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Maille and A Taste of France Show in Bryant Park, NYC 9/28-9/29

September 26, 2013 by Renee

After returning home from Paris, I was thrilled to have a package waiting for me from Maille. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Maille mustards and it was great to add some more jars to add to my stockpile. The package contained a jar of each of the Dijon Originale, Rich Country Dijon, Cornichons and a jar of Horseradish. It was as if I had a little extension to my vacation!

If you have not been to the Maille flagship store in Paris, it is well worth a trip. Located in the  Place de la Madeleine, the boutique carries an incredible variety of mustard and blends. They even have mustards on tap! You can have  Grain mustard in old Chardonnay, Fine mustard in Chablis or Fine mustard in White Wine pumped right into a lovely ceramic crock. In addition to mustards, the store carries an array of oils, vinegars, dressings and plenty of gift assortments to bring home. You can spend quite a while  just browsing all the different flavors that are available.

I always like to purchase at least one or two jars of their Originale that comes in a decorative glass. We love to use them for juice and cocktails when they are empty and they are fun to collect. Some of my other favorites include the Fines Herbs and the Ancienne, an old style, whole grain mustard that’s perfect on a  roast beef sandwich.

Maille-5255

Even though Maille is actually the number one brand of imported mustard in the United States, and not just imported in my suitcase, though it seems that way whenever I travel home from Paris, there are some flavors that you just can not get in the U.S.-like Celeri rave et brisures de Truffes (celeriac and truffles) and Moutarde à l’Abricot sec et Curry (apricot curry). But you can purchase many types here in the U.S. and online.

Their production process is also quite fascinating. The mustards are made by cutting the  black and brown mustard grains. They are  not crushed. This is done to preserve the natural antioxidant properties, then they are mixed with a blend of vinegars and white wines to create their rich flavors. If they are blended with herbs or other aromatics, they do so using only the freshest ingredients and purees.

Recently, beating out more than 300 mustards, Maille Dijon Originale won the Grand Champion Prize and Maille Honey Dijon earned the Silver Medal at the 19th Annual Worldwide Mustard Competition.

The Dijon Originale, is a  multi- purpose condiment. It goes with nearly everything!  It adds a smooth, mild spice to meats, fishes, sauces and vegetables.  Whisked into vinaigrette or added to mac and cheese, it’s a true kitchen staple.

A secret ingredient in some apple pies, the Rich Country Dijon is made with white wine, cinnamon and ginger. It’s delicious when just brushed lightly on the crust of quiches and savory tarts before they are filled. It’s also amazing on potatoes and used as a marinade with chicken or pork. There are so many uses!

Maille Horseradish actually won a Bronze Medal at the 2012 World Wide Competition for mustards in the category that is usually dominated by U.S. producers. It’s ideal on sausages, roast beef, sandwiches and vegetables- wherever you’d want a sharp intense flavor.

The last time I bought a jar of cornichons, I actually didn’t even get to eat one!  The kids ate them all before I even noticed they were gone! I had to buy them a generic brand so they could have those while I savored another jar of Maille Cornichons! No charcuterie plate is complete without them.

Maille-5142

This is how I love to have dinner several times a month… a simple plate of cheese and cured meats, mustards, olives and cornichons with a baguette and a bottle of wine to share. It’s simple and satisfying.

If you are in NY this weekend, be sure to see the Maille booth at The Taste of France Show that will be held in Bryant Park. There will be vendors representing the many aspects of French life:  Lifestyle, Technology, Beauty, Cuisine, Wine and Spirits, Tourism, Culture, Children and of course, Fun!

There will also be many events over the two days so be sure to check it out! I am looking forward to attending and while I won’t be in Paris, it will feel like it!

The show is free and open to the public. For more information, see the website at The Taste of France Show.

Event Hours:

SATURDAY – September 28, 2013
11:00am-11:00pm

SUNDAY – September 29, 2013
11:00am-7:00pm

 

A bientot!

 

Disclosure: I received the four jarsmentioned from Maille to try. The opinions are my own, and we all know how much I love Paris and Maille.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel, Kitchen Sink, France, Product Reviews Tagged With: France, Maille, Product Review, Travel, cornichons, mustard

A Small Taste of Paris for the Rest of Us- French Onion Soup Recipe

January 21, 2012 by Renee

French Onion SoupWith Renee off living the good life in Paris for the month, the rest of the family is home braving the New York winter.  My cooking while she has been gone has taken a much more kid friendly flavor, though I do try to slip in some more adult foods now and then.  With the snow falling today, I figured  it was a perfect day for a taste of France to warm us and at least be with Renee in spirit.  On a cold snowy day like it is here in New York today nothing warms better then a hot bowl of soup and no soup says France to me more than a steaming crock of French Onion Soup.

 

Ingredients

5 Medium Onions sliced thin

½ stick of unsalted butter

1 clove of garlic chopped fine

3 tbsp dry white wine

1 bay leaf

2 sprigs fresh thyme

4 cups beef stock

Salt and pepper

4 – 1/2inch thick slices French baguette

1 cup grated Gruyere Cheese (or Swiss)

 

Method

In a stock pot, melt the butter over low heat, then add the sliced onions and garlic and sauté till nicely browned (about 35-45 min).  Don’t rush this step; keeping the heat low will let the onions caramelize slowly and evenly without getting crispy.

Add the wine, and using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the pot for any bits and pieces that have stuck.

Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

After about a minute, add the stock. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Its best to leave it a bit under salted as the soup will reduce while it is cooking and the final flavor can be adjusted before serving.

Let the soup simmer for about an hour.

While the soup is simmering toast the baguettes slices.

When the soup is ready remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

Ladle the soup into 4 oven safe bowls giving each a good helping of the onions at the bottom of the bowl.

Pre-heat the broiler in your oven. (If you don’t have an in-oven broiler, you could use a blow torch to melt the cheese.)

Place the bowls on a baking tray, and float a slice of the toasted bread in each bowl, then cover with the grated cheese.

Place the whole tray under the broiler till the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven,  serve and enjoy a small taste of Paris!

 

 

Filed Under: Eat, Featured Posts, Soup and Stews Tagged With: France, French, French Onion, French Onion Soup, Gruyere, Paris, Recipe, Soup, onions

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