There is a great range of events happening around Normandy in 2019. The D-Day Landings are probably the most famous but there are plenty more to see and do.
Cider has been made in Normandy for centuries and is one of the main exports of this area. If you’re looking for a delicious cider try the ones from nearby Bayeux.
Cider
Normandy is one of the world’s most famous apple-growing regions. It is home to 800 apple varieties and has a history of cider making dating back to ancient times. Cider-making is a part of Normandy’s culinary culture and is enjoyed in many small towns throughout the region.
Cider is a fermented drink made from the juice of apples, often containing a mix of apple varieties. It is typically low in alcohol, with varying levels of sweetness. Some varieties of cider are very sweet, while others are less sweet and more tannic in flavor.
Generally, cider is made in a cold environment and the fermentation is conducted by yeasts that metabolize the sugars to produce alcohol, acetic acid and other volatile compounds such as methanol. It is then bottled and stored until ready to be consumed.
There are many kinds of cider available on the market and different types can be distinguished by their color, fruit content, and aroma. Traditional ciders are produced using a combination of apple varieties and the fermentation process known as keeving.
Keeving is a natural separation process that allows the natural pectin in the apples to coagulate to a jelly-like substance at a relatively low temperature and for a long period of time. The resulting cider is then filtered to remove the remaining apple pulp.
In France, there are several types of cider including traditional cider, cidre doux (sweet cider), demi-sec (semi-sweet) and cidre brut (dry cider). They range from 3% to 4.5% in alcohol content and taste slightly different.
The best known ciders in the country are produced in the Calvados departement, which is a sub-region of Normandy. They are distilled twice and can be found in many local supermarkets as well as fine restaurants.
If you’re visiting France, be sure to visit the Calvados distillery in Cambremer, where the Huet family makes one of the finest calvados in the region. They also make pommeau, which is a mixture of apple brandy and apple juice for those who prefer a more mild tasting alcoholic beverage.
Ciders from the Pays d’Auge and Brittany areas of Normandy are quite different from those in the rest of the country, due to the region’s unique climate, soil and apple varieties. They tend to be tannic in flavor and can have intense citrus notes.
Crepes
Crepes are the ultimate French comfort food. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. They are perfect for brunch, snacking or even a quick lunch.
They are also a popular dessert. The French love to eat them with cider, a traditional beverage made from apples grown in Normandy and Brittany. They are particularly delicious on Candlemass, which is celebrated every 40 days after Christmas and also on February 2.
To make crepes, you need a non-stick frying pan (or a crepe pan designed for the job) and a small bowl to whisk together the batter. It is very important to let the batter rest before making them, as it will help prevent them from developing too much gluten.
You can use a mix of milk and water for the batter, or just water if you prefer. Just remember to add the milk slowly, so that the flour doesn’t become lumpy.
Once you have the batter ready, pour a little bit into a hot non-stick frying pan. It’s a good idea to swirl the batter around in the pan so that it is evenly spread out.
When it starts to take color, flip it over. You can do this by tossing it or using a palette knife. Once it has taken color on both sides, remove the pan from heat and place it on a plate.
Next, crack an egg into a small bowl and carefully pour it onto the center of the crepe. Season the yolk and white with salt. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese around the egg, leaving a border of about an inch and sprinkle cubed cooked potatoes around the edges of the crepe as well.
Alternatively, you can top your crepes with some Nutella or jam. Some people like to drizzle them with a few drops of orange juice and some icing sugar to add a sweet finishing touch.
You can find crepes at most boulangeries and patisseries in France, but if you want a truly special treat, you should try some in a dedicated creperie in Brittany or Normandy. These establishments often have special menus with a variety of savory and dessert crepes.
Lace
Whether you are looking to create a beautiful wedding dress, a sophisticated outfit for your evening event or even a luxurious lingerie look for your girlfriends, lace is a must-have fabric. It is made with a variety of threads and intricate handwork and comes in many colors and patterns.
Lace is an openwork fabric that is made by using some threads or fabrics from woven textiles such as cotton, silk, wool and other synthetic fibers. These threads can be looped, braided or twisted to create the pattern that you see on a piece of lace.
The word lace is derived from the Latin word laqueus, which means “noose”. It is an elegant, delicate and feminine fabric that adds beauty to any garment.
Lace was created around the 15th century and became popular throughout Europe as a patterned fabric. Originally, the fabric was made of linen threads. However, as time passed, the use of different materials like gold or silver threads came into existence.
There are two main types of lace: needle lace and bobbin lace. The former requires a needle and a single thread to make the design, while the latter uses multiple threads. Both methods are similar to making embroidery.
Both are incredibly popular in Europe. They are both light to medium weight and come in a variety of colors and styles.
They are also a great choice for bridalwear as they are both light and airy. Moreover, they can be embroidered with a variety of decorations such as beads, sequins and glass bugles to achieve the desired effect.
Traditionally, lace is made with natural fibres like linen, silk and other fibers but it is now also made from cotton, rayon, nylon and synthetic fibers. It is not only beautiful but it also offers many benefits to the wearer, such as a soft feel on the skin and breathability.
Today, lace is one of the most sought-after fabrics by designers and celebrities alike. It is available in a range of different styles, from plain Chantilly and corded laces to heavily embroidered chef d’oeuvres.
Shopping
There are a number of things to buy and see when on a tour of Normandy, but nothing compares to shopping for local goods and souvenirs. You’ll need to shop around for the best deals on everything from clothes to wine to snazzy gadgets. If you’re into food, you’ll need to get your fill of artisanal cheese, breads and even chocolate. Similarly, you’ll need to keep an eye out for local specialities in beer, wines and spirits as well.
There’s a lot of competition for the title of best souvenir in Normandy, so make sure to do your research before you go! You’ll be glad you did. You’ll have a memorable and treasured keepsake to remind you of your escapade for years to come.
The best way to do it is to have a guide pointing you in the right direction. You can also browse online for a good idea of what is on offer. Besides the usual suspects, you’ll also want to check out online forums and blogs for tips on how to make the most of your time in the land of light and dark.