The Savvy Gourmet

OGourmet, a Partner of LeRenard.ca

LeRenard.ca is a new group discount purchase site recently launched by Cyberpresse, the Internet portal for La Presse and other Gesca newspapers.

One of the initial partners of this site, OGourmet is offering an exceptional promotion: a $40 coupon for only $20.

Click on this link to get there.

If you want to take advantage of this offer, hurry, because quantities are limited!

Winners of the Olive d’Or 2011 Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition

On May 11, the winners of the Olive d’Or 2011 extra virgin olive oil competition were announced. 130 olive oils from 14 different countries were part of this competition organized by SIAL Canada.

SIAL Canada is part of the SIAL international network of annual professional trade shows held in Buenos Aires, Paris, Montreal and Toronto (in alternating fashion), and Shanghai.

The jury was chaired by Christine Cheylan, Ph.D., manager of an oil mill in France and an expert in olive oil tasting. The other members were:

• Robert Beauchemin, fine food columnist, La Presse

• Andy Brasseur, consultant and conference speaker (awakening the senses)

• Jonathan Garnier, executive chef and CEO of La Guilde Culinaire

• Denise Langevin, CEO of Agroindustrial Nuevos Campos in Chile and trained in professional olive oil tasting

• Guy Rochon, founder of OGourmet.com fine food store

• Giulio Scatolini, judge certified by the International Olive Council (IOC) since 1995.

A new Recipe from Cook is Good: Strawberry Dessert with Wild Rose Syrup

A quick, refreshing dessert flavoured with a touch of wild rose syrup.

A creative version of the tiramisu!

Ari’s comments: This is a good way to discover a new wild product or rediscover rose syrup in a recipe where it is highlighted.

A dessert where Middle East and Italy meet and celebrate!

A new Recipe from Chef Goulet: Crisp Phyllo Tiles with Poached Pear and Vanilla Mascarpone

The challenge facing Chef Goulet – to create an easy recipe with vanilla paste.

His response: something that looks good and tastes delicious!

Ari’s comments: Discover vanilla paste with this recipe. Of course, you can also use vanilla pods or vanilla extract. Do the taste test and compare the results!

New Guide to Vanillas

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, next to saffron. Why? Because extensive labour is required to grow and cure the vanilla seed pods.

Besides vanillin (now produced by chemical synthesis), more than 150 other compounds have been identified that contribute to vanilla aroma. Even trace components significantly modify the whole aroma-flavour of natural vanilla.

Vanilla flavours may vary significantly depending on their origin. And these aromas are only available from the vanilla pods or extracts from these pods.

To learn more about this extraordinary fruit from the only orchid that bears fruit, follow the guide!

To consult the guide…