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Christmas in Provence: The 13 Desserts
Christmas in Provence includes the 13 Desserts. Learn what they are and how they are presented.
In Provence there is a special Christmas culinary tradition.
In Provence there is a special Christmas culinary tradition. Family and friends share 13 simple local delicacies at the end of the Christmas Eve dinner. Curious? Follow us as we tell you about this quite recent, but catchy, Provencal custom.
The story begins at the foot of Mount Garlaban in the town of Aubagne … and always finishes in our plates!
In Provence, connecting religious symbolism to food has always been an important part of Christmas. So at the beginning of the XXth century a group of townsfolk in Aubagne decided to pair up a selection of 13 regional desserts as representations of Christ and the 12 apostles. The point was to highlight the delightful local specialties and imbue them with religious significance while also showing family and friends that you were wealthy enough and/or well organized enough to make it through winter with ease, and thus could share your bounty with your holiday guests. The desserts are presented and eaten on Christmas eve and the leftovers stay on the table for the next 3 days. Everyone picks from the table what they like.
Now, how about we discover what they are?
A long list of magical delicacies!
The list of 13 elements is not precise. But there are 6 that you’ll be sure to find on the table each time. Of these 6 specific desserts, 4 represent religious orders: nuts or hazelnuts (Augustinians), dried figs (Franciscans), almonds (Carmes) and raisins (Dominicans).
And 2 are simply delicious: black and white nougat and pompe à l’huile which is an oily flat bread.
Other than these 6 essential items, there is a series of elements from which you can choose from in order to complete your farandole of 13 desserts:
- Dried and sugared fruits
- Calissons d’aix, which are candy-like delicacies made with almond paste and sugar
- Fried cakes like oreillettes and beignet, similar to doughnuts
- Candied fruit
- Clementines
- Quince paste
- Apple and pears
- Prunes
- Oranges (which are a symbol of wealth)
- Orange blossom Fougasse, which is also a kind of flat bread.
- White grapes
- Almond-based cake
What an interesting combination! And even if it’s not at Christmas time, we often browse the markets and offer tastes of some of these local specialties, especially things like the calissons, quince paste and the candied fruits of Apt. Want to learn, see, taste or do more? Look at our website!
Tour France: Fall Vacation in Provence (Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon)
Tour France: Fall Vacation in Provence (Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon)We arrived a few days ago. The weather has been crisp and cool, with sun just at the right times.Paris: Walking and photographing.
The vines were changing when we arrived in Provence.
We tasted in Chateauneuf du Pape --after a gourmet lunch in the village --filled with top wines. Thank you Andre!
Tarte Tatin. Though not a "Provencal" recipe, is quite common in fall. Apples are everywhere.
And a walk through the "mines" where the Provencal pigmentation is found. That's what gives the buildings in Provence their wonderful and characteristic colors.
Come with us in May for our Provence trip. Contact us if you'd like more information. Only small groups. No buses. Custom itineraries and flexible schedules. Plenty of independent time as well as much to do with us if you choose..
France Culinary Travel: Provence's Lavender Fields and Luminous Meals
France Culinary Travel: Provence's Lavender Fields and Luminous Meals
Touring the markets, restaurants, and vineyards of France's sunny southeastI found this great and informative piece by Julie Mautner and had to share it with you. If you are thinking of travel to Provence, then you should read this. Plus, for fun, we added our own photos --just to give it a little "zing". A bientot, from Bliss TravelsBy Julie Mautner
The people of Provence see themselves as uniquely blessed: by their brilliant sunlight and Mediterranean climate; by the beauty of their landscape, captured on the canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh. And most of all, by the flavor and freshness of their sun-drenched cuisine.The Provençals are crazy about food. They're serious gardeners and knowledgeable and passionate eaters. It's the rare Provençal that doesn't have grapevines on the terrace, an olive tree in the garden, or a chicken in the yard. Foraging, whether for wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, or truffles, is a cherished pastime. The France we see in movies — where huge families gather at long garden tables for copious meals — is visible daily all over Provence. If you're invited to Sunday lunch here, you can kiss your afternoon good-bye.
The Place
Asking someone to geographically define Provence is like asking for a recipe for "real" bouillabaisse: Everyone's got an opinion. It has six distinct departments: the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Vaucluse, the Var, the Alpes de Haute-Provence, the Hautes-Alpes, and the Alpes-Maritimes. Within each department are specific regions: The Vaucluse has the Luberon, for instance.
