Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Pyreneens Chocolates are back!

Happy Halloween!

I love this bag!

We are just back from Paris where we have sourced for you this trendy Paris bag, that everyone at Saveur du Jour has fallen for. Very convenient with its large capacity, it comes in various colors - black, grey and white. We just love it!

Provence Treat Sampler

The ultimate French Gift

You want to send a gift to someone, yet you are unsure about their preferences? Gift Certificates will be the perfect gift! We now offer 6 different Gift Certificates for all budgets. Just order online and we, at Saveur du Jour, will take care of the rest!

The Italian Corner

New arrival of Italian products, check them out!

Free Back to School Shipping is here!

Souvenir #10- Patisserie Viennoise

"Hello  Véronique and Delphine,

Thank you for bringing such lovely products to the Bay Area.  I always describe myself as "la plus grande Francophile du monde," and I really think it's true!  At last count, I have 23 Tours Eiffel in my house!

It's hard to pick my best souvenir of Paris, but I think it would have to be the cafe I used to frequent when I was a student at the Sorbonne in 1979 (long before you were born!).  It was called "Pâtisserie Viennoise," and had the most heavenly coffee and hot chocolate--with an enormous dollop of whipped cream, of course--plus "Viennoiseries" of every description.  I used to sit and write letters to my family on aérogrammes, happily sipping my chocolat viennois.  I went back many years later, and the same woman waited on me as in 1979.  I've gone by every time I've been to Paris since (~20 times), but it is never open when I am there.  Check it out on at 8 Rue de l'Ecole de Médecine."

Kim G., San Jose, CA

Souvenir #9- Amora Mustard

"Two really, from the same trip.  First, my certificate of completion from L’ecole des Trois Ponts language school.  And, on the same trip, I fell in love with Amora Moutarde!  I brought some home, finished it and searched for more.  It’s how I found Saveurdujour!  Voila!"

Katie H., UT

Amora Mustard ("Moutarde Amora") is stronger than most American mustards. People use this Amora mustard to make a French vinaigrette or to give additional flavor to a piece of meat.

Souvenir #8- French Recipe Book

"Each time we stay in Eygalieres, our favorite part of France, we get together with good friends who own and run Riboto de Taven, a wonderful inn and restaurant in Les Baux de Provence. As we share a love of cooking, each time we leave they give us some unique parting gift. Most recently (May 2012), it was a wonderful book - Recettes & Secrets des Monasteres,  by Laurene & Gilles Laurendon. The 250+ pages are filled with wonderful photographs and recipes collected from the Monasteries of France. The illustrations and photographs are delightful, and the recipes delectable. While bringing this home as a souvenir is a wonderful cap to an enjoyable stay, we must confess that you can also find it on Amazon.com..."

David and Beverly G, FL

And if you are looking for typical French recipes, feel free to visit the French Recipe Section of our website as well!

Souvenir #7- Knife and Paris Watercolor

"There are two souvenirs we love.  One is a E. DEHILLERIN #6 knife (9mm).  We think of Paris and the store every time we use it.  Also, original watercolor or drawing from the vendor booths along Seine, Quai Rive Gauche by Pont Neuf.  

Thanks for hosting your site. I shop at least twice each year. Pate and Amora mustard!"

John G., TX

The Bouquinistes (book vendors) along the Seine River also sell all kinds of Paris prints that make the perfect souvenir from your trip to France. We carry a wide selection of those Paris Prints which comes directly from one of those Bouquinistes, as well as original watercolors of Provence.

Souvenir #6- Cafe de Flore Placemats

"Our best souvenir from France are the simple paper placemats we took from Cafe de Flore, and then had laminated on our return home.  We use them every day, bringing lovely memories of April in Paris."

John E. and Marsha B., NY

The Cafe de Flore, along the famous Boulevard St Germain in Paris, has long been celebrated for its intellectual clientele. The classic Art Deco interior of all red seating, mahogany and mirrors has hardly changed since World War II. Like its main rival, Les Deux Magots, it has hosted most of the French intellectuals during the post-war years. 

Souvenir #5- Olive Wood Cutting Board

"Our best souvenir was our "Large Olive Wood" cutting board that seemed to weigh a 100 lbs and filled up our suitcase when we returned.  I'm sure the baggage handlers loved moving it around the air terminals!!!"

