Bonjour French Market Friends,
Cool Autumn weather has set in across France. Traditionally on Saturday 1st November, French families recognise Fete de la Toussaint (All Saints Day) and visit their family graveyards, tidying them and decorating them with flowers, especially chrysanthemums. The famous Parisian cemetery Pere Lachaise is no exception, being the largest Parisian cemet
ery covering 100 acres, and the resting place of many famous people including Chopin, Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison. These famous relics draw in over 3,5 million visitors a year.
However, I don’t think Siya and the Bokke will be paying a visit as they prepare for their match against Les Bleus at the Stade de France tomorrow. This will be Siya’s 100th cap for the Bokke and should be an exciting match. (Image courtesy WIkipedia -By Stefano Delfrate)
Back here in Cape Town we are enjoying instant hot summer weather with temperatures well into the 30Cs today. The roads are busy to the beaches with visitors arriving from around the world. Many of our “swallows” who drift from Summer to Summer have started to pop in at the shop, checking that their favourite ch
eese supplier is still going.
This week we have lots of cheese for you to choose from. Try some of the rich and creamy Delice from Burgundy. This delicate flavoured, white bloomy rind crusted cheese is known as a Triple cream, meaning the butter fat content is much higher than the average Brie or Camembert. Try serving it with fresh cherries or poached pears.
Another favourite soft cheese if the Vacherousse from the Jura, this double cream cheese has a rich, smooth texture with a slightly tangy light orange crust. Pair with a glass of fresh Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc.
If y
ou prefer stronger flavour cheese, try some of our soft creamy washed rind Epoisses from Burgundy, or Munster from Alsace. These cheeses have a more pungent aroma than their taste. Other washed rind cheese includes our St Nectaire which was popular at the court of the Kings of France. This cheese has a dry, pungent crust and a medium firm texture. In our mountain cheese range.
I would recommend you try the Morbier, this large wheel of cheese is distinctive with its layer of ash running through the centre. The ash was used in the old days to keep insects away from the maturing cheese and was incorporated in the modern version as the flavour was enjoyed and made the cheese unique. We currently have a special on some very strong ripe Morbier, we are offering it at half price as we need to make way for new stock coming in for the peak season.
In our French alc
ohol range, just in time for the party season, we have received a new stock of the Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Champagne NV. Le Mesnil is a Grand Cru vineyard located around Le Mesnil sur Oger, on the slopes of the Cotes des Blancs in the Champagne region. Matured for a minimum of three years on the lees, this 100% Chardonnay Champagne has fine bubbles, an aroma of white flowers and a hint of citrus in the taste. It is a beautiful fresh champagne and ideal for summer. Price is R900/750ml bottle.
For my recipe this week I am sharing one of my favourite dishes, a cheese soufflé made with Emmental. The secret to a good soufflé is to ensure that you don’t get any yolk mixed in with the egg white prior to whisking the egg whites. The bowl you use for whisking must be dry and wide. Suggest you try pairing with a glass of Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc Champagne.
Regards
Suzanne and The French Market Team