Provence is in full glory in summer, of course, when it seems that all of France (and Europe) descends. Spring and fall are perfect for leisurely food-fueled touring, particularly during the vendange (grape harvest), which starts in early September. Winters are mild, but many places close between November and March. Yet, no matter when you come, you'll find the Provençals are virtuosos in the fine art of food.
The Ingredients
In Provence the idea of terroir — roughly translated as "a sense of place" — is a foregone conclusion. The closer to home something comes from, the better it is. And knowing who raised your lamb or pressed your olives makes it better still. Homemade olive oil, wine, and confiture are cherished holiday gifts.
Provençal meals are planned around the changing seasons. The arrival of the first spring asparagus results in a burst of celebratory cooking. A Provençal would no sooner bake a peach tart in winter than he would grab a Napa Valley Chardonnay from the supermarket shelves. Just about anywhere you go, you can experience food and wine at its source. Bakers will invite you back to see crusty country breads being pulled from the oven; chefs will gesture you into the kitchen to sniff a dirt-caked truffle. Food festivals abound, celebrating all the important products of the region, including melons, truffles, lemons, garlic, lavender, and wines of every type. At village fund-raisers, local favorites such as bouillabaisse, paella, daube (beef stew), and aïoli are dished out in vast quantities, along with plastic cups of local vin du table.
Julie Mautner is a freelance food and travel writer based in St.-Rémy de Provence, France.
Burgundy in September: A Wine Tour of France!
Burgundy in September: Tour France through Wines!September in Burgundy is the grape harvest. Our group was here for that. We're in Burgundy. There was one day of sunny harvest and one day of rainy harvest. Production of grapes for 2012 is much lower due, in part, to the weather this year.This first post is a few group shots of what we've done. We've sampled small production wines in caves, homes and restaurants. The restaurants have been quite special with dishes such as roast breast of duck with cassis and poached lobster in a red wine butter with baby vegetables.First a Champagne reception in Paris on the Left Bank.
Luxembourg Gardens on day 1. We walked the Left Bank --visited 12th century streets, toured the gardens as well as St Sulpice and one of the covered passages. After our gourmet lunch in a Michelin starred restaurant, we visited the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Tuileries gardens, and the Pont des Arts.
Champagne first followed by a dinner at Bernard l'Oiseau. Off a side street in one of Burgundy's best wine towns.
One of our favorite main courses was a line caught roasted fish filet served on a bed of black risotto, topped with squid, tomato and grilled chorizo. I am always partial to the flavors of Southern France --even when dining in Paris! 
Wine tasting in Nuits St George, of wines from the Haute Cote de Nuits led by Charly. Next up: October in Chateauneuf du Pape and Provence. Ask us about that trip (we have one room left) or talk to us about Provence or Burgundy 2013. Last year sold out 6 months in advance.
October in Provence and Chateauneuf du Pape
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Join us on this one of a kind trip to the wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape. We'll explore delicious wines, dine in wonderful authentic locales, visit beautiful villages and take amazing photos
Our low-key approach is like having a friend with special expertise traveling with you as you explore these spellbinding destinations. As a small group, you will have personalized attention and the level and type of activity that you prefer. No prerequisites to join this trip! Your desire to see and do things that most tourists never get to experience is all you need! Whether you are a novice or expert --photographer or wine lover -- this trip is something special. (Don't believe us, look at our 
Just sit back and enjoy the ride. We'll help you navigate the beautiful landscape and ensure that you will see and experience things that only an insider could see and do.
For more information and a full itinerary, please visit our website at 
Bliss Travels | 3 Hemlock Court | Princeton | NJ | 08540
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Tour France: Culinary Bliss
Tour France: Culinary Bliss!Our trip highlights always include culinary adventures. This trip is no exception. A spectacular tasting menu, a private luncheon, even a special cafe...whether formal or casual, it's truly Bliss!Foie Gras...compote....what more can we say?
Marscapone ravioli with parmesan foam make the perfect accompaniment --
Tomatoes and an incredible fresh ceviche in an almond milk...
squab, cherries, and rhubarb....
A nice finish to the day!
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local (menu suggestions below)
Wondering down the village road
to visit the local market --set up from the town parking area through the main square, and on several little streets. Not the biggest area market --but a very authentic and less touristy one.
Taking our picnic items to a nearby olive grove where we walk along and see the first lavender blooms.
peeking in corners at gardens
Paints quite a nice picture of the day --we think it's Bliss
Tour France: Recipes from Locals & Insider Experiences during Vacations in Provence
Tour France: Recipes from Locals & Insider Experiences during Vacations in Provence I've been touring France and leading small custom groups on "insider vacations" for a while now. Some of what we do is haute cuisine and grand chefs with Michelin stars. But, some of the best, most authentic experiences occur in the countryside and about country cooking and local lore. I have been collecting recipes, adapting them and teaching French cuisine for almost as long as I have been leading trips.Each recipe has a story. This one is very special. The story is as deliciously amusing as this country recipe is tasty. So for a casual Provencal experience, try this story on for size!
Everybody should meet their local French butcher. He is charming, funny, full of advice and local color. One day several years ago, while attempting to test some new recipes as well as research an area winery, and be very efficient by accomplishing this in one afternoon, a woman who worked for me and I decided to visit the local butcher of Menerbes instead of the one in our nearby town. The weather was quite hot and we needed to order meat, but didn’t want to cart it around with us all day, to roast in the strong provencal sun. In this way, we two American women, entered the Boucherie in Menerbes, requesting, ever so politely, in French, to please have a chicken (and rabbit, if one was available) prepared for us. We asked if he would be so kind as to hold it for us in refrigeration for several hours. This was no problem. He would be glad to help us, but it’s not possible that we are American he says. He is convinced that since we speak French and wish to cook…..well, clearly we must be English or Australian or just simply confused. No, we assure him we are sure of our origins. To make conversation, we inquired politely about several of the prepared foods he has in his case.
In France, it is quite common for Butcher to also sell certain prepared items such as ratatouille, grated carrot salad, stuffed vegetables, roasted tomatoes/eggplants, and the like. He starts waxing poetic about his ratatouille, which, coincidentally, he is in the process of making at this very moment.
When we mention that we also are planning to make this dish later that day, he insists that we follow him through his shop (which he cavalierly leaves unattended) through his living quarters, and laundry area to his kitchen where he is making the biggest vat of ratatouille known to mankind. As we look around, we see not only the vat of simmering fragrant vegetables, but colanders of cooked vegetables, tilted this way and that, and a large fry pan still warm and oily from before we entered the shop. Next to the stove was a small metal framed kitchen table, with an ashtray, a water glass ½ full of red wine, and the corked bottle. Clearly this was the perch from which Monsieur le Boucher watched his ratatouille simmer. The Butcher painstakingly describes the secret to his ratatouille, which is that one must first cook each vegetable separately, and then drain them before finally creating the mélange. He thoughtfully stirs the pot. After we thank him, showing our appreciation for his generosity, he guided us through the doors of the now reopened Boucherie, and bellows into the street a hearty "a bientot". When we return several hours later, the butcher is in the shop, but comes to the street with our bird, to chat with us. That we are stopped in the middle of a tiny one lane winding road (one of only two that exit the entire village) is of no consequence to him. He chats boisterously with us, asking us about our day, the recipes, whether we’d like to take some ratatouille and nobody seems bothered by the fact that they are held up in ‘traffic’. Nobody other than us, that is. The car behind us is content to wait. After all, this is important. We are discussing dinner!
