Herma’s News – New Foods, Entertaining Tips and Gift Ideas

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. – Washington Irving

Dear Customers,

Christmas shopping at Herma’s is magical with an abundance of gift items, ornaments and special foods available for the holidays. Herma’s Studio is especially magical as it is full of chocolates, Panettones and treats that rival that of any confectionary in Europe.

When you visit, be sure to head all the way to the back of the store to survey the magnificent selection of specially chosen chocolates, cookies and cakes that we know will make truly special gifts for loved ones and friends.

Baratti & Milano – Traditional Italian Favorites!

Baratti & Milano is a renowned confectionary company in Turin, Italy founded in 1858 by Ferdinando Baratti and Eduardo Milano. They have since become the official confectioners of the Royal House of Savoy.

We carry an abundance of chocolates, cookies and treats from Baratti & Milano and believe any of them would make a charming gift or a special, sophisticated treat to offer guests while entertaining.

To help navigate our large selection go to the blog section of our website or click on the link below…

Baratti and Milano – Navigating our large selection! – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)

Taco’s Find…

Dreamfarm’s Spina

Spina is a salad spinner, colander, and strainer in one, perfect for spin-drying salads, vegetables, berries, grapes, pasta, and more. Best in Class Good Design Award Winner

photo by Dreamfarm

Kalios’ Greek Olive Oil & Balsamic

photo by Kalios

Kalios has been producing olive oil for 8 generations in the south of Greece, in a little village called Neochori-Ithomi. We are excited to offer gift sets involving Kalios 01 and their Balsamique along with Kalios 01, 02 and 03.

For more information about these olive oils and their Balsamic Vinegar go to the blog section of our website or click on the link below. The perfect gift for that foodie in your life!

Kalio’s Holiday Collections – Why they are so wonderful! – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)

NEW! A Taste of Italy with Viani

An amazing selection of Italian foods has arrived which include the following…

Classico (traditional tomato sauce) – Nonna (tomato sauce with mixed veggies) – Pesto (sun-dried tomatoes) – Green Pesto (without garlic) – Green Pesto (with garlic) – Carciofi (artichokes) – Antipasto (mixed Sicilian veggies) – Cipolle (pickled onions) – Olive (with garlic and chili) – Capperi in Coarse Sea Salt – Pomodori (Semi-Dried Tomatoes) – Tomato Sauce with Basil 

To find out more about these delicious foods go to the blog section of hermas.ca or click on the link below…

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

Herma’s Cheese Shop

Janis is excited about all the wonderful cheeses that have arrived and all the festive cheeses that are on their way. She has her favorites for this weekend of entertaining which she has shared with me and may be found in the blog section of hermas.ca or by clicking on the link below…

This Week’s Cheeses – Perfect for a holiday cheese platter. – Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts (hermas.ca)

Featured Cheese – Oro Rosso – Bitto – Morbier – Raclette with Peppercorn

NEW Pairings with Cheese

3 Types of Honey (for pairing with cheese) & Torta di Siena (little savory cakes to be sliced like a pie, pairs well with cheese)

NEW Charcuterie

Mortadella (have sliced) –  Pancetta (have sliced) – Prosciuttini (packaged)

Coming SoonFrench Raclette and Aged Gruyere for winter nights of fun!

Baked Brie – Festive for the holidays!

The Emile Henry Cheese Baker is something you will be reaching for all holiday season long. With endless recipe possibilities, you can create spectacular cheese dishes that will dazzle your family and guests.

Apple & Cranberry Baked Cheese

photo by Emile Henry

Cut Gala apple into thin slices (1/4″ thick) – Roast 1 tbsp of pine nuts in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes stirring regularly. – Mix lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon with 3 tbsp of honey. – Place cheese in center of the Cheese Baker and score cheese in checkered pattern. –  Place apple slices around it. – Add pine nuts, 1 tbsp of cranberries, 3 pinches of cinnamon. – Sprinkle thyme over the cheese. – Pour lemon/honey mixture on top. Close lid on top of Cheese Baker and bake 20-25 minutes. – Serve with our homemade crostini, crackers or toasted baguette slices.

You may also want to try Honey & Walnut Baked Brie involving Camembert with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans placed on top. Drizzle 2 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of olive oil on top of the nuts, bake for 15-20 minutes and you have a very special dish.

Serving Tip

Because Emile Henry’s Cheese Baker doesn’t have a knob on top, the lid can double as a warm serving container for heated or toasted baguette slices.

Herma’s Signature Product suggestion…

photo by Gary Mulcahey

Pair Pickled Oranges with our Signature Liver pâté.

More about Belberry’s Andalusian Pickled Oranges

photo by Belberry

These pickled oranges are lovely in salads and desserts. They are also the perfect pairing for baked hams, pâtés and Christmas cheeses, not to mention a lovely way to spice up a Mediterranean dish. When added to a sauce, the longer the oranges are left to simmer, the tangier they will be, adding a sunny, fruity touch to stews and sauces.

Stay tuned!

We have special guests coming soon, one being a jolly, old man in a red suit from the North Pole next Sunday, December 5th.

Gift Basket Reminder

To order custom gift baskets call 905-885-9250 or stop by.

We look forward to your visit. If there is anything we can do to make your holiday entertaining and gift giving easier let us know.

Be safe and stay well.

Sincerely,

Meredith Ender

Communications Coordinator

Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts