Baguettes, Boulangeries & Bread Laws - The Art of French Bread with Katie Quinn

What is it about the baguette that makes it so fundamentally, passionately French? In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, Andrew is joined by food journalist, author, and YouTuber Katie Quinn to explore the deep culture, history, and law surrounding French bread — from the humble baguette to the sourdough loaves that helped shape modern bakeries.Katie shares the fascinating story of Poilâne — the legendary Paris bakery founded on natural fermentation — and how Apollonia Poilâne took over at just 18 years old. They dive into the Décret Pain, the 1993 bread law that defines what a boulangerie actually is, the strict rules around a baguette de tradition, and why the French felt strongly enough about their bread to legislate it.The conversation covers the Paris baguette competition and its incredible prize (supplying bread to the Élysée Palace for a year), baguette vending machines, the global reach of the baguette from Vietnam's bánh mì to Indian restaurants, and what to do with leftover bread — including croutons, breadcrumbs, and pain perdu.Katie also shares practical home bread baking tips from her time staging in Paris boulangeries, explaining how humidity, temperature, and atmosphere affect your dough — and why adjusting your water temperature on a cold day can make all the difference.Send us Fan MailSupport the showMy book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. This is a new 2026 update for the book and you’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.comYou can help keep the show thriving by becoming a paid subscriber on substack where you'll also get fabulous extra content. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Join here at Substack , Merci beaucoup!Newsletter Youtube Instagram Facebook Website