Ratatouille recipe* It must be stated that Ratatouille is to the Provencale what meatloaf is to the typical American family. Every family has their own recipe with it’s own special ingredients. More often than not it is made with a handful of this and a handful of that. Like meatloaf here, it is the sort of dish that non-cooks, cook. And like meatloaf, it is often best the next day served cold, or even reheated. Sitting overnight allows the flavors to meld nicely. Below is my favorite recipe. It seems to be what works best both in France and the United States, with their different sorts and size s of produce. But that doesn’t mean you can’t alter the proportion of vegetables, or even substitute them….Just make sure to take the butcher’s advice, and cook each one separately before creating the mélange.1 Red Pepper10oz Eggplant, cut into ¾ inch cubes2 lb small green zucchini, cut into ¾ inch cubes2 lb ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped1 ib sweet onion, coarsely chopped12 T olive oil or peanut oil (peanut oil can be heated hotter, but olive oil lends a nice flavor)1 bay leaf2-3 sprigs of fresh Thyme4 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon sugarSalt and pepper6 leaves of basil, chopped.Heat 2 T of oil, cook peppers for a couple minutes. Drain peppers and transfer peppers to a colander. Wipe pan clean of excess oil,.Add 3 T of oil to the pan and sauté onions on medium heat for several minutes until lightly browned. Transfer onions to colander, and wipe pan. Add 2 T of oil and reheat pan. Brown zucchini at medium high heat and drain, and add to colander. Last, add 2 more T oil to pan, heat at medium high heat and brown eggplant for several minutes, stirring as needed, and drain and add to colander. Heat a large pan, one large enough to accommodate all the vegetables. Add the remaining oil and heat. Add garlic and sauté for one minute. Add tomatoes, sprinkle with sugar (if you have very sweet, ripe, flavorful tomatoes, the sugar will be unnecessary) and add herbs, except basil. Bring the the tomatoes and their liquid to a boil. Add salt and pepper and all the other vegetables, stir, reduce heat and cover. Cook for 30 minutes or more until very tender. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. When finished, remove the pot from the heat and remove Thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Add the fresh basil. This dish is best the longer you let it sit, so the flavors of the vegetables can meld properly. Let the ratatouille sit in the pot off of the heat at least another 30 minutes, or better yet, cool the pot down and refrigerate overnight.So, if you can't attend one of our amazing trips to Provence, and experience Bliss with us, then at least visit your local farm and enjoy some freshly made ratatouille!
Provence Foods! Goat Cheeses - the "insider experience"
French cheeses. No other country produces more cheese!I have a number of clients who come on trips and say they love French cheese, but not goat cheeses. I have NO clients who leave us after a trip and haven't found at least one goat cheese they absolutely love! It's true 100% of the time.
We have some great insider experiences we've offered to "foodies" who want to explore cheeses. Below is a selection of carefully chosen goat cheeses from 3 local artisan producers, along with local figs, that we provided for a private lunch.
This begins our private visit to a very small local goat farm and artisan cheese producer. She makes the best fresh goat cheeses in the area. The flavor changes depending upon the time of day and also the season the animal is milked. Some of the cheeses are seasoned with herbs or peppercorns. Some are plain.
There are different goat cheeses made in each area. One of the best, and hardest to find in the US is Banon --a goat cheese wrapped and aged in chestnut leaves. We usually have this as a cheese course in a tiny auberge we go to. The texture of these cheeses depends greatly on its age.
If you find French cheese Bliss, then maybe you ought to visit Provence.--Wendy
A Perfect Day in Provence with "Insider Access"
Her private work space!
A special meal was prepared for everyone. Some had a duck confit. Some had orange and fennel salad with a fish wrapped in parchment.
Our fabulous host came to see us off!
7 Photo Categories (contest): Spring/Summer in Provence
"Bliss - Full" photos of Spring and Summer in Provence, the LuberonPlease give us caption suggestions --either in comments or via email. We will post our favorites and give you credit --and link to your blog if you are chosen!A Bientôt,Wendy1. Sunflowers!
2. Painted buildings --from colors mined in Provence.
3. Color co ordinated flower boxes!
4. Happy couples -dare we say "blissful"?
5. Lavender cakes --yes, you heard right. These are absolutely wonderful --and only found here!
6. The amazing cliffs, and the unbelievable, otherworldly blue of the water.
6. The fabulous chefs we get to watch, work with, and whose specialties we adore!
7. Wines, and where they come from!
Spring in Provence: Bliss Travels Newsletter
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OUR NEWSLETTER!
Spring and Summer fun in Provence and along the Mediterranean. We have great dates and special itineraries available. Tour the Provencal markets. See the Bastille Day fireworks. Witness the running of the bulls. Ancient villages, impressionist art, wineries and so much more. Book your trip now. 
6 French Wine & Food Pairings
Friday night Bliss Travels had the pleasure to lead a food and wine pairing. So, off we went to Montclair, New Jersey to meet a great group of about a dozen people to share French wines, stories and photos (courtesy of our photography partner, Anthony Bianciella). We are leading a private one again today! Many of the same wines, but with cheeses this time.Below are some of our pairings and suggestions from these two events.
We compared the Cotes du Rhone (Provencal wines from the area around Chateauneuf du Pape) 
and Burgundy. 
