What is a French Rolling Pin?
I was recently given a 'French Rolling Pin' as a gift. To me, it just looks like a fancy dowel-rod. What exactly is it, and what is it useful for?
Best Answer
A French rolling pin is a real thing. It is also a very convenient thing. I find that I have much better control over my rolling using one rather than the foolish little pins with the handles that get filthy and hurt my knuckles.
As for the 'French' part of the name. I don't know, having never lived in France, whether they actually refer to that style of rolling pin as French. However, I find it extremely unlikely. Probably some English speaker coined the phrase to differentiate that style of pin as one commonly used in France. Hopefully there is a French speaker who can provide more insight. (If you didn't insult them with your question.)
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Quick Answer about "What is a French Rolling Pin?"
What even is a French rolling pin? Unlike traditional American rolling pins (a.k.a. handled pins or ball-bearing pins), which have a center cylinder that rolls between two handles, French-style rolling pins consist of a wood dowel and nothing else. No internal ball bearings, no handles.What are French rolling pins used for?
A wooden rolling pin, which is used to prepare dough for baking, that does not have handles. This kitchen utensil is most often made from tight-grained hardwoods such as boxwood or beech wood.How do you use a French tapered rolling pin?
Many home cooks own straight rolling pins, which offer good heft for rolling out dough efficiently. But tapered, or French-style, rolling pins also have their advantages. QUICK CORRECTION: If your dough looks amoeba-like, the tapered shape and light weight of this pin make it easy to maneuver and pivot.Why are French rolling pins curved?
There are three main types of rolling pins: tapered rolling pins, straight (cylindrical) rolling pins and rolling pins with handles.Cooking: Basics of rolling pins
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Answer 2
The French rolling pin is a useful tool in the kitchen for bakers, especially those who like to concoct pastries, roll out sugar cookies, or make shaped breads and rolls. The standard pin is usually 2 inches (5.08 cm) in circumference, and can come in varying lengths; 18 inches (45.72 cm) tends to be the most popular length. What makes it different from other rolling pins is that it has no handles, and is tapered to a smaller circumference at each end. It’s essentially a round, usually wooden, stick of a certain thickness.
From here: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-french-rolling-pin.htm
Answer 3
In professional baking circles, the tapered "French Pin" is best used to roll out pie and tart dough so that the center of the crust is slightly thinner than the outer edges. This way the crust is sure to be evenly baked. As for the French part of it, my French chef friends have never heard of a "French Rolling Pin", nor have they ever heard of a "French Knife", or "French Fries" for that matter. I believe that any culinary item that is slightly more sophisticated it is called "French ...". Probably because the French are reputed to enjoy a higher standard of culinary expertice.
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