Herma’s News – Join us for Fondue, Mrs. Claus’ Message, Ordering Turkeys, Guide to Chocolates
I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Dear Customers,
For us Christmas has begun and we aim to have fun until after New Year’s Day. This Saturday, for instance, we plan to serve up something really special in our Cheese Shop. What’s more? Herman, Herma’s son, will be tickling the ivories in the Studio for a dose of extra festive cheer.
Vacherin Fribourgeois
This semi-soft cheese made with raw cow’s milk made in Switzerland is always welcome on a cheeseboard and it tastes just as good melted and poured over potatoes. Better yet, gourmets around the world use Vacherin Fribourgeois as their preferred cheese for fondue (as we will be doing this Saturday).
The milk for the cheese is sourced from a Fribourgeois breed of cows that are given no other fodder except to graze on Alpine meadows and hay. It has a pleasant nutty flavour underpinned by notes of fresh hay and milk. Vacherin has a natural and brushed washed rind (not edible) with a stinky aroma that does not overpower the lovely fragrance of the cheese inside. The interior of the cheese is straw coloured with an open and buttery texture.
Vacherin Fribourgeois pairs best with supple red wines, such as Syrah and Rioja, along with mellow whites.
Herma’s Cheese Shop
We have an amazing selection of all sorts of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruit spreads, honey, bread and crackers perfect for holiday entertaining. Be sure to load up on all the gourmet groceries you will need to offer guests the most spectacular cheese and charcuterie possible.
NEW Arrival! Pate De Campagne (5 Peppercorns GF, Quebec), Terrine 5 Game Meat & Cranberries (Ingredients: Pork, Ostrich, Venison, Pheasant, Bison, Eggs, Onions, Salt, Cranberries, Cognac and Sugar), The Henaff Pork Pate
Find in our Signature Product cooler.
Dear Herma,
I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was getting to, once again, visit your lovely store. Your customers were enchanting, especially one little girl I had the privilege of meeting. She had the prettiest floral Christmas dress and red cardigan, beautiful dark curls, twinkly brown eyes, and best of all, the sweetest smile – so lovely and charming. I can’t wait for Santa to visit her house and hear how it goes.
I also enjoyed doing a little shopping. I bought a load of wonderful European chocolate, cookies and Panettone (for the elves, of course, Wink! Wink!). My goodness Herma, but you do have one of the largest and most varied selections of chocolates, cookies, Panettone and Christmas treats I’ve ever seen. Your selection actually rivals Harrods in London, and I generally avoid going there as I don’t have the time nor energy to visit big cities this time of year.
I bought Santa an amazing bottle of Eau de Parfume like I did last year. Mistral for Men is drop-dead intoxicating! And oh, I even bought a little something special for myself which will please Santa as I will look amazing in it. Your Kimono’s colorful designs are so pretty and whimsical – I couldn’t help but treat myself.
The dinner we enjoyed in your home was amazing on the night we visited, as is what I expect when dining with you, and I was thrilled to see you and Harry looking so happy and healthy. Santa and I always have so much fun spending time with the two of you.
With all the craziness going on last year you had an excuse not to join us on our tropical vacation. This year, however, you have no excuse. Santa, I and our head elf, Samuel, all insist that you come to the North Pole in February, have a look at our decorating and wrapping department (as our elves there would like to compare notes with you), and then you and Harry must fly out with us to our private island (which will remain nameless to keep paparazzi at bay). We will have such a good time Ho! Ho! Ho-ing! all the way.
Well, I must go now. Santa is actually waiting for a foot rub from yours truly. Ha! He wore himself out inspecting all 100 of the elves’ workshops, poor thing, and then went on to visit the stables to speak with the reindeer. Only 10 more days until Christmas Eve, so Santa has to make sure the reindeer have the route they are taking memorized. Everything must run smoothly for the trip around the world to be made in one night. I AM SO EXCITED!!
Tootles Herma.
Both Santa and I wish you and Harry the Merriest of Christmases.
Love,
Jessica Claus
Turkey and Capon Orders
Don’t wait until the last minute to order your Village Grocer foods for Christmas. Last day to order is Sunday!!
Determining the size of your turkey…
As a general rule, a turkey will feed one pound of meat per person. This is a bit different with smaller turkeys, as they do not have the same “yield”. Any turkey less then 16/lb must be calculated as 1 ½/ lb per person. This does not account for leftovers, which is an important consideration for many. – The Village Grocer
BTW…The Village Grocer’s Maple Sugar Ham won the gold award in a ham making competition. Simply the best! (Find in our coolers around the corner from our Cheese Shop.)
Guide to European Chocolate, Cakes and Cookies
For a guide to some of the Italian treats that might have alluded you because of the Italian wording on the labels, click on the link below or go to the blog section of hermas.ca.
Guide to Herma’s Room of Chocolates, Cookies and Cakes – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)
Ordering Gift Baskets
We hope you have a wonderful weekend and that the joy of the season soon fills you with an abundance of cheer.
Sincerely,
Meredith Ender
Communication Coordinator
Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts
