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A wonderful love story, Nonnettes from France, Robitos, Chocolate filled Figs and more at chefshop.com/enews |
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I want to tell you a wonderful love story, Once upon a time, It was Christmas in Paris, 1928. They hadn’t seen each other in years, in fact almost 38 years had passed, and in that time their lives had switched around and they had lost contact. To say both were not extremely apprehensive would be an understatement. He had moved on to raise a family stateside after school, she stayed to work many jobs, eventually opening a bookstore for obscure, out-of-print French literature. Flying into Charles de Gaulle had been a multi-leg trip that seemed to last forever, though the ride into 251 Rue Saint-Honoré had been quick enough to allow the 40 minute walk to the café where they would meet. He was thankful for the brisk night winter air to clear his mind, oblivious to the fact it was barely zero degrees out. She had chosen her seat carefully at the café table so the lights of the holiday would twinkle in her eyes and she could watch the door. She spotted him as soon as he was close, walking in a classic pea coat. She anxiously checked him out, her eyes darting around finally resting with anticipation on his hands. He spotted her twinkling eyes as soon as he opened the door. She had not changed one bit, perhaps the night light and his failing eyes contributed, or perhaps it was anticipation. He saw nothing that would ease his racing heart. As she stood and they frenched kissed ... no wait, Faire La Bise (cheek kissing), he sniffed big and was pleased that there was no smell of contraband. “Where is it, is that for me?” she said indicating the brown package in his hand as they sat awkwardly down. He always liked that about her, to the point. He responded not answering her question but with a question of his own, “Where is yours?”. She pushed a small package with her foot towards him as he handed his package to her. Smiles erupted simultaneously. “Wow! You pulled out all the stops, Adams All Natural”. She could barely contain herself as she opened the jar, a spoon magically appearing in her hand. “Oh! A box of 16 Chocolate Armagnac & Cherries from Mademoiselle de Margaux!” he exclaimed, as his nail easily pierced the cello wrapper in one swift movement, followed by the popping sound as one of the delectable treats disappeared into his mouth. Both simultaneously closed their eyes with joy, she with her peanut butter (peanut butter is not available here) and he with his chocolate covered cherries. (they are available here!) It was worth the trip! Shop Now for Chocolate Covered Cherries filled with Armagnac! Shop Now for French Chocolates - click here! |
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 French NonnettesNonnettes are similar to Pain d'épices in that they are a "spice-bread" that has honey as a key ingredient. These "Nonnettes" are from Les Ruchers de Bourgogne, the beekeepers who make some of the finest honeys we have ever had! Like a small round cake, slightly larger than a mouthful, with a center of jam, it is not the jam that's "featured", it is in fact the bread itself. It is hard to explain what makes these cakes so special. The outside smells like a gingerbread and when you take the first bite the honey sugar on the outside crinkles in your mouth. The outside blends with the "cake", soft and chewy, and it is a drier feel than you might expect. It is more like a super soft ginger bread cookie. The jam in the center is a little pocket of topping in reverse, as if you dolloped the bread yourself. The spices and the honey in the "bread" are quite a combination that is both subtle and tasty. Perhaps not for everyone, every element of this delicious cake is top notch! I love this cake and its bigger brother, Pain d'éspices. I could eat all 6 in one sitting! Will easily fit in a stocking, but be careful not to squish! Want to impress your home Francophile who cooks only French? They will love you for this …. Shop now for classic French Nonnettes. |
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 The First Shipments have Arrived!The warehouse is packed and we are unpacking like crazy! New packaging, new items, means fun, fun, fun! It means it's the holidays for us too! What fun! We can't wait to share with you. Check out the site for your favorites and make sure to place your order for your favorite Panettones. As you may know, we sell out quickly of many "flavors"! We have 36 different ones to choose from this year, so start clicking and check out this year's Panettone Selection. Shop now for Italian Holiday Cake Panettone! |
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Rabitos - Chocolate Stuffed FigsFar from the first figgy experience of fig newtons (Seattle's fig newton factory was a building away from our warehouse and by the way Fig Newtons are named for a town, not Sir Issac Newton), a Rabitos is a fig that is covered in chocolate with a core of truffle chocolate and a touch of liquor! The description itself says it all! These are a wonderful, eye closing treat. With each bite (or just one mouthful) it’s a ganache of pleasure! Rabitos are the ultimate transformation from fig to chocolate stuffed fig! Click here to check them out! |
| Back-in-Stock Updates |
Sorrento Lemon Panettone
".... from Albertengo arrived too late for inclusion on last year's list, but I'm still smitten. It is soft and buttery, and its candied lemon replaces the conventional raisins and candied citron." Marion Burros said this many years ago in her holiday round up in the NY Times and every year, as we get ready to celebrate the holidays, we think of our friend, who has such wonderful taste buds and whisper a "thank you" to her for all her kind words! Still our favorite, we love all the others, too. Click to order your Sorrento Lemon Panettone! Holiday Store Hours Monday thru Saturday - 10AM to 6PM. Sunday - Noon to 4PM Come Visit! Sample just about everything! ChefShop.com 1425 Elliott Ave W Seattle, Wa 98119 206-286-9988 Did you know that we have TWO parking lots? The big one is easy to park in and only 99 steps from our front door. Click here to see the map. Come taste it's worth the walk! Free Zebra with purchase. Some chickens too. Just ask about the zebra bank! |
| This Weeks Recipes |
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Peregion Bean & Winter Squash Posole Stew Recipe Originally adapted from Farmer Georgie at Willowood Farms. Georgie grows the Peregion Beans. Pasta with Pesto, Green Beans & Potatoes Recipe This is a classic Italian pasta dish - perfect for the early fall when the potatoes and beans are coming into the market and you begin to have a hankering for heartier fair. Although it is traditionally made with Fettuccine, any long pasta will work. In this case, the recipe calls for walnuts, as well as pine nuts. If the pesto becomes too thick, you can use some of the pasta water to thin the sauce. You should be careful to add the liquid a little bit at a time - after you have combined the pasta, pesto and veggies together. Two Potato Tart Recipe This recipe comes from The Seasons of Parmigiano-Reggiano by Nancy Radke - A wonderful guide to the king of cheese - Parmigiano-Reggiano. Along with a number of delicious recipes. |
| See what you missed in previous Newsletters |
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As Seen In Food & Wine, Herb & Spice Change Your Life Crazy New Yuzu Soy & A Bean Worth Having Special Order - Made in Italy Panettone, Smoked-to-Order Turkey |
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