Jason's Sourdough Very Merry Berry Christmas French Toast!

Picture this: fluffy slices of Jason's White Ciabattin, soaked in a sweet and spiced batter, crisped to perfection, and topped with juicy berries. 

It’s the ultimate treat to bring family and friends together around the Christmastime table. 

Here’s how to whip it up:

3–4 slices of Jason's White Ciabattin

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Mix all the ingredients together in a shallow bowl, dunk your Sourdough in the mixture until its well coated. Add the butter to a heavy bottomed pan over a medium-high heat before adding the bread in and cooking until browned on both sides (3-4 minutes) 

Dip, sizzle, and serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra holiday cheer! 

This sounds like a real piece of Christmas magic to transform your breakfast into something truly festive!

Caprice des Dieux: The Creamy Delight for Your Christmas Cheeseboard

When it comes to Christmas, one of the highlights for many of us is the glorious cheeseboard, a centrepiece that begs to be explored with curious tastes and lingering flavours. 

I recently came across a cheese that has quickly stolen a place in my heart, and I’m convinced it will be a gem on any Christmas spread: Caprice des Dieux.

Caprice des Dieux, which translates to "Whim of the Gods," has a legacy that dates back to 1956 in France. It’s made by Fromagerie Bongrain, a family-owned cheesemaker known for their artisanal approach, and it’s beloved for its distinctively soft, creamy texture and mild flavour profile. 

This cheese is crafted from cow’s milk and has a soft, edible rind that envelops a luscious, velvety centre. Its unique oval shape and its tempting aroma make it a beautiful addition that draws attention from across the room.

Why Caprice des Dieux is the Perfect Christmas Cheese

1. A Texture for All Tastes 

Caprice des Dieux has a silky, creamy centre that spreads effortlessly on crackers, a crusty baguette, or even a slice of pear. It has that delicate balance of softness and richness that everyone craves in a soft cheese. Even if you have friends and family who are new to artisan cheeses or prefer milder options, they’re likely to fall in love with this texture at first taste.

2. A Flavour Profile that Complements Every Palate 

The taste of Caprice des Dieux is mild yet distinctive, with hints of buttery richness and subtle nuttiness. It’s creamy without overwhelming, which makes it perfect for a diverse cheeseboard. It pairs beautifully with fruity chutneys, figs, and nuts. Try a drizzle of honey, too – it’ll enhance the cheese’s natural sweetness without taking over.

3. The Perfect Pairing Partner 

This cheese is incredibly versatile in pairing. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled Champagne for an elegant pairing, or try it with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir. It also works well with lighter white wines such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. If you’d like a non-alcoholic option, serve it with apple or pear juice – it’s just as delicious and makes for a refined option on the holiday table.

4. Visually Pleasing and Festive 

The oval shape and delicate rind give Caprice des Dieux a unique, elegant look that feels special enough for the holidays. Its creamy, snow-white appearance contrasts beautifully with the darker hues of other Christmas cheeses like Stilton or aged Cheddar. Arrange it with a variety of crackers, fresh grapes, figs, and nuts to create a visually stunning display.

How to Add Caprice des Dieux to Your Christmas Cheeseboard

Set the Scene: Place Caprice des Dieux alongside a mix of bold and mild cheeses. Think blue cheeses, aged varieties, and perhaps a classic Brie.

Pair with Fruits and Condiments: Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes will highlight its sweetness. For a festive touch, add a dollop of cranberry or fig chutney, or perhaps a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of colour.

Serve at the Right Temperature: Take Caprice des Dieux out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours fully develop. The texture will soften beautifully and be easier to spread.

This Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to the delightful whim of the gods that is Caprice des Dieux. Whether it’s for a luxurious Christmas Eve platter or a post-feast treat, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of French elegance to your celebration.

A Warm Welcome to Bardinet French Brandy: Your Christmas Drinks Cabinet Essential

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us start planning our festive menus, stocking up on treats, and, most importantly, selecting the perfect beverages to complement the celebrations. 

If you're searching for a versatile and affordable addition to your Christmas drinks cabinet, look no further than Bardinet French Brandy. 

This beautifully crafted spirit delivers both quality and value, making it an excellent choice for the holiday season. Here's why you should consider it for your Christmas drinks selection.

A Taste of Tradition and Craftsmanship

Bardinet French Brandy has been a staple in the world of brandy for over a century, with roots dating back to 1857. This rich history of craftsmanship is apparent in every sip. The brandy is distilled from fine French wines, which are aged in oak casks to develop a smooth, well-rounded flavour profile.

One of Bardinet’s most appealing qualities is its balanced flavour—it's not too overpowering, yet it still has the depth you expect from a good brandy. You’ll notice notes of dried fruits, caramel, and a touch of vanilla, which work together to create a warm, inviting taste. The smoothness of Bardinet makes it an excellent standalone sip, perfect for those cold winter nights by the fire.

