Macarons for Mother & more news from L’Epicerie Gourmande

Our special Maman Macarons will be ready in time for Mother’s Day. Available May 8 – 11, decorated with a heart, these ‘pretty in pink’ vanilla macarons are available singly for $2.60 or a dozen gift-boxed for $30. Your mother will appreciate her own special sweet treat.

French cooks (and local bartenders) are in the know about the subtle ‘something’ that flavoured syrups add to a dish or beverage. When you say the word ‘syrup’ most Canadians think immediately of maple syrup and know of only one use – on pancakes. French syrups come in a wide range of interesting flavours which are used in a number of different ways to enhance the flavour profile of a dish. The French also pour syrup on crepes, over ice cream for a quick dessert, replace some of the sugar in a pie or tarte filling with flavoured syrup, use it in cocktails or to make a refreshing summer drink.

L’Epicerie Gourmande carries two different lines of French syrups – our own Private Label ($12.95 per 250 ml bottle) and Barbapapa ($19.95 – $21.95 in a 350 ml collector bottle).

Our Private Label syrups are available in a variety of flavours: lavender, violet, wild strawberry, melon, fig, lychee rose and jasmine. The Barbapapa line includes: cotton candy, grenadine, candied banana, gingerbread and cola. The special Hello Kitty Syrup, perfect for children’s birthday parties, contains strawberry ice cream flavour.

To make a wonderful aperitif or summer refresher, add one part flavoured syrup to four parts of your choice of either lemonade, sparkling water or prosecco/sparkling wine.

Have you tried Gourmet to Go yet? If not, we have a special discount to get you started. From now through May 15th, receive 30 percent off your order of our Frozen Pasta entrees. We currently offer eight gourmet pasta dishes for your enjoyment: Artichoke & Mushroom Cannelloni,  Chicken & Mushroom Cannelloni,  French-style Mac & Cheese, Mac & Cheese with Oyama Jambon Blanc,  Meat Lasagna, Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni, Seafood Cannelloni and Deluxe Vegetarian Lasagna. Take advantage of the coupon below to order a few and keep them in the freezer for when you don’t feel like cooking.