Laisse dorer le croissant pour qu'il soit croustillant et moelleux.

Questions & Answers about Laisse dorer le croissant pour qu'il soit croustillant et moelleux.

Why do we use soit here instead of the indicative est?
The conjunction pour que (so that) always requires the subjunctive mood because it expresses an intention or goal, rather than an established fact. Just like en attendant que from this lesson's theme, it triggers the subjunctive, turning the verb être into soit.
Why are the two verbs Laisse dorer right next to each other? Couldn't we say Laisse le croissant dorer?
You actually can say Laisse le croissant dorer, but keeping the verbs together (Laisse dorer) is a very common structure in French. When using laisser (to let) or faire (to make) with an infinitive, they often group tightly together to act like a single command. The object (le croissant) then safely follows after the verbs.
I noticed dorer is translated as "brown". Does it come from the word for gold?
Exactly! It comes from or (gold). While we say "to brown" in English when baking or frying, the French literally say "to turn golden". You will often see the past participle doré (golden or browned) in French recipes.
Is moelleux used for any kind of softness?
No, moelleux specifically refers to a fluffy, spongy, or melt-in-the-mouth softness, which is why it is perfect for the inside of a croissant or a cake. If you are talking about a soft surface that feels nice to touch, like a blanket or skin, you would use doux instead.

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