Fruit is one of the most versatile foods on the planet, it can be eaten fresh, baked in pastries, cooked in preserves, or fermented into spirits, as in this case, Champagne. Someone once asked me, why do we drink Champagne, and I replied: “Just because” and there were cheers in the room.
It is well known that alcohol makes people lose their inhibitions, but SOME alcohol such as Champagne, not only does so, it also boosts one´s mood. It is made from red and white grapes, which contain antioxidants and we know antioxidants are good for us. Champagne has come to symbolize all things celebratory; weddings, graduations, or New Year’s Eve at midnight because it is an elegant choice.
From the beginning of 2020, we have been and continue to be facing a global virus pandemic, and our way of life has changed considerably. Scientists and 1st responders work tirelessly to save lives while our loved ones die in the hospitals without family members holding their hands; riots and looters are rampaging, and it doesn’t seem like there’s much to celebrate. However, there are, more parents working from home, multi-tasking while children finish the day of learning also from home. Oh yes, we are celebrating small victories, a 24-hour triumph if you wish, a great reason to open that bottle of Champagne “reserved for the holidays.” Champagne, cheers!
Here are three Champagne Cocktails to tease your taste buds featuring Champagne by Christian Briard
https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneChristianBriard/
@ChampagneChristianBriard and get you ready for the holidays
Apple Pie – apple cider, cinnamon schnapps, Champagne, rim glass with cinnamon and sugar
Pomegranate and Ginger – pomegranate juice, Crème de Canton, Champagne
Midnight Sparkler – Crème de Voilette, orange juice, lemon juice, gin, Champagne, rim glass with sparkling sugar.
Champagne cocktails pair deliciously with chocolates. Chocolate – literally means “Food of the gods”, adored by mortals in all of its forms from hot drinks to decadent mouthwatering, drool-worthy gourmet dishes with health benefits, so I’ve been told.
Featuring here are two chocolate desserts.
White Chocolate cup – Filled with cream cheese mousse, top with freeze-dried raspberries
Milk Chocolate Yule Log
Back in medieval times, the Yule Log was an entire tree originated from Nordic traditions, chosen and brought into the house with the largest end of the log to be placed into the fire hearth while the rest of the tree stuck out into the room. This log would be lit from the remains of the previous year’s log carefully and slowly fed into the fire through the twelve days of Christmas, with any remainings of tree barks, twigs, and branches to be stored away for next year’s burning.
This custom of Yule log spread across Europe and different countries using various trees, Oak in England, Birch in Scotland while in France it is Cherry. In France, the log is cut down, sprinkled with wine (so that it smells nice when it is lit) and a bit is burnt each night, and if there’s leftover it is kept until next Christmas.
Today, Yule Log is known to the world as a delicious yummy chocolate dessert named after the old Winter Solstice festivals in northern Europe and eaten on Christmas Day.
I hope I have inspired you to try new things and make your own tradition. I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Article & Photography by: Private Chef Mimi Houston.