Our two favorites both to visit and to drink.1. Muscat. This is served all over the South of France as an apero. Usually, the accompanying food is salty --such as olives, tapenade, anchoiade. (For cheeses, we pair this with a Bleu, and serve this last, rather than first in in our tastings.)Mas Amiel, Muscat de Rivsaltes, 20082. Cotes du Rhone, white! A Fleur de Pampre, Cotes du Rhone Village, Visan, Domaine La Florane. Great bouquet. Floral. Light and slightly sweet. We paired with this with an aged goat cheese from the region, served on toasts, and topped with a fig confit brought back from Provence on one of Bliss Travels recent trips. For our cheese pairing we are taking orange and fennel pastry spoons, made by a world famous Parisian bakery (we brought them back from Paris on this last trip) and filling them with a fresh, mild goat cheese, a drizzle of lavender honey will complete this amuse bouche! (Want more recipes and food ideas? Contact us!)
3. Burgundy, white. A 2008, Saint Veran, Tirage Precoce, Domaine Corsin. This was served with a smoked salmon. The full flavor of the Chardonnay pairs well with the full fatty flavor of the salmon. This Chardonnay also pairs well with Comte cheese.
4. Roses from Provence. These are under appreciated in the US. Rose is drunk all over France, all summer long. With fish, meats, vegetables...
We recommend the Roses from Provence very highly.. The Bandol's are wonderful (Mediterranean). The Tavels (Northern Provence) are a favorite. Every community will have it's own, and it will pair beautifully with the foods.
We paired ours with an Aioli,made using Bliss Travels recipe. It's a dish we made last May in Provence --and will make again this May when we go with Anthony Bianciella to Provence for our custom spring trip through the region (his photos are here. If you'd like to see more, look at his website).It pairs equally well with our Soupe au Pistou. Click on the link for the recipe and to "see" the lesson.5. Burgundy, red. 2009 Savigny-Les-Beaune, Les Picotins, Domaine Jean-Luc Dubois. This pinot noir paired with sauteed mushrooms and a light ratatouille. It would have been wonderful with our lamb dish as well. We are pairing this with a hard cheese of Sheep's milk , and also with St Marcellin.
Of course, the best pairings are food and wine, where they exist locally. Some of last September's group to Burgundy.
6. Cotes du Rhone, Red. 2010 Mas de Libiun, Khayyaim. A full bodied Grenache. We served with with a herb encrusted rack of lamb. In Provence, we recommend lamb or even a strong local goat cheese to stand up to this full flavored wine. Coming full circle, this red can be paired with a strong, aged goat cheese, on a fig bread, with a fig confit....All of these items live, grow and are made in the same small towns.
Thank you to our wonderful host (and very frequent traveler) Karen! Thank you to Chef Nikko for making dishes to pair with our wines!Want to know more about our trips or learn what our travelers have to say? Read our testimonials. Or contact us at 609 462 6213 or wendy@blisstravels.com. Spring and Summer in France are spectacular!
How to Have a Great Lunch in Paris...Off The Beaten Track
Everyone wants that little, special, "we're the only tourists there and the chef is soooooo good, but without all the pomp and circumstance" bistrot. But, here's the thing. Not everyone finds it. Why? Because unless you know someone, or live in Paris, or go there a dozen times a year, you just aren't going to be in the know. You're going to know what the guide books know. Unless, of course, you experience "Bliss" as we did today!Our favorite "private" chef in Paris treated us to a new treasure!(Bliss Travels clients have tasted his amazing creations --everything from goat cheese flan with roasted tomatoes to chicken roulade stuffed with foie gras in a mason jar on a bed of seasoned vegetables, plus a side dish of cold artichoke and vinaigrette, accompanied by starters of homemade breadsticks and an eggplant dip. Not to be outdone, dessert was a roasted and caramelized pineapple with homemade nougat. And we're talking a PICNIC he made for one of our train rides....So, yep, you get it now, don't you? So, when he said, "Allons Y" or Let's go, we did! Tout de suite!)Off the beaten track. Great chef. Warm welcome. So fun, we closed the place down. (Sorry, Chef, next time we'll peel carrots to help with the mise en place for the dinner service!) Christian, Pierre and Serge along with their wonderful staff made us feel utterly at home!First course was a boudin terrine with chestnuts, and a great, salad.
After came a pintadeau with thyme, on a bed of lentils, carrots and parsnip. Lardons bits were cooked with the lentils, and potatoes on top were like nowhere else! 
