Tuile

A tuile is a delicate and crispy baked wafer originating from France. These thin, curved treats can be either sweet or savory, and their name, "tuile" translates to "tile" in French—an apt description of their resemblance to the curved roof tiles commonly seen on French country homes.

Tuiles are versatile and often used to enhance other dishes. They make elegant garnishes for desserts like panna cotta and can serve as edible cups for sorbet or ice cream. Their light and crisp texture provides a delightful contrast to creamy desserts.

Making tuiles involves creating thin cookies that you shape while they're still hot, ensuring they form the characteristic curve without cracking. Traditional tuile batter is made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, melted butter, and almonds. However, modern variations often incorporate different bases and flavors to suit various tastes.

To achieve the perfect curve, you can shape the hot cookies over a curved surface like a wine bottle or a rolling pin. In France, specialized tuile molds are available specifically for this purpose.