Originally made in the Meaux region, Brie de Meaux is a flat, round soft cheese with a bloomy rind that has been granted AOC status. This well-known unpasteurised cow's milk, nicknamed "the king of cheeses and prince of desserts" at a dinner organised by the French statesman Talleyrand in 1814, is left to ripen for four weeks. Brie de Meaux's taste varies according to its ripeness, but it goes wonderfully with a simple slice of farmhouse bread and a glass of red Bordeaux or Burgundy. This cheese can also be used in cooking and is a key ingredient in local specialities like Galettes Briardes (Brie flat cakes), Bouchées à la Reine au Brie de Meaux (Brie vol au vents) and Croque-Briard (baked Brie and butter sandwich).