There was also veal chop, cooked rare, topped vegetables and in a black truffle jus....oh, ho hum. I know you have this every day!
Just to put the icing on the cake, as it were, we were treated to an outstanding view, and we learned that our chef is willing to give private lessons to Bliss Travels Clients!
France- Day 2: It's Never Too Late/Jamais Trop Tard!
Today, an outstanding lunch at a new favorite --with Michel --a talented photographer, artist and friend-- and the meal was so enjoyable, nobody thought to take pictures! Tout a coup (all of a sudden), out comes the camera and the only photo left to take is the empty bottle of wine and the last bits of dessert!
An excellent Millefeuille (what we call Napoleon.)All of which prompted me to blurt --"oh, it's too late!" Of course, it is, as Michel pointed out, in French fashion, "never too late."
Angels sleeping the way you will after enjoying this wonderful wine!
You have choices! And tomorrow is a new day. You can always go to the afternoon market and buy pleurottes, a Provencal mushroom (and sauté them in garlic, olive oil and parsley), then herb crust a lamb shoulder (yum)...Or you can come with us to France, and experience Bliss -in person -both in the restaurants and in the markets --with or without your camera!So, "Jamais Trop Tard" for those on our trips! Below, one of Michel's incredible drawings!
French Cheeses, A Preview of our tasting event!
Yesterday began our scouring of the French markets for cheeses!Among our discoveries were 36 month and 48 month aged Comtes. Some of the best we've tried.
Bertrand, the shops owner, agreed to do our Parisian tastings himself, either at his shop or personally delivering to our venue! I'm very excited by this because the quality of his products was superior, even for a French cheesemonger.Among the other choices was a truffle stuffed Camembert
After visiting 4 cheese shops in search of specific artisan products, I determined this was the best, by far!We provided clients some late afternoon fortification against the Paris cold! See you soon!
REMEMBER TO contact us if you want to take advantage of our early booking coupon OR if you are attending our wine and cheese tasting in Paris!A Bientôt,Wendywendy@blisstravels.comwww.blisstravels.com
7 Chocolate and French Wine Pairings for Valentines!
Chocolate and Wine....Much like wine, chocolate is harvested, fermented, liquified and "made" into the final product. The "terroir" and the "maker" bring much to the final product.Cocoa grows near the equator, and the heat and type of plant (like wine) create distinct flavor profiles. Cocoa beans are harvested and then fermented. They are dried and processed and eventually ground, roasted and broken down. Finally, they go through a process called "conching", which is akin to constant kneading--and determines the texture of the chocolate. At this point the chocolate is then used as a raw product for artisans and large manufacturers to make their bars, ganaches, clusters and other candies.
Each manufacturer adds his/her own special mixture of ingredients --vanilla, sugar, cream, spice, nuts. Different cultures tend to produce similarly styled chocolates. American chocolates tend to be sweeter, less pure (i.e. milk v. dark) and larger. Belgian and French tend to use much less sugar, rely on thinner more delicate shells for their filled chocolates, use pure creams in the centers (not 'creamy' sugar fillings), and produce higher percentages of purer (i.e. more dark and less milk) chocolate.This blog is going to focus on Pairing French Wine and Belgian or French Chocolate, of course!Here are 7 tips and pairing suggestions to sweeten your Valentine's Day at home or abroad. 1. Pair Champagne with chocolates. Especially with lighter less rich chocolates, or fresh filled Neuhaus creams. Also, this pairs well with chocolate fruit combinations.
2. Pair a French Burgundy (Pinot Noir) with mild, but rich dark chocolates, and dark chocolates with mild spice, roasted nuts or ripe berry fruits. So, consider chocolates with cardamom, hazelnut or dark cherries for these wines.
3. Pair Rhone wines, such as a Chateauneuf du Pape (and other Grenache heavy wines) or wines with rich spicy flavor and high tannins with highly spiced complex chocolates that can match the power of the wine. So, consider chocolate and chili pepper or chocolate with pink peppercorns or strong tea flavors and spice mixtures as good combinations.
4. For purists, wanting to experience the depth of one flavor, use a single origin chocolate with a single grape wine. You can focus on the subtly of each more easily.5. Pair a dessert wine, we prefer a Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, with a salted chocolate or salted caramel chocolate. Make sure you use a rich full flavored deep chocolate. Not a milk chocolate.6. Have a Cognac with a chocolate --either complement it with a cognac flavored truffle or find a very low sugar, almost pure, dark chocolate.
