Bonjour Dear French Market Friends,
In Paris this week many people were delighted to see the rebuilt wooden spire rise above Notre Dame 
Cathedral, in replacement of the one burnt in the devastating fire 4 years ago. This landmark building of Paris, which is deeply loved by Parisians and visitors, is still requiring intensive repairs. President Macron is hopeful that the Cathedral will reopen in December 2024.
Back here in Cape Town we have been frying in the heat of summer with temperatures of 39C degrees in the city this week. It is always hard to feel that we are approaching Christmas in these temperatures. In preparation for your Festive season
treats, do think ahead to the cheese platter that you would like to serve. We have a range of individual cheeses which look very impressive when set out on a platter. I recommend the raw milk Camemberts, Pont l’Eveques, Munsters and pungent Epoisses. Combine these with slices of the classic Brie de Meaux, Comtes, Beaufort d’Ete, Morbier, Tomme de Savoie and St Nectaire, complete this with a Bleu d’Auvergne or Roquefort. During the week before Xmas we should receive additional speciality cheeses such as Mont D’Or, Pouligny St Pierre and lots more.
With the beginning of December, the search has started for secret Santa presents. We have such a wide range of ideas from which you can select interesting and tasty gifts. For example the different types of mustards, vinegars, terrines, spices and truffle products make easy gifts, they are great quality and more unusual than the regular surprise gifts. The small sized Panettone and Pandoro are ideal as secret Santa gifts.
We have received a stock of Marrons Glace. These are shelled and cooked chestnuts that have been slowly glazed. Eaten after dinner or as a little decadent treat during the day. They are one of the most popular gifts in France at Christmas.
In our alcohol range we have a great selection of wines and champagnes, 
ranging from easy drinking table wines from Bordeaux and the Rhone, to great Champagnes. We have a small stock of the Louis Roederer Cristal vintage champagne, once you have tasted this, no other champagne can compete with the depth and complexity of the flavour. This was the favourite champagne of the Tsars.
Our amazing French Patissier chef Cedric has created some wonderful individual cakes for us over the last couple of months. Now he is starting to prepare the Buche de Noel. This is the traditional cake that is served in France at Christmas time. “Buche” means Log and the cake is decorated to make it look like a log lying in the forest in winter time
. The cake is made out of a very light sponge that is spread with butter cream then rolled up and coated with a thick layer of chocolate (similar to a Swiss roll). The chocolate coating is patterned to make it look like the bark of a tree. You can add decorations such as snow patterns, marzipan toadstools and holly. This week I am sharing a recipe for a traditional Buche de Noel (Christmas log). I suggest pairing this rich cake with a glass of Louis Roederer Cristal champagne, available from the French Market shop.
If you would like to order a Buche please place your orders with us for a Buche de Noel by Friday 15th December. They will be ready by the 23rd. There are several different styles and sizes. I will send you more details as soon as I have confirmation of the pricing. Please note that as our baker will be focussing on making the Buche, there will be no individual cakes available during the week before Christmas until the 29th. In addition he will be making Galettes des Rois after Christmas for the Epiphany celebrations.
I hope you have a relaxed and sunny weekend,
Regards
Suzanne and The French Market Team