Herma’s Thanksgiving Message, Cheeses and More

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped. For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped. For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb. For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home.

For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest. For our country extending from sea unto sea. The land that is known as the true north, strong and free. – Anonymous, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Message from Herma

 

Dear Customers,

As I think about what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, it puts me in mind of something the Dalai Lama once said, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries…We cannot survive without human affection.” This is true in all situations, especially during our darkest of days.

As I watch the news, I see this love and compassion shown even during the most difficult of circumstances. I remember recently learning of something that Fred Rogers, from “Mr. Rogers”, was told by his mother when he was young and would see something scary and disturbing on the news. He said, “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ As much as there is darkness in the world, there are always those willing to spread the light. The world is full of people who make the world a better place and lend a helping hand.

This year it is of them that I am grateful, especially as this past summer I experienced the goodwill of so many during a time that was so difficult for me and Harry. My heart is full of gratitude to those who offered help and a word of support when we had such a scare. Of course, most of all, I am thankful for Harry, whose love and compassion have amazed me during my life in so many ways.

Let me also say thanks to all those that work so hard to make the store run smoothly and productively, and also especially to you, my customers and friends. It is because of you that the store is able to thrive and flourish.

From all of us at Herma’s, we wish you a bountiful and beautiful Thanksgiving!

With love and a happy heart,

Herma (and Harry too!)

A bounty of Cheeses

Janis is beyond excited to offer award-winning cheeses of high caliber this week, especially as they will be amazing cheeses to offer guests on your cheese platter this Thanksgiving. Below I have listed just some of what we think would be special for your cheese platter.

Zacharie Cloutier

This is an unpasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from Quebec that has aged and ripened for 4-6 months. Its firm paste is semi-cooked with sweet aromas of butter and caramel. Its moderately salty, brothy and brown-butter flavours remind us of a very, seductive Manchego.

Louis D’Or

This French-style alpine cheese from Quebec has a smooth texture and an aroma and taste that is warm, nutty and floral. It has won Canadian Grand Prix awards, The American Cheese Society Competition, Cheese of the Year, twice, at The Canadian Cheese Award and also multiple awards at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair.

Stilton

The King of Cheese has a beautiful interior that is streaked like marble. Its taste is complex, opening with creamy and nutty specks, followed by a salty finish. This cow’s milk cheese from the wide plains in the heart of England is beautiful on a cheese platter, however, it is also fabulous combined with pastas, risottos and as part of a dessert. We suggest pairing it with honey, walnuts and sliced apples.

Lemoncino

This lovely mild blue, creamy yet firm, has been infused with a prized limoncello, a lemon liqueur, fermented and pressed into the cheese, allowing it to be soaked into the blue’s already porous texture. And that’s not all. This lovely blue has been topped with candied lemon peels and white chocolate. The perfect after-dinner dessert cheese to be enjoyed with port, brandy or espresso. An exquisite cheese to offer guests this Thanksgiving.

We also have a 3-month, 6-month and 12-month-old Manchego not to mention one of the best of raclettes money can buy.

Charcuterie

And don’t forget that we carry amazing cuts of meat from Italy – Prosciutto, Fennel Salami, Porchetta Ham and a spicy Pancetta – that may be sliced to your liking. Also find a yummy Chorizo along with all sorts of pre-packaged meat in coolers around the corner from our Cheese Shop.

Thanksgiving Food Reminders

We can’t wait for those that ordered a turkey or capon along with other Village Grocer sides to come and pick them up this weekend. It gives us great pleasure to imagine what each and every table will look like this Thanksgiving holiday.

For those that didn’t place an order, rest assured there are many delicious foods from which to choose that may be found throughout the store along with napkins, kitchen utensils, barware and so much more.

Manoucher Baguette – The Village Grocer Frozen Sides (Scalloped Potatoes, Potato Puff with Cheese, Sweet Potato Puff, Turnip Puff and Cabbage Rolls) – The Village Grocer Frozen Soups (Cream of Carrot Soup, Ginger and Orange Soup and so many more) – The Village Grocer Maple Sugar Ham – Condiments, Fruit Spreads and Preserves of all Types (like Saltspring Kitchen Co.’s Rhubarb & Apple Chutney, Saltspring Kitchen Co. Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread, the Garlic Box’s Cranberry Garlic Preserve with Rum – literally over a 100 from which to choose) – Artisan Cheese – Charcuterie – Gratin Dauphinois – Frozen Appetizers – Herma’s Signature Products (Chicken Liver Pate – Marinated Goat Cheese Rounds – Beer Cheese Spread – Savoury Cheddar Spread – Herma’s Chevre – Stilton Pate – Bacon & Cheddar Spread – Sundried Tomato Dip – Seafood Dazzler – Lemo-Licious – Stilton Pate – Spicy Pimento Spread) – Pickled Veggies – Olives – Crackers – La Rocca Cakes – Fraktals – Shortbread Cookies – and so much more!!

Hostess Gift

For the perfect gift for your host or hostess give a beautifully, wrapped gift certificate from Herma’s. They are already wrapped and ready-to-go in increments of $25, 50 and 100. Find near our front desk.

We wish you an amazing Thanksgiving full of joy, laughter and delicious foods!