Herma's News - An Italian Picnic, Italian Cheeses and Savings

Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. – Elsa Schiaparelli

Dear Customers,

Let’s adopt the attitude of dolce far niente, a type of past time enjoyed in Italy and other places in Europe – the essence of doing nothing and enjoying it.

While the weather still permits, find a pleasant place to sit and observe the buzz of life that is all around you. No stress, no pressure, nothing matters and time is NOT of the essence.

And as you lounge about living in the moment, what could be finer than grazing upon delicious Italian foods?

An Italian Picnic

Italian Picnic Food Suggestions

Prosciutto – Fennel Salami – Porchetta – Pecorino Toscano – Taleggio – Burrata – NEW Occelli Cheese wrapped in Chestnut Leaves – NEW Paradiso Dolce – Olives – Grapes – Figs – Pesto – Bruschetta – Olive Oil – Balsamic Vinegar – Baguette – Crostini – Saltspring Kitchen Co. Preserves and Spreads – Prosecco – Cloudy Lemonade – Crisp White Wine

The Cheese

At Herma’s find these wonderful NEW arrivals from Italy.

Pecorino Toscano DOP

This delicious sheep’s milk cheese has enjoyed a history of over 2500 years in central Italy where the landscape lends itself well to sheep grazing in the fields. Our pecorino is a fresh (fresco) cheese from Sienna in Tuscany that is milder than the older Pecorino Romano.

Interesting Fact…In the 18th century women who could craft Pecorino were prized. Their skill became part of their dowry which gave them a better chance of finding a good husband.

Pecorino Toscano Suggestions

Italian Picnic Style

Pecorino sliced thin with savory olives, crusty bread and salami and/or prosciutto.

Pecorino with Pears and Honey

4 pears (quartered), Pecorino Toscano (sliced) and walnuts drizzled with honey and given a crack of ground pepper from a pepper mill.

Salami, Black Olives and Pecorino on Skewers

Serve Pecorino cubed on a skewer with salami and black olives.

It is also wonderful in salads, on a cheese board or grilled and placed on warm toast.

Occelli Cheese in Chestnut Leaves

Occelli in chestnut leaves is made from cow’s and goat’s milk and is produced in Valcasotto in the province of Cuneo. We find it tart and yoghurty with sweet pineapple flavours and an almost boozy intensity. A beautiful cheese to serve on your Italian picnic. Consider serving alongside grapes or with a nice fig preserve and baguette.

Paradiso Dolce

Dolce Paradiso is made up of alternating layers of two Italian cheeses – Gorgonzola DOP and Mascarpone. The delicate taste of Mascarpone complements the Gorgonzola DOP, whose aroma and flavor presents itself as the classic blue-cheese. What’s more? Its covered in pretty green slivers of Pistachio Nuts.

Taleggio

Developed during the 10th century, it’s considered one of the oldest soft cheeses and is aged in caves located in and around the Seriana Valley of Bergamo in the Lombardy region of Italy. Slice this raw Taleggio into small triangles and serve on a salumi platter. It may also be melted on pasta, risottos and is amazing on pizza. Try placing on a pizza with fennel salami.

Burrata

Burrata is so creamy that the word literally means butter. When cut open, the creamy filling with a texture like runny ricotta oozes out, very similar to the experience of cutting into a poached egg. This cheese had to make our list because it is so wonderful during hot months. Serve with fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil and balsamic. Also fantastic served alongside melons or peaches wrapped in prosciutto. A real Italian treat!

The Charcuterie

The following beautiful Italian meats may be cut to your liking by Janis, Margaret and Herma upon request.

Prosciutto is beautiful with a texture that allows it to be wrapped around fruits and breadsticks for pretty presentation. The perfect addition to your charcuterie platter or placed in a sandwich.

Fennel Salami mingles with the distinct flavour of fennel seed. Also a tasty meat to have on a salumi platter or placed in a sandwich.

Porchetta Ham when sliced fine, drops in pretty folds on your plate and is absolutely delicious in a sandwich or on its own placed on a cheese platter.

Other pre-packaged salami is available as well.

Enjoy the Savings!

Italian Dishes from Maxwell & Williams 50 % Off

Ceramics Salerno Collection at Herma’s!!

Bring a taste of the Amalfi coastline to your table in another way. Made in the famous Salerno region of Italy, this Ceramica Salerno by Maxwell & Williams is inspired by traditional Italian ceramics. With a selection of lavish designs in a rich earthy palette, Ceramica Salerno is authentic Italian tableware at its best.

Also 50% off Piecework Puzzles

At Herma’s we offer Piecework Puzzles that feature fun, colorful food displays.

Find sale items in our Studio toward the back of the store.

We hope you have a lovely weekend and that we will get to see you soon.