Alan M., NC

Olive wood is obtained from a tree grown in Mediterranean countries, including the Provence area in France where is it very popular. It has a diverse variety of natural color and tonal depth, due to the annual structure. It is also resistant to decay and receptive to a number of surfacing treatments, which makes it the perfect wood for cutting and chopping boards. But because of the wood's high density, those boards are very heavy indeed!

Souvenir #4- Cookies from Rocamadour

"My best souvenir from France was cookies from Rocamadour -- I think they were made of almonds and sugar -- brown and crispy.  Absolutely delicious, and have never found a recipe for them."

Karen B., Canada

Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its incredible setting in a gorge above a tributary of River Dordogne. One of the local specialties is Foie Gras, but this area is also known for its walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds which make various delicious  crunchy biscuits called "Croquants" ("Crunchy" in French)

Souvenir #3- Engagement in Les Baux

"The VERY best "souvenir" I brought back from France was my engagement ring~ My ( then future ) husband surprised me with a birthday trip to Provence. On my birthday, in a quaint little bistro in Les Baux de Provence, he proposed~ the entire bistro toasted us with glasses of pastis, and the Chef presented us with an elegant dessert.  We visit Provence as often as we can, and look forward to our next trip 2013~"

Judi S., NJ

Les Baux de Provence is know as one of the most picturesque villages of France. It combines its outstanding medieval an Renaissance heritage with a spread of culture that make it a jewel of the Provence area. And apparently, it is also a highly romantic place!

Souvenir #2- Roudor Biscuits

"Best souvenir was roudor biscuits from St. Michel Biscuiterie…"

Bill H., CA

At the end of the XIXth Century, a French Chef named Joseph Grellier, living in a small village of Brittany called Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, became famous for his round and golden Galettes. In 1905, he started selling them to Parisian Ladies who were visiting Brittany, and it became a huge success. In 1919, the company "Biscuiterie St Michel" was born!

One of their most famous treats is this thick butter cookie called Palet Breton or "Roudor" ("Golden Wheel"), both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth... A unique French treat! 

Souvenir #1- Carte Noire Coffee

Here is the first one of our customers' replies, and many other ones will follow. Thanks so much to all of you who responded! 

"Simple... I tried Carte Noire coffee there and have been drinking it ever since."

Marcela K, Seattle, WA

Known for the perfection of its aroma, Carte Noire is made from carefully roasted Arabica beans, and is a full, well-balanced coffee. It is roasted in Laverune, near Montpellier, in the South of France. You'll find Carte Noire coffee on our website, by the unit or by the case for those of you who want to stack up and get a great price! And we also carry the Decaf version for those coffee lovers who want to sleep at night =)

Share your best Souvenir from France!

We've asked our customers what was their best souvenir from France... 

You would also like to participate? Please send an email to:

 info@saveurdujour.com

We would love to hear from you!

Crazy for Macarons!

Have you ever tasted French Macarons? Not to be confused with Coconut Macaroons, those delicate French almond cookies are just beautifully decadent. The macaron as it is known today was created in the early 20th Century by Pierre Desfontaines of the French pâtisserie Laduree, composed of two almond meringue discs filled with a layer of buttercream, jam, or ganache filling. Not only do they look pretty, they taste absolutely divine.

Try one of our 12 or 48 assortments, you'll become a fan! And, for those of you who are picky on the flavors, we now offer a custom option for our 48 Macaroon Trays. Now you really have no excuse not to try them =)

Provence Products

With our French inventory based in Aix en Provence, in the South of France, we are constantly working on improving our Provence Products category.

We now carry a great selection of products from Provence, ranging from beauty products like Marseille soap, Provence Perfume and Lavender sachets, to Provence Gourmet Food as Calissons, Tapenade, Olive Oil and Herbs de Provence. Check them out!

Taste #10

White Nougat at Christmas: 

During our first Christmas here, my petite family enjoyed the festivities at the Avignon Marché de Noel.  Having learned all about the 13 Desserts of Provence, I was anxious to try nougat, full of my favourite flavours, including honey and almonds.  My first taste came at a stall from Silvain Frères based in Saint Didier and delighted me immensely.  This six generation family business of nougatiers remains the reference in Provence and their nougat has become part of my own Christmas dessert tradition.  I am practically Provencale now!

