Lady fingers go by a variety of names: ladyfingers (one word), cat’s tongue, and langue de chat (French for cat’s tongue). They are a plain cookie that can be used for lining dessert molds and can handle soaking up liquids without simply falling apart. They can be purchased from gourmet shops, but just as easily be made up at home with a piping bag and sheet pan, or using a special pan made especially for them.
Langue de Chat Biscuit – Cat’s Tongues Recipe (Lady Fingers) From 1907
Renee Shelton
Adapted from Paul Richards' Pastry Book, 1907.
- 1/2 pound sugar
- 1/2 pound flour
- 1/2 pound butter
- 6 egg whites
- Vanilla flavor