These delicacies that make us crave for Christmas

(Article published in Le Point Chablais – December 2020)

Every year, it’s the same story. We decorate the tree, we buy gifts (from local businesses please – especially in this time of crisis!), but we also gain a few pounds that we will say we want to lose during our resolutions the following week. Let’s take a closer look at these delicacies that we eat without counting the calories at the risk of being scared…

Buying local has always been important, it has now become essential. The current crisis is not only health-related, but also social and economic. It is therefore an opportunity to go back to basics and to start or resume good habits; it is never too late. This year, it’s hard to imagine Christmas as we usually do. However, it is also time to treat yourself, to do yourself good.

First of all, here is a local address that selects the best products from here and elsewhere. So prepare your basket, we will give you many ideas to fill it.

Le Canard Gourmand
Let’s get straight to the point. At Christmas we have our own little eating habits. Thus, the refrigerators are often filled with foie gras terrines or even caviar, all accompanied by a good wine. Florence Grocq knows these products well.

In 2012, she actually opened “Le Canard Gourmand”, which is based in Saint-Maurice. Originally from the South West of France, she shares her region, but also her passion for good quality products certified “origin France”. “I work with restaurants, delicatessens, but I also have an online store for individuals,” she explains before adding, “I source from farmers who defend and perpetuate the traditions and know-how of gastronomy, synonymous with excellence and authenticity.” Suppliers she knows, as she has visited the breeding sites. The ducks offered, for example, are raised in the open air and within the framework of a local and reasoned agriculture on a small scale. They are also traditionally fed with cereals from the breeding area, i.e. whole grain corn and wheat. “The products I market contain no additives or preservatives.”

If at the beginning ” Le Canard Gourmand ” specialized in duck or goose products (foie gras, terrines, fresh, smoked or confit), today, at the request of its customers, the range has been enlarged, rillettes terrines, fresh, smoked or candied), today, at the request of its customers, the range has expanded. Caviar sturgeon, ocean products (fish soup, sardines, tuna, anchovies or mackerel fillets in olive oil) and mushrooms complete the offer. “I also propose since more recently spices from Madagascar. “Finally, the presence of Swiss products such as vinegar, cheese and wine should be noted. “I’ve added a white wine and a red wine that come from Aigle and match my range.” There is no shortage of choice with “Le Canard Gourmand”. As a bonus, for the holidays, Florence Grocq has added Armagnac as well as the different poultry consumed during this period (poulard, capon, guinea fowl, quail or turkey).

In total, nearly 200 products, recipes and suggestions are available on the Canard Gourmand website.

Text: Z. Gallarotti