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #9

Picholines Cassées: 

These are the first and freshest green olives to be harvested starting in November, anticipated with pleasure a bit like a Beaujolais Nouveau, a sign of things to come.  They are smacked with a mallet to accelerate the brining process and flavoured with fennel.  I love the complete contrast to much riper black olives.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #8

Black Figs from Caromb:  

Coming from England, I had only tried shrink wrapped packages of 4 figs from the supermarket.  Boy, was I delighted to try the “real” thing falling by the dozen from Provence trees in the month of June. I learned that figs are actually bursting with juice!

Jennifer Dugdale.

Taste #7

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise:  

This sweet wine, along the lines of Sauternes, was first served to me with Cavaillon melon, a classic starter in the Comtat Venaissin region of Provence.  Everytime I am in the area, I head up to the breathtaking scenery of the Dentelles and buy a bottle at Domaine des Coyeux.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #6

Chevre with Herbes de Provence:  

I enjoy this as often as I can from my favourite goats cheese maker at the Aix en Provence market.  The best pairing I ever had was a rosé wine from Henri Bonnaud in Palette;  the cheese brought out a surprising honey flavour in the wine.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #5

Aioli on Friday:   

Aioli might be the name of the famous garlic mayonnaise from Provence, but around here it refers to the complete dish of steamed saltcod and vegetables, accompanied by aioli.  The best and first aioli I ever ate was at the iconic Bistrot du Paradou near Mausanne les Alpilles and it is still what they offer every “fish Friday”.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #4

Mont Ventoux Cherries:

Allegedly, cherries have the shortest flower to fruit cycle, so after a beautiful show of cherry blossoms, I quickly tasted the result, on the slopes right behind our house in Flassan.  This solidified my decision to stay in France!

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #3

Black Truffles:

Having followed a truffle grower hunt with his dogs for the “little black diamond” one freezing, Mistral day in February, we warmed our hands over a big plate of brouillade, fluffy scrambled eggs with fresh truffle shavings.  Very aromatic and delicious!

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #2

Brioche des Rois: 

Here, we learn to live by the seasons and the first treat of the year is the cake celebrating Epiphany, or the Twelfth Night.  Most of France eats a galette, but in Provence we enjoy a sweet brioche ring, crowned by “jewels” in the form of fruits confits or preserved fruits.  For the best one, join the cue out the door at Bechard in Aix en Provence.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #1

Trio of Cremes Brulees

 17 years ago, I came to the South of France for the first time and ate at the famous Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence.  I love crème brulee and for dessert was presented with not one, but three different versions:  lavendar, coquelicot (poppy), and rosemary.  What an original introduction to Provence flavours!  And that was only the beginning…

Jennifer Dugdale

Tastes of Provence

You are planning your next trip to France and would like to visit Provence and Aix en Provence? You'd rather avoid large groups of tourists and would prefer a more intimate and authentic tour? You'd love to make your Provence experience a success, but also a unique gourmet experience?

Meet Jennifer Dugdale, founder of Tastes of Provence. Jennifer was born and grew up in California, and has been living in Provence since 2004. Entranced by France and Provence, passionate about authentic products, she will take you in an unforgettable culinary excursion through the streets of this jewel of a town. Her gourmet walking tours will lead you past the historic golden stone buildings of Aix and trickling fountains, stopping at facades of aristocratic townhouses, while discovering food shops and tasting local specialties, learning how to choose ingredients and how to cook with them. You'll love every minute of her tour and will get an insight of what Aix and Provence is all about: Art de Vivre, the perfect mix between history, authenticity and gastronomy.

A few words from Jennifer:

"Many people dream of living in Provence, especially for the certain art de vivre, or way of life, which this region offers:  a sunny Mediterranean climate, a backdrop of beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes, long French lunches – count me in!  I am a self-proclaimed “foodie” and in 7 years as a resident of Provence, I have been spoiled for culinary choice."

She will be our guest for the next posts, as she will be sharing with us her Top Ten Tastes of Provence... So stay with us =)

Bio, the French Organic

Here is what you'll find most of the time if you're looking for an organic product in France:

AB stands for "Agriculture Biologique", but is more often reffered to as "Bio". This organic certification was introduced in France in 1985 and fulfills the EU regulations for organic food. French organic food is produced using environmentally sound methods without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or chemical food additives, and provides great benefits on human health as well as the environment.

Our online boutique carries a selection of French organic products, such as herbal teas and mustard - check it out!

Spice up your Cooking!