7. Come with Bliss Travels where we do custom pairings and tastings of these things all over France, and in Brussels! At all the best spots! That's why we call it Bliss!
Time for Truffles! 3 Favorites to Eat in Paris in February!
Winter in France. What's for dinner? Truffles.Best to get the most of your truffle, since they are so expensive. First, make sure you're using the best truffles. Not the nasty flavorless things that sometimes show up in place of the real: Tuber melanosporum, available in France (found in Perigord and Provence) between November and March.
3. Our already famously sought after Truffle pizza....It's pure Bliss!www.blisstravels.com
5 Highlights of our Christmas Day in Paris…
- The Day starts with a stroll along the Seine (mais oui) to…
- Lunch. But, you must ask, what does one have for lunch on Christmas Day in Paris? Well, a mon avie (in my opinion), this is a meal meant for comfort and relaxation –not “white table cloth” fine dining. Just friends enjoying a great time….Now, don’t be confused. I don’t mean that the food should be “average”. It should be superb –just not “stuffy”. So, my recommendation (and our menu) consisted of Oysters or Salmon or Foie Gras… followed by Roast Leg of Lamb or Duck stuffed with Dried Fruits, or Scallops.
You get the idea, I’m sure. Dessert was a made to order Buche de Noel of Chocolate, Chestnut, Clementine. And, I for one, have to say, YUM. It ranked as one of my favorite meals of the season.
- A stroll to see the City Hall of Paris --location of Robert Doisneau’s famous “kiss” photgraph, and site of Rodin sculptures –and iceskaters!
- Then, it might be nice to stroll the Ile St Louis? It has such an aura. Of course, Bertillon is a requirement if you stop there! As is the Felini-esque show performed, as is usual, in the most interesting way possible, along a bridge on the Seine river.
- Finally –an evening stroll along St Andre des Arts and a stop at St Michel –and perhaps a wine and cheese somewhere (nod to Brooke!!).
Now, that’s a Christmas Day!
In Paris & Brussels, Tis The Season for Chocolate
Now that the weather outside is frosty (hear the tune in your head), it's time for chocolate! Real chocolate. Delicate chocolates. Chocolates that don't like too much heat because they are filled with real, fresh, flavored cream, or stamped and painted with gorgeous drawings, or melted and stirred into thick unctuous decadent drinks. Is your mouth watering yet?
Each winter --in both December and February (Valentine's Day, anyone?) Bliss Travels visits the most magnificent chocolatiers and patissieres to see what new creations and exciting treats are available. (And, we don't just visit, we taste, and taste...and then have a glass of Champagne --whoops, got distracted. Sorry!)This year is no different. Even if you can't come on our Christmas week trip (where we do this in Paris) or our Valentine's weekend or add on a visit to Brussels, you can still look at these amazing treats and learn what to find here. What could be better ?Smaller than American confections, and typically more delicate, with thinner shells, these treats also have significantly less sugar, making them (in the opinion of Bliss Travels) practically a health food! (Truth: they are less fattening, and less addictive, because there is less sugar and nothing that's chemical in them.) If you talk to an artisan in Brussels or Paris, they will tell you chocolate in proper "doses" is medicinal and very good for you. I wouldn't argue with that if I were you. I sure don't!
Some of the flavors below include lavender and a fresh cream of tiramisu!
The chocolates in this photo are from Neuhaus. You can buy this brand in the US, but you cannot buy the fresh creams. They are too delicate to travel. The photo here depicts chocolates filled with a very light flavored whipped cream (this is not the cloying sweet gummy stuff we call "creams" in the box of assorted chocolates you get in the US). You must get these in BRUSSELS.So, what to do here. Look for small batch chocolates, make by artisans. Look for higher quality (and darker, more pure) chocolates. Avoid anything with a list of ingredients with things you personally wouldn't cook with. Look for smaller pieces, interesting flavors, freshest ingredients.Then there are other things you can do with chocolate...If you're in Paris or Brussels! Take a look at a typical, well done treat. (But, you have to know where to go!)
What could be a better gift than Chocolate --well, taking that person tasting in Paris --but, if you can't do that, find the real thing here. It makes a difference.We wish you a truly sweet season....And hope you'll join us soon! It's BlissIf you want to know more, write me. I love to hear from people! Wendy@blisstravels.com