Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? – Rose Kennedy

Dear Customers,

The first day of summer has arrived, and with its arrival, our expectation for many lazy summer days spent enjoying yummy foods on our patio or deck (hopefully with a few friends and family).

During this newsletter and newsletters to come we hope we might inspire you with delicious foods and ideas to make your outdoor dining experience as enjoyable as possible.

Wishing you all the best for a summer well lived!

Dining in Style

Emile Henry + Chef & Sommelier

Emile Henry Grand Cru Dishes, 16 pieces $380 (while supply lasts)

In Marcigny, deep in the heart of Burgundy, France, Emile Henry impresses us with their commitment to craftsmanship using a unique Ceradon process. Their pieces are fired with an extremely durable glaze that gives the finished product a naturally non-stick surface that is scratch and chip resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Chef & Sommelier Wine Glasses

Chef & Sommelier crystal clear stem glasses feature a unique bowl-shaped design to enhance the look and taste of your wine. They are made with Kwarx® glass technology for high break-resistant quality glassware that is sure to last.

Harry’s Wooden Boards

Present Cheese, Charcuterie, Fruit and/or Bread & Butter in rustic fashion on these handcrafted wooden boards.

There is something about the smooth warmth and indestructability of wood that makes slicing bread, salami and cheese on them gratifying. Handcrafted wooden boards are timeless, the way food would have been presented centuries ago.

Harry handcrafts his boards on site and brands them with Herma’s name. He has just recently finished creating over 75 new boards in the past month. Find them near Herma’s Cheese Shop.

Savings at Herma’s

50% OFF stunning long stemmed crystal wine, Prosecco and drinking glasses from D’Arques in Paris. While supply lasts.

Lovely as a wedding, birthday and housewarming gift!

Grilled Pear and Horseradish Jam on Herma’s Homemade Crostini

with Blue Cheese and Buffalo Mozzarella

This is a delightful, decadent combination of sweet, sharp and pungent. A real treat!

Place the following on top of Herma’s Homemade Crostini in this order…

1. Buffalo Mozzarella 2. Garlic Box’s Horseradish Garlic Jam 3. thin slice of blue cheese. 4. Grilled Pair 5. walnut crumbles and a drizzle of honey (optional).

Village Grocer Tips – The Perfectly Grilled Steak

photo of a Prime Striploin Steak

-Make sure the steak is room temperature before grilling.

– Brush the steak with oil on both sides and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.

– Heat your grill to high.

-Place steaks on grill and sear on both sides.

– Lower temperature to medium and grill approximately 10 minutes turning steaks often to cook evenly.

– Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle back into the meat.

Choosing the Meat

In order to choose beef for the following week, Village Grocer chefs get up early twice a week to go to local abattoirs. While making their decision as to what meat to choose they look at meatiness, fat cover, marbling and muscle placement.

Harry picks it up.

Harry travels most weeks to the Village Grocer to pick up the steaks we carry, most often choosing from their Prime Striploin Steaks and Marinated Flank Steaks (occasionally Rib Eye Steaks also make their way to our coolers and freezers). We consider them all to be outstanding cuts of meat.

Margaret’s Black Currant Cake Recipe

This recipe is GLUTEN FREE using Popham Lane Farm’s Black Currant Spread and Almond Flour. We love the combination of rich chocolate with the natural berry goodness of black currants. Delicious!

Ingredients

150 grams Almond Flour – 100 grams Butter or Margarine – 100 grams Sugar – 3 Eggs – 60 grams Cocoa – 1 teaspoon of Baking Powder – 1 jar of Popham Lane Farm’s Black Currant Spread – 1 cup of Whipping Cream

Optional: Drizzle cake with cognac before putting on spread

Instructions

Beat butter and sugar together until creamy. Add eggs one at a time.
Mix dry ingredients and add to egg mixture.
Place in pan and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Let cake cool and drizzle with cognac (optional).
Spread entire jar of Black Currant Spread on top.
Cover in whipped cream.
Sprinkle cake with chocolate shavings.

This recipe is for one layer. Double the ingredients and bake a second layer for two layer cake.

For pretty presentation and extra berry flavour, spoon Popham Lane Farm Black Currant Sauce onto plate using a pretty sweeping motion. This berry sauce is all-natural and healthy with anti-oxidants.

Herma’s Cheese Shop

It’s here! St. Niklaus Raclette

Our favourite raclette is here just in time for outdoor dining and celebrating. Enjoy the oozing goodness of authentic raclette for special nights spent on your patio with friends.

Time to Party with BOSKA’s Partyclette!

photo by BOSKA

The Partyclette’s plates sit above tea candles which makes it ideal for cocktail parties and barbecues. Add the finest melting Raclette you can find and you have a perfect equation equaling an amazing evening.

Enjoy your melted cheese over delicious foods like Herma’s crostini, sliced baguette, boiled potatoes, salami, Prosciutto, Pancetta, sausages, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, pears, sliced apples and even hamburgers.

We also carry SWISSMAR’s Swivel and SWISSMAR’s Classic Raclette Machines.

Herma’s Signature Products

photos by Gary Mulcahey (Photo of Goat Cheese Rounds by Barry Mortin)

Herma’s Signature Products have been tried and true for more than 15 years. Whether served from the container or in your most elegant crystal, they are delicious enjoyed with friends outdoors and in.

Find in our coolers…

Goat Cheese Rounds – Herma’s Chevre – Stilton Pâté – Sundried Tomato Dip – Seafood Dazzler – Bacon Cheddar Spread – Beer Cheese Spread – Spicy Pimento Spread – Chicken Liver Pate – Lemo-Licious Cheese – Savoury Cheddar

Don’t forget to pick up Herma’s Homemade Crostini – the perfect vehicle for cheese and spreads.

Charcuterie

We carry a variety of packaged salami from Europe and Canada which are found in our coolers, however we also carry an amazing selection of Italian meats that may be sliced to your liking.

These meats include Prosciutto, Pancetta and Fennel Salami which are designated with a protective status by the European Union. This protective status ensures quality by requiring the producers to follow strict rules as to where and how their ham and salami are made.

Janis is available on weekends while Herma and/or Margaret would also be happy to slice these meats during the week.

Cheese Specials

Duetto

A delightful combination of Italian Gorgonzola DOP with the sweet freshness of Mascarpone. WAS $14.50 NOW $10.50, while supply lasts

Belle Marie

A double cream brie that is perfect to use with our Gourmet du Village Baked Brie Kits. WAS $8.25 NOW $5.25, while supply lasts

Herma’s will be OPEN Canada Day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing you in coming days as you prepare for Canada Day celebrations!

Be well and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Meredith Ender

Communication Coordinator

Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts