Cracking the Code: That Tricky Crossword Clue About Louis XIV’s Steward
Ah, the crossword puzzle – a delightful test of wit, knowledge, and sheer perseverance. Sometimes, a clue falls easily into place, a satisfying click as the right word settles into its grid square. Other times… well, other times you find yourself staring blankly at a seemingly innocuous clue, wrestling with cryptic definitions and wordplay that seem designed to unravel your sanity.
Today, we tackle one such beast: a clue that demands a knowledge of history, specifically the opulent court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. The clue itself is deceptively simple:
“Sauce named after a steward to Louis XIV.”
Simple, right? Wrong. This clue relies on a very specific piece of culinary history. It’s not a common name, easily recalled from casual knowledge. It requires a dip into the archives of French cuisine, a realm often overlooked in standard crossword fodder. This is where the true challenge lies. The clue tests not just your vocabulary, but your grasp of historical context.
So how do we approach this puzzle? Let’s break it down methodically. First, focus on the keywords: “sauce,” “steward,” and “Louis XIV.” These are our anchors, our points of reference. “Sauce” tells us we’re looking for a culinary term. “Steward” suggests someone in a position of service, perhaps a high-ranking one given the royal connection. “Louis XIV” is the key historical figure, directing our search toward his era and court.
Now, the solving process begins. We can’t simply throw random French sauce names at the crossword grid and hope for a match. This requires a more strategic approach. Consider the nature of crossword clues. Often, the clue is more of a riddle than a direct definition. The phrasing itself can hold hints; the use of words like “named after” explicitly links the sauce to a specific person.
This isn’t about brute force, it’s about deduction. Think about the likely characteristics of a sauce named after a steward to Louis XIV. Would it be a simple, everyday sauce? Unlikely. We’re dealing with the court of a powerful and extravagant king; anything associated with his court would likely reflect that opulence. We’re looking for something sophisticated, perhaps even exclusive.
Let’s consider the context. What kind of information might a historical source, such as a cookbook or biography of Louis XIV’s court, reveal? Such sources might offer clues, details about specific recipes, or the names of individuals who held influential positions in the royal kitchens.
This isn’t just about finding the answer; it’s about the journey, the process of piecing together the puzzle, the thrill of discovery. So grab your research tools, your historical references, and your sharpest reasoning skills. The solution awaits… but it will require a bit of digging. Good luck, solvers! You’ll need it.
Available Answers:
BECHAMEL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 4 Jan 25, Saturday