5 French tips to spice up your cooking:

Tip #1- Use a pinch of Herbs de Provence to enhance the flavor of your steacks, gratins or quiche: This wonderful blend of rosemary, marjoram, basil, savory, and thyme is a basic found in every French kitchen.  Note that French Herbs de Provence do not contain Lavender. Thyme is used quite often on its own as well, to season a fish or sliced potatoes.

Tip #2- Give an amazing flavor to your soups or stews with a Bouquet Garni: A bundle of herbs (usually parsley, thyme and bay leaves) tied together with string, cooked with the other ingredients, and removed prior to consumption. Try it with a Blanquette de Veau (Veal Stew), Boeuf Bourguignon, or Pot au Feu (Beef Stews), or simply in your favorite soup.

Tip #3- Sprinkle Fleur de Sel atop your favorite foods just prior to serve them for maximum flavor: Fleur de Sel is a hand-harvested sea salt collected by workers who scrape only the top layer of salt before it sinks to the bottom of large salt pans. It is an artisanal product that contains more mineral complexity than table salt.

Tip #4- Spice up your scramble eggs or Piperade with a pinch of Espelette Chili Pepper: This variety of Chili Pepper has been cultivated in the French town of Espelette, in the Southwest of France, since the 16th century. Espelette peppers are hand-picked and hand-sorted over the course of ten weeks, starting in mid-August. It is famous for its robust peppery and slightly smoked flavor.

Tip #5- Use Flavored Salt for a spicy, quick and easy effect: French Sea Salt can be found already flavored, with different types of spices - Garlic and Parsley, Herbs, Truffle, Espelette Chili Pepper... So easy to season your foods directly in your plate!

Bon Appetit =)

Gift Boxes

Coming soon: A complete collection of Gift Boxes for all tastes - Provence, Paris, French Sweets, French Spices and much more... Plus you'll be given the opportunity to pick the products you want and customize them. So stay tuned!

Calissons

In 1420, when Provence was still a kingdom of its own, the king of Naples and Count of Provence, roi Rene, got married. Decades of wedded bliss later, his wife died, and rather than stay a swinging 44-year-old bachelor, he managed to find a 22 year old bride just a year later. The problem was that her dad arranged the marriage, and she wasn't thrilled. So Rene's chef decided that he'd invent a candy to cheer her up. That's how the Calisson was born!

The Calissons have been a specialty of Aix en Provence ever since. Nowadays, they are still made in Aix en Provence the traditional way, and are very popular in France. This exquisite treat made of almond, candied melon and sugar now comes in different varieties - with a chocolate icing, violet-flavoured, mini sized... Try some - you'll love them!

When Eiffel Tower meets Design

Are you looking for a very special Paris gift or trendy home decor? Our latest addition will be the perfect item for you: Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece revisited with pepsy colors and fun designs. Feel free to check out our selection here - and more to come soon!

   

 Those beautiful and design collectibles are limited editions. Each drawing is numbered and comes in a beautiful matching box.  Height 31.5 cm (12.2")

Crepe Day

France is all about food and eating, and every tradition gives the Frenchmen an opportunity to bake, cook and eat! If January is the King Cake month, the month of February starts with Crepe Day or Chandeleur (Candlemas), which recalls the Presentation of Baby Jesus to the Temple. Why Crepes? The round-shape and golden color of the crepes used to be the symbol of the Sun, and of the return of spring after a long, cold winter... Not only do the French eat a lot of crepes on Chandeleur day, but they also do a bit of fortune telling while making them: if the cook can flip a crepe while holding a gold coin in the other hand, his family will enjoy prosperity for the rest of the year! How about trying it with our French recipe?

Sweet Crepes Recipe

Makes about 20 crepes.

- 1/2 cup all purpose flour

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1/4 cup lukewarm water

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 eggs

- 2 tsp melted butter

- 1 1/2 tsp sugar

Preparation

Mix all the ingredients into a medium sized mixing bowl or into a food processor, and, if possible, leave the batter to stand for at least 10 minutes before using it.
Then heat a crepe pan or nonstick sauté pan over medium heat until a few drops of water sizzle when sprinkled on the pan. With a paper towel, spread a little butter on the pan, being sure to wipe most of it off.
When the pan is warm, pour about 1/4 cup of batter into it, and spread it accross the bottom by tilting immediately the pan slowly in all directions.
When the edges start turning golden and peeling away from the pan, gently lift up the edge nearest to you using a spatula and flip the crepe over in the pan. The second side should cook much more quickly - less than one minute. Add more butter when needed with a paper towel.
Serve crepes sprinkled with sugar, or enjoy them spreaded with jam, honey, Nutella, melted chocolate, chestnut spread or ice cream... There are a thousand ways to fill sweet crepes, all easy to do and delicious. Bon Appetit!

