re looking for a good topper for those pancakes, and who isn’t, Trader Joe’s just launched a specialty butter that is beyond delish. It’s their Butter with Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup. And of course I just bought it because yum! I’ll let you know how much I enjoy it. Write in if you’re trying it too and we can compare notes.
Le goûter, pause-café, late night munchies or a mid-morning break… whenever you decide that a little treat is in order, I say go for it. Nobody takes care of you like you do so enjoy every bite!
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