You are here: / French food

A Pop of Champagne to Usher in 2023

/in /by

Premier Cru, Grand Cru, Autre Cru…we might see these labels often when we shop for a bottle of champagne, and they look professional but what do they exactly mean? In this article, we are going to shed light on how to choose the perfect champagne and understand some commonly used terms in the industry. And hopefully with that, you can apply this newfound knowledge to pick up some champagne to usher in 2023 with family and friends!

Let’s start with the labels. The three terms that we mentioned above are simply an indication of how the vineyards are classified according to their capability to produce excellent-category grapes used to make champagne. As the name implies, Premier Cru and Grand Cru naturally mean that the categories are ranked higher than Autre Cru but generally all standards are of a reasonable quality so don’t be too concerned about these labels…we aren’t all connoisseurs!

The next thing we are going to look at is the “style” which we can sometimes see on the bottle such as “Blanc de Blancs”, “Blanc de Noirs” and “Rosé”. The first one translates directly into “White of Whites” which means that the champagne is made using 100% white grapes. They usually present citrusy or apple-like notes that might please those who are inclined towards fruity champagnes. For Blanc de Noirs, it translates into “White of Blacks” – and you guessed it, such champagnes are made from a 100% concentration of black grapes.

Therefore they typically present a berry-like depth that can be rather refreshing. The last term is Rosé which we assume most readers are familiar with – they are made by combining white champagne with a small amount of red wine to give it that elegant pink hue and subtle fruit flavour.

And finally, the sweetness level. If you’re leaning on the sweet side when it comes to wines, look for labels that have the term “Doux” as they are generally more sweet-tasting. On the other end is “Brut Nature” which is more controlled in its sweetness. Now that you know these basic terms, why not consider our Roger Coulon Heri-Hodie Brut champagne at https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/champagne-roger-coulon-heri-hodie-brut-75cl-nv     to usher in 2023? This white-golden coloured wine has a delicate and elegant bouquet of flavours that’s absolutely charming and stimulating!

A Festive Menu Like No Other

/in /by

Christmas is soon upon us and what’s a jolly good season without a feast to mark the end of the year? At The French Grocer, we have put together a very special festive menu that you can order from the comfort of your home. From mustard raclette to premium truffle ham, we have it all. Read on to see how our menu can feature on your festive dining table!

Mustard Raclette

We know it’s that magical season again so how about adding some jazz to the raclette cheese that we are so familiar with? At The French grocer, we present this very special Mustard Raclette that will certainly spice up your cheese platter! Raclette comes from the French word that means “to scrape”. It is made from raw cow’s milk that gives it a distinctive rural note and rich flavours. Its slow maturation in caves also helps to develop the powerful flavours of the Franche-Comté pastures, known throughout the world for their specially raised cows.

There are many ways to enjoy this lovely cheese from the Jura Mountains but we are going simply with the classic favourite…over pickled onions and hot potatoes! Looking for a good wine to pair with raclette? We recommend white wine as the acid helps to overcome the fat of the cheese and adds a little touch of freshness. Apart from mustard raclette, we also offer to you in the menu, peppered raclette and raw milk raclette, two versions that are equally delicious whichever way you prepare them.

And what’s Christmas without a mouth-watering selection of hams? We have also put together an ensemble of hams that will be an excellent feature together with the spread you have on the festive table! First among which is the premium truffle ham specially selected by our Master Butcher for its unique flavour and guaranteed quality, free from protein fillers artificial flavourings. We have also in store for you honey glazed ham, Christmas ham pork shoulder and smoked gammon ham so take a look at our festive menu today to make it a feast! Click here for the festive menu: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product-category/festive-season-selection

Christmas With A Chef’s Touch

/in /by

Come home for Christmas at The French Grocer this festive period as we assemble the finest foods and ingredients for you in a very special menu. Sourced from near and afar, we have curated a delectable variety of foods that will surely delight your family and friends at the dining table! Here’s a quick look at what we have prepared for you.

Roast Stuffed Chicken With Pumpkin and a Side of Roasted Vegetables

Bored of the usual turkey for Christmas? Why not switch it up for something more interesting like this unique creation from Chef Julien Bompard of Restaurant Saint Julien? This stuffed whole chicken is conveniently deboned for preparation and best of all, you only need to reheat it…no additional cooking required! This wonderful recipe is complemented with a generous serving of roasted vegetables and also comes with herbs, spinach, garlic, onions, carrots and seasonings for that specially infused flavour. Simply perfect for up to 6 guests, we’re sure this creation will be the conversation of the evening!

Reheating Instructions:

  • Thaw the whole chicken and accompaniment (vegetables) for an hour before reheating
  • Remove plastic lid before reheating
  • Put the chicken and vegetables together with an aluminium tray into the oven and set it to 160C /356F for 45 (Take note that the temperature may have to be adjusted slightly according to size and model of oven)
  • Your Christmas meal is now ready to serve! If you wish to wait for guests to be ready, you may keep it in the oven at 90C.

Remember to consume it within 3 days upon thawing.

