Herma’s News – Ready for Valentine’s Day, French Onion Soup, Pecorino Romano

I’ve tried so many times to think of a new way to say it, and it’s still, ‘I love you’. – Zelda Fitzgerald

Dear Customers,

Romance is in the air, and at Herma’s that means heart-shaped chocolates, beautiful gifts wrapped with pink ribbon, gift baskets to pamper, lit candles and a beautiful table setting. If cupid strikes his arrow at you this Valentine’s Day, be sure to treat someone special with something special from Herma’s.

Ready for Valentine’s Day

Gift Baskets and Boxes of Chocolate

Three-tiered Valentine’s Day Gift

NEW at Herma’s

Fruity Caramel Chocolate Coated Licorice

Beautiful Table Setting in Herma’s Studio

Chocolate Dessert Cups

One can really get creative with these Belgian chocolate dessert cups. For Valentine’s Day we recommend filling the cup with chocolate mousse and placing raspberries on top along with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. A lovely, unique dessert to offer at your next soiree.

Cozy French Onion Soup

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter – 3 pounds of yellow onions (sliced 1/8 inch thick) – 1/2 cup dry sherry – 2 quarts chicken stock – 2 sprigs thyme – 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar – 16 slices of Manoucher’s Baguette (toasted until crisp) – 1 medium clove of garlic – 1-pound Gruyère cheese (grated) – Salt & Pepper

Directions

-In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft (1 to 2 hours).

-Add sherry and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits (3 minutes). Add stock and thyme. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

-Add cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme sprigs.

-Preheat broiler and adjust oven rack to top position. Butter baguette slices and rub with garlic clove. Pour soup into bowls. Place 2 baguette slices on top only slightly submerged. Place 1/3 cup of grated cheese on top of each crock. Set bowls on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until cheese is melted and browned in spots (about 2-4 minutes).

Find Gruyere, Manoucher Baguette and French Onion Soup Crocks at Herma’s!

Herma’s Cheese Shop

Come see our beautiful selection of cheeses, salami, dips and jams. And while you’re at it, don’t forget about all our cheese knives and tools perfect for a night of entertaining with cheese.

Papillon Roquefort

This Roquefort PAPILLON is distinguished by its white paste and intense blue veins. Its creamy and supple texture develops into a delicious fondant in the mouth, which is accompanied by a powerful, long-lasting flavour.

Instead of a box of chocolates…

A gold ribbon and bow would look lovely wrapped around the above Roquefort which is packaged in red. A great gift for that foodie in your life.

Pecorino Romano 101

We received 1/2 a drum of this amazing cheese. Fresh from Italy, it is now sliced and ready for you to take home.

Pecorino Romano has been produced for over 2000 years since the time of the Roman Empire. This is a sheep’s cheese (pecora means sheep) that is grated for a salty finish to top popular Italian dishes.

Salt is what makes Pecorino Romano special as it may be used as a substitution for salt, but with a richness that salt can’t provide. Consider Pecorino Romano as you would a nice olive oil acting to enhance all sorts of dishes. The producers of this cheese are able to achieve this saltiness by having someone called a salatore rub Wheels of Pecorino Romano with coarse salt.

While Pecorino Romano is typically thought of as a topper for pasta, gnocchi, and risotto, it is also delicious roasted with…vegetables (zucchini, squash, fennel, and Brussel sprouts) – pizza (as it goes into the oven on the crust, and then again when it comes out) – eggs – salad dressing – pesto – mac n’ cheese.

We hope you have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you in the coming days.

Sincerely,

Meredith Ender

Communications Coordinator

Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts