Herma’s News – Holiday Magic, NEW Arrivals, Gourmet Finds and Raclette

Dear Customers,

To visit Herma’s this time of year may be likened to a visit made to an elegant, old-world emporium all decked out for the holidays. On any given day Herma’s is eye-candy for those who love to cook and entertain. At present, however, Herma’s also exudes a magic and charm seldom seen outside the Christmas markets of Europe.

Be sure to visit now for exquisite ornaments, Christmas decorations, festive kitchen accessories, gifts and holiday cards which all make for a delightful shopping experience.

Of course, Christmas shopping is especially fun during our annual open house. This year it will take place on Saturday, November 12th. Be sure to mark your calendars!

NEW Arrivals

The Everest Whiskey Glass

We are excited to offer the Everest Whiskey Glass which features a unique 1:1 scale replica of Mount Everest centered in the middle. This mountain replica gently aids in aerating the whiskey as it is being swirled by the taster. Store the glass in the freezer to make use of the glass’ Chill Charge System embedded within. This allows whiskey to chill in less than 18 seconds.

Comes in set of 4 with carafe.

Fashion Pieces – elegant & unique

We are excited to introduce new colorful kimonos, scarves, shawls, eye masks, gloves and cosmetic bags. Herma believes these fashion pieces will add a flourish of dramatic beauty and colour to your wardrobe and will also make unique gifts of elegance and charm.

Foods for Holiday Entertaining

Baked Fig Ball

What is it?

This aromatic ball, imported from Calabria in southern Italy, is created from plump figs that have been air dried for eighteen hours at a very low temperature. The result are juicy, sticky, caramelized figs. They are then shaped into balls and wrapped in fig leaves which have been cleaned, dried and steamed. At this point they are baked in an oven at a low temperature for another two hours.

How to serve…

To serve, just slice the ball with a knife and let the figs fall where they may. The shape reminds us of a head of garlic cut crosswise. The figs are sticky, sweet and taste like an intense figgy jam. It smells fruity, sweet, smoky and earthy almost as if the leaves were tobacco.

Pairs beautifully with salty cheeses like Pecorino and Parmigiana which may be found in our Cheese Shop coolers.

Chocolate Shot Glass Recipe

While there are all sorts of possibilities for entertaining with the chocolate shot glasses pictured above, we came across a wonderful recipe involving Kahlua and Rum.

Ingredients

1-4 oz box of Instant Chocolate Pudding – ¾ cup Kahlua – ¾ cup Coconut Rum – 2 1/2 cups of Whip Cream

Directions

1. Add Kahlua and an entire box of pudding in a bowl. Whisk to combine.

 2. Continue to whisk for 1 to 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.

3. Whisk in the Rum until it is smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup of whipped cream.

4. Fill 3/4 of chocolate shot glass with mixture. 

5. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator/freezer for several hours or overnight.

6. When ready to serve add a dollop of whip cream on top.

Le Comptoir de Mathilde Baba au Rhum

A Parisian treat that may now be enjoyed in your own home.

Gourmet Food Finds – Passionate about flavour!

It is an overwhelming task for me to choose only a couple of items from the vast amount of delicious food found throughout Herma’s. Below are links to recipes and products that we love and wish to share with you this week.

For recipes involving Gourmet Inspiration’s amazing rubs, seasonings, barbecue sauces and dessert sauces go to the blog section of our website, hermas.ca, or click on the link below.

Gourmet Inspirations Recipes – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)

About the creator of Gourmet Inspirations

Peter Fehr is the founder, creator and culinary innovator of Gourmet Inspirations. His culinary roots found their grounding on his family farm in southern Manitoba where days were spent in his garden, handling fresh hearty ingredients and cooking for family and friends. His ingredients have always been chosen locally whenever possible and are natural, free of preservatives.

Viani’s Capers in Sea Salt

These capers, preserved in sea salt, offer an intense, elegant flavour to foods like tuna, vegetable salad and savoury dips. Rinse thoroughly before use.

Other Viani Products

For more information about Viani products go to the blog section of our website, hermas.ca, or click on the link below.

NEW A Taste of Italy with Viani – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)

Cheese Department