We hope you will enjoy this very special recipe from Chef Julien Bompard while we bring you more amazing collaborations with other big names in the culinary world. To make an order for this item, simply visit: https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/roast-stuffed-chicken-with-pumpkin-boneless-1-2kg-apple-sauce-ready-tp-reheat-ohlala-chef-julien

How to Cook Al Dente Pasta

/in /by

Pasta is a common go-to meal for many of us because it is easy to prepare (even in bigger portions) and also because there are so many types of meat protein to add for enhanced nutrition. But do you know how to get that perfect plate of al dente pasta that springs delightfully in the mouth? Read on to get a few easy pointers!

Pasta is easy to cook and so we need not fuss over the type of pot—it can be small or large depending on what you have in the kitchen but many chefs prefer a deep pot because long strands of spaghetti can sink to the bottom more quickly. Do remember, however, that you would require more salt if you’re starting out with more water in a big pot. We’re going to toss in some salt next as soon as the water is boiling. You should have heard of this “allimportant” step because it helps to give flavour to the pasta other than the sauce, which you stir in at the end. Aim for 1 tablespoon of salt for every 16 cups of water, which works out to about 500g of pasta.

Stir the boiling water as soon as you put the pasta in. This prevents them from sticking to one another or to the side of the pot. Taste the pasta soon so that you have time to adjust the cooking time if it has not yet reached a level of al dente. It should be chewy and slightly firm at the core. Finally, stir in your sauce of choice and garnish!

Did you know that at The French Grocer, we have an Italian Corner that offers a small but well-stocked range of pastas? From spaghetti to ravioli and even to ready meals that you can pop into the oven for a quick lunch, we have it all. Visit https://thefrenchgrocer.com/shop/65-frozen-pasta for the complete selection!

The Acclaimed Mont d’Or Vacherin Cheese

/in /by

Often celebrated as the “holy grail” of cheese, the Vacherin Mont d’Or is an exquisite type of cheese that comes from the Haut-Doubs region of France. Enjoyed either cold or warm, its rich, creamy consistency truly pleases the palette after a quick warm-up in the oven. What makes this cheese so exclusive is also the fact that it is seasonal—available only through the months of September to March of the following year, it is made from milk of cows that has gently changed after autumn, giving it its characteristic fatty taste.

The changing of season and how it affects the cow’s milk is of particular interest here. During the warmer spring and summer months, the herd graze on high alpine pastures and produce greater quantities of milk for their offspring during this period. As autumn nears, the cows stop having calves thus reducing their milk production. This is why the milk extracted during this period is richer and creamier, rendering it less suitable for other types of cheese such as Gruyère. However, the milk quality is simply perfect for making Mont d’Or Vacherin cheese!

This special cheese is ripened and encased in a spruce container thus giving it a unique “woodsy” fragrance. There are many ways to enjoy this cheese and it’s certainly up to individual preference but we recommend two broad and simple methods to get the most out of this exquisite cheese. You could simply spoon it out and eat it on its own or go for the heated option (which is also the most flavoursome!) For this method, add a dash of white wine and grind some black pepper over the cheese before popping it into the oven.

We love it over hot potatoes or green pickles but in all honesty, just pick your favourite food and drizzle this cheese over it…you won’t go wrong! We are taking orders now so head on down to https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/mont-dor-vacherin-cheese-400g to indicate your interest today

The Remarkable Wonders of Honey

/in /by

At The French Grocer, our pantry is stocked with a variety of food such as canned tomatoes, olive oil and even Basmati rice, but what we are most eager to present in today’s article is honey from Lifou, New Caledonia!

The beauty of New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific. It’s known for its palm-lined beaches and marine-life-rich lagoon which is among the world’s largest. A massive barrier reef surrounds the main island, Grand Terre, a major scuba-diving destination. The capital, Nouméa, is home to French-influenced restaurants and luxury boutiques selling Parisian fashions. This French territory is an unspoilt paradise with natural scenery and a mild pleasant climate. And this is why the island is such an optimal place for cultivating honey!

Honey from Lifou (A French Grocer special)
The honey that we carry on our online store does not contain any preservative, pesticide or colouring – that is our guarantee. It is 100% natural straight up from the pristine land of New Caledonia. The unique fragrance of this honey originates from the vast floral diversity on the island of Lifou. With different flowerings throughout the year and a clean environment without any trace of pesticide, the honey from Lifou has high nutritional qualities and an exceptional taste. This is an artisanal product from independent apiarists who extract, filter and decanter the honey in a modern honey house. This honey has also been awarded the Médaille d’Or au S.I.A.L de Paris!

How to store honey
You probably won’t be finishing the entire jar of liquid gold in one sitting, so how do you keep it fresh? Remember to keep the remaining content tightly-sealed and store it in a dark location. You do not need to store the honey in the fridge as it does not go bad if it is protected from moisture.

So there you have it, honey from the beautiful island of Lifou, New Caledonia! Visit our pantry at https://thefrenchgrocer.com/product/100-pure-honey-250g-jar-miel-production-artisanale-nouvelle-caledonie to grab a jar today!

