This episode unwraps the buttery layers of the croissant, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to its status as a symbol of French sophistication. Though now synonymous with France, the croissant’s story begins in Vienna, where the kipferl—a crescent-shaped pastry—was created to celebrate victory over the Ottoman siege in the 17th century. When the pastry reached Paris two centuries later, French bakers refined it into something airy, delicate, and divine: the laminated dough masterpiece we know today.

Listeners are guided through the meticulous art of croissant-making—folding butter into dough, layering it with patience and precision, balancing temperature and timing. The episode evokes the quiet ritual of French mornings, where a croissant and a cup of coffee embody le petit bonheur—the little happiness of daily life.

As French culture spread worldwide, the croissant adapted: the Italian cornetto, Argentina’s medialuna, and countless modern variations, from almond-filled pastries to the viral cronut. Yet through all its transformations, it remains a symbol of grace—an everyday luxury born from craftsmanship and care.

Ultimately, the episode portrays the croissant as more than a pastry—it’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and refinement, proving that the world’s most elegant things often come from the simplest ingredients, folded with love and patience.