Marrakech Half Marathon 2012

Morocco is just a couple hours' flying time from France, and Marrakech is one of the favorite destination for French people looking for a bit of exotism. Last weekend, I (Veronique) ran the half marathon in Marrakech, Morroco. I really enjoyed the ambiance of the race with people and kids on the sidewalk, clapping and cheering us up! The race was also a nice way to discover Marrakech and meet great people.

There are lots of things to do and to see in Marrakech and I spent a couple of days with my friends exploring the souks (markets), walking around the Medina and the famous Djema el Fna place, and relaxing in a beautiful riad. Also, the Morrocan food is just delicious and exceptionally tasty. It includes couscous, tajines, pastillas, and fresh mint tea anytime of the day!

King Cake

January is drawing to an end... Last chance to enjoy the French "Galette des Rois" - and that's what we did yesterday! This "King Cake" is a cake celebrating Epiphany but can be baked and enjoyed until the end of January. There are two versions of this delicious pastry: the Galette, made with puff pastry layers with a dense center of almond filling called "frangipane", and, in the South of France, the "Gâteau des rois", a crown-shaped brioche filled with candied fruits, which originates in Provence.

Tradition holds that the cake is “to draw the kings” to the Epiphany. A small porcelain favor, la fève, is hidden in the cake and the person who finds it in their slice becomes king for the day and is given a golden paper crown!

Maison & Objets Show in Paris

Just back from an exciting - and exhausting! - day in Paris, at the famous Maison & Objets Show, where we found many new ideas and inspiration. With a nice lunch break at the gourmet Oliviers & Co Boutique!

We have sourced for you lots of unique French items that we are looking forward to present you on Saveur du Jour... Stay tuned!

Provence Olive Oil

I had the great chance this year to take part in an olive picking party, which is a tradition in Provence: people who own olive tree fields gather their family and friends for an olive picking time, followed by a party. Olives are hand picked and sent to a local mill to be grinded and turned into olive oil.

That's how we got the idea to source a fine Gourmet Olive Oil, traditionally processed and really tasty. After tasting several olive oils, we came accross one of those amazing authentic shops, that can only be found in traditional areas of France. The "Maison Auffan" was founded near Marseille, in Provence, in 1875. 

Over the years, Auffan has developed an incredible expertise in traditional Provence products such as specialty olive oils, tapenade and Marseille soap. They have a great selection of high quality Gourmet Olive Oils.

Check it out! - And you'll get a 10% special discount on our selection of Olive Oils by entering the coupon code OLIVE in the coupon field when checking out! For our readers and subscribers only...

French Valentine

Valentine's Day is coming up! Treat your sweetheart to some French sweets... 6 milk Suchard Rochers in a nice heart-shaped ceramic dish are ready to be sent directly to your Valentine. Those delicious Suchard Rochers are made of milk chocolate praline and covered with milk chocolate and crushed hazelnuts.

The ceramic dish is red outside and white inside and reads "Bon Appetit" on the bottom, for a romantic french touch. And we've thrown in a nice complimentary card in a Paris envelope, so you can write a few love words of your own!

A glimpse of Marseille

From our French location in Aix en Provence, near Marseille, we came accross this video, which will give you an insight of this colorful and typical French Mediterranean city. Located on the southeast coast of France, Marseille is France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and the second largest city after Paris. It is the capital of the Provence region, and has been designated as European Capital of Culture in 2013.

Best wishes from Marseille video / CLICK HERE

 

The "Marseillais" -the Marseille inhabitants- are know to be particularly proud of their city, and have developed over the years many specificities, like their language and accent, which are sometimes hard to understand, even for a French native!

Marseille is famous for its traditional soap, which has been made from vegetable oil for about 600 years!

It is also know for its gastronomy, like Fougasse, typical Provençal bread made with olive oil, Tapenade, an olive spread made from capers, chopped olives and olive oil, or Navette, a delicious hard biscuit in the shape of a boat, flavoured with orange blossom.

The traditional drink in the Marseille region is Pastis, a refreshing alcoholic beverage made with anise and spices. And if you want to serve Pastis the French way, we have sourced for you this vintage Pitcher and a wonderful set of Pastis glasses!

 Tchin Tchin! / Cheers!