Recipe For Moules Poulette (Mussels in White Wine and Cream)

/in /by

Mussels are in season now and what better way to enjoy this protein-rich delicacy than a tray of premium mussels from The French Grocer! Here, we share with you a time-tested recipe of mussels in white wine and crème fraiche (commonly known as “Moules Poulette” in French).

The quality of our mussels are guaranteed
Mussels are a type of bi-valve shellfish that grow in different regions such as tidal sand bars. They like to attach to hard surfaces or ropes in the water. What’s important is that mussels are actually rich in protein and good fat content. Since mussels have been cultivated in Dutch waters for more than 150 years, we source only the best mussels from the food-rich waters of the Oosterschedle and Wadden Sea off The Netherlands. The mussels are selected based on their size after an accurate dilution process and packed for freshness.

How to check the mussels before cooking
Mussels should smell fresh and clear like the ocean from where they were harvested…”briny” is the smell we are looking for here! Take note, however, that mussels should not smell overly fishy. Next, ensure that the shells of all mussels are tightly shut. If you see any mussel with its shell opened, gently tap it on your kitchen counter and observe if it shuts again. Remember to discard any mussels that have unclosed shells.

Recipe for “Moules Poulette”
This is a classic French dish and you can certainly enjoy this at home by following our simple recipe! Heat up a large pot over medium fire and warm the olive oil. Add some bacon and sauté for a few minutes until it starts to crisp. Next, add some shallot, leek and garlic for that traditional cottage flavour.

Now, season up the content with salt and pepper, then let it cook for another five minutes while continually stirring. Take the heat up a notch and it’s time to add the white wine. Bring the gravy to a boil and now you can add the mussels along with some crème fraiche. Cover the lid and let it cook for at least 3 minutes. Open up the lid – you should see the shells open up. Discard any mussels that are still shut. Serve with baguette. Bon appétit!

Top Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping

/in /by

Even though Covid-19 may have accelerated the boom of online shopping (including that of groceries), did you know that e-commerce is not merely an alternative to brick-and-mortar shops but has many other benefits of its own?

Save more time
When you are at a physical supermarket, you tend to spend more time walking up and down different aisles looking for a particular product that could have been misplaced. Otherwise, that product could have its price tag mislabelled and you would have to spend time again scanning it to get the correct price. Overall, the time spent wandering in a supermarket is decidedly more than online shopping because the physical space is spread out over a large area. Online grocery shopping provides you the convenience of finding items simply at the click of a button or the glide of a mouse. Products are neatly categorised on online grocery websites and you can even apply discount codes if you have one.

Avoid multiple trips to the supermarket
Shopping online for your groceries also allows you to avoid making multiple trips to the supermarket. Even though you can buy food items in bulk during your grocery run, it is far more convenient to just log on to your favourite grocery website and fulfil any purchase that may have been missed out. Also, whenever you check into an online grocery website, there may be updated information or promotions that you can take advantage of immediately if you have registered as a member.

Your shopping experience is customised
Adding onto the previous point, if you are a registered member of an online grocery website, you would be able to “shop by history” because your past transactions are logged in the system. You would be able to quickly and easily pick out your favourite products without having to run from aisle to aisle in the supermarket. Another added advantage of everything being tagged online is that your preferences are recorded and the next time you visit the site again, suitable recommendations may appear just for you, like a butler that brings you around the aisle!

The French Grocer is an online one-stop grocery website where you can not only buy the finest foods from all over the world but also learn about new recipes from Guillaume, the founder! We are constantly enhancing your online shopping experience including the revamp of this website (as you might have noticed) and we will continue to bring you more improvements in the future. In the meantime, happy shopping with us!

Pairing Cheese and Wine – A Few Simple Tips

/in /by

We all enjoy a cheese platter from time to time, during leisurely weekend picnics or a simple gathering with family and friends. But did you know that if you pair cheese with the appropriate kind of wine, you would be able to enhance their flavours to the fullest? Read on to find out about our recommendations!

Champagne and Brie
Brie is a rich creamy cheese with a soft, almost fatty texture. Champagne works very well here to cut through the fatty layers because the bubbly drink has a sharp and acidic tone. Pair the both of them together and you get a wonderful contrast with the champagne’s sparkling bubbles and the Brie’s fluffy creaminess.

Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese
Goat cheese may not be a common type of cheese on most cheese platters but they make a great choice for variety and taste. Goat cheeses are earthy and tart, sometimes with a stronger depth compared to normal cheese. Therefore, it means that the citrusy and mineral-rich notes found in Sauvignon Blanc can help to bring out the nutty and herbal-like flavours in goat cheese.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cheddar
Cheddar is big in taste and wonderfully rich in its own right. This means it comes packed with a fatty and bold taste and which makes it a common sight on cheese platters. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, has a slightly drying effect on the palate with its robust tannins and will match the bold personality of cheddar very well.

Malbec and Edam
Edam has an amazing nutty touch, which makes it stand out from other types of cheese. It is a good complement to other cheeses that may be more creamy or heavy-flavoured. Pairing Edam with Malbec’s fruity notes is a good choice because both products are delightfully aromatic.

So, remember these few simple tips and your next cheese platter could easily take on a whole new dimension with the right wine!