Versatility in Christmas Cocktails

Bardinet’s versatility is what truly sets it apart, especially for those who enjoy mixing drinks during the holidays. Whether you're crafting classic cocktails or trying something new, Bardinet provides the perfect base spirit.

Brandy Eggnog, for instance, is a Christmas classic, and Bardinet brings the richness and warmth that makes this festive favourite sing. Its subtle sweetness also works well in brandy punch or hot toddies, ideal for warming up your guests on chilly December evenings. For a simpler yet elegant option, you can mix Bardinet with ginger ale and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a light, refreshing cocktail to enjoy before or after dinner.

Affordability Without Compromising Quality

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so finding a quality brandy at an affordable price is key. Bardinet is often available at a very reasonable price point compared to other premium brandies. Despite being budget-friendly, it does not compromise on quality, making it a smart addition to your drinks collection. You’ll get the satisfaction of enjoying a sophisticated spirit without breaking the bank, which is especially appreciated during the busy (and often costly) holiday season.

The Perfect Gift

If you're looking for a thoughtful yet affordable gift for the spirits lover in your life, Bardinet French Brandy is an excellent option. Its classic presentation and reputation for quality make it a welcome addition to any drinks cabinet. Pair it with a set of beautiful brandy glasses, and you’ve got a perfect gift for a friend or family member who appreciates the finer things in life.

Final Thoughts

Bardinet French Brandy delivers on all fronts—flavour, versatility, and value. Whether you enjoy it neat, in a cocktail, or as a heart-warming gift, it’s a perfect fit for the festive season. Adding Bardinet to your Christmas drinks cabinet is a surefire way to elevate your holiday gatherings and ensure your guests leave with a smile.

This year, let Bardinet French Brandy bring warmth, tradition, and a little bit of indulgence to your Christmas celebrations. Cheers to a season filled with good company, great food, and even better drinks!

My wife and I found this to be a delicious VSOP brandy which we are now keeping in our Christmas drinks cabinet.

Have you tried Bardinet French Brandy? Share your festive cocktail recipes or experiences in the comments!

7 Top Tips for a Festive European Cheeseboard Chef Raymond Blanc OBE Offers His Suggestions for Christmas

All over Europe and indeed beyond, a cheeseboard is a popular way to celebrate time together and the Christmas holiday period always presents plenty of time to dedicate an evening (or afternoon!) enjoying generous board of tasty European cheeses.

For Raymond Blanc OBE, who is the Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, cheese is an integral part of any French celebration. 

Raymond is widely known for bringing his passion for French cuisine to the UK and delivering one of the finest dining experiences in the UK. Diners can also find the very best artisan cheeses on the restaurant cheeseboards.

Raymond says: “No French dinner is complete without cheese and obviously, without a doubt, a cheeseboard would have to be extra special at Christmas.

I would always choose a selection of soft, hard and blue cheeses from my home town and elsewhere, including a Brillat-Savarin, Mont d'Or, Comté (36 months), Bleu de Gex and a Tomme de Savoie.

Presentation is clearly very important and to add a touch of luxury to a festive cheeseboard, I would be sure to have an apricot, vanilla & Jura wine compote or a homemade apple orchard chutney and finally a large glass of pinot noir. Joyeux Noël!”

For those wanting to perfect their cheeseboard offering, below are some top tips.

1/ Before serving cheese, leave it outside the fridge for at least 90 minutes in order to release the full flavours, aromas and texture of the cheese.

2/ Make sure you use a board that won't harm the delicate flavours of the cheese - metal plates and trays are a big 'non'.

3/ Offer a diverse choice of cheeses that complement each other in terms of taste and texture. At a minimum, make sure you have at least one soft, hard and blue cheese but to really impress your guests five is the magic number. For something a little different you could also present a cheese board that brings together cheeses from a specific region - such as the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Such cheeses could include: a Tomme de Savoie - a semi-hard cheese, Reblochon - a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened cheese, Abondance – a hard cheese, Saint-Félicien – a bloomy rind soft cheese and Bleu d'Auvergne.

4/ Provide a knife for each cheese to avoid cross contamination of flavours and leave enough space between the cheeses to allow for guests to cut and remove their cheese easily.

5/ Place the cheeses from the mildest to the strongest in a clockwise direction; this helps people to taste in the best sensory order.

6/ Use your creativity and add a few decorative touches to your cheese platter: dried fruit, fresh fruit, fruit jellies, seeds, aromatic herbs, edible flowers, etc.

7/ Prepare festive labels with the name of each cheese so that your guests don't have to ask you.

Many cheeses are available through large supermarkets but if you want to get your hands on the true artisanal cheeses visit your local dairy, cheesemonger or search online.