Time of the year – It’s Christmas!

Looking for alternatives to the typical Christmas Log Cakes? Here’s a recommendation from theRantingPanda!

Albert Menes, with its flagship boutique in the Haussman district in Paris, has started retailing its products in Singapore. Offering a  range of 350 items and 21 categories of fine foods that brings together authentic regional specialities and French gourmet cuisine, Albert Menes currently has distribution to over 30 countries worldwide.

Founded in 1921 by Monsieur Albert Ménès in Brittany, France, the House of Albert Ménès began operations when Albert started importing and distributing fine grocery products after developing a taste and passion for exotic ingredients during his numerous overseas trips as a sailor. After this first step, his journey became a lifelong search for and collection of genuine, historical products and recipes that expressed the art of traditional French cuisine. A small cottage industry renowned for the preservation of artisanal skills from generation to generation, the House of Albert Ménès registered its trademark in 1986 and grew into a real and vibrant conservatory of fine food. Today, it continues to dedicate itself to promoting an appreciation of traditional and artisanal crafts, embodying the motto of “Keeping the tradition of fine taste alive”.

Albert Menes products are sold at  Paragon Market Place, Jasons the Gourmet Grocer, Pacific Marketplace (Pan Pacific Singapore) and the Providore. Below are 2 recommendations for you  this festive eason:

Sliced Pure Butter Cake with Candied Fruit Cake (RRP S$22)

How could anyone resist a slice of butter cake during this festive season?! And what a better deal if it is paired with candied fruits (i.e. raisins soaked in pure Caribbean rum)!

A blend of rustic English tradition and the French sensibility, this deceptively simple dessert hides a host of delectable treasures within its buttery interior. Quality wheat flour contributes to its delightfully crumbly texture, while whole eggs and pure butter add to its velvety richness. Presented conveniently sliced, the Pure Butter Cake with Candied Fruit is perfect for tea time or dessert, and makes a tasty companion on a picnic.

Provençal Gâteau de Visan with Almonds and Chocolate (RRP S$22)

Created half a century ago by two artisan pâtissiers in sunny Visan, a charming hamlet in Provence that is set against the foothills of the Southern French Alps. Ruled in turn by the Knights Templar and the Pope, the village is now famed for its signature melt-in-the-mouth flourless cake.

Made with almonds from Valencia and freshly churned AOC butter from Poitou- Charente, the absence of flour in the pastry allows the fineness of the ingredients and the inimitable smoothness of the texture to shine through. The natural sweetness of the almonds strikes a perfect balance with the richness of the dark cocoa, resulting in a delicious gluten-free dessert. The Gâteau de Visan is delicious served directly from its airtight metal box, a result of four years’ worth of research that was expressly designed to preserve the freshness and creaminess of the pastry. For an added indulgence, however, warm and top the cake with a spoonful of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with coffee or tea for a satisfying tea time spread.

Taking this opportunity to wish all tRP readers a Merry Christmas! Hohoho!