Tuesday 17 June 2014

Calvados and "Un Trou Normand"

Posted by Rosie

Eco-Gites of Lenault is in the Calvados department of the region of Lower Normandy (Basse-Normandie) and this department is famous for, amongst other things, the drink that bears it's name - Calvados.  The department of Calvados was created after the French Revolution although the name of Calvados as a drink had been in use for many years before that.  Calvados is an apple brandy distilled from cider and a Calvados distiller may use  between 100 and 200 varieties of apple to create his drink.  In the briefest of summaries, apples are pressed to release their juice which is then fermented into cider before being distilled into eau de vie which is aged in oak casks for a minimum of 2 years to create Calvados.  The longer the ageing process, the better quality and smoother the Calvados.

Good quality Calvados is a wonderful drink that can warm right to the inner depths on a cold Winter's day.  It is also one of two ingredients in a palate cleanser that is eaten between courses of a large French meal/feast - A Trou Normand.  A simple creation, Calvados is poured over a scoop of apple sorbet and is usually served between the starter and the main course, allowing the palette to be cleansed and ready for what invariably is a heavy, meat laden main course.  It translates as a Normandy Hole ... not quite sure why though!

Un Trou Normand (Image from Tendance Ouest)

We first came across this Normandy delight at the village mechoui or BBQ.  A starter of sausages was followed by a main course of spit roasted lamb or pork with the Trou Normande served in between, much needed with all that meat around.  We were at this particular mechoui with friends and whilst we managed to stop the organisers pouring Calvados onto the boys' bowls of sorbet, our friends were not so vigilant.  "Cor, Mum," exclaimed Mary-Anne, then aged 9, "I like this ice cream thing!"

Have you ever eaten a Trou Normand?  If not, you could always try one when you book yourself a holiday here at Eco-Gites of Lenault!  We might even make you one if you order one of our first night suppers and you mention that you read about it here on the blog .... 



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26 comments :

  1. I love Trou Normand, basically I love Calva! But I'm amazed a 9 year old didn't just splutter and hate it, it's pretty strong stuff!

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  2. WOW this sounds amazing. I will have to try it. I heard it's quite strong surprised a 9 year old handled it! Love the photos. #tastytuesdays

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    1. It is very strong so the sorbet is perfect with it.

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  3. Mmmmm yes please :-) that sounds just so yummy! x #TastyTuesdays

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    1. Passes over the bottle of Calvados and pot of sorbet ...

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  4. I don't think I would be able to eat a main course after having a Trou Normad :D but I would love to try it! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. You reminded me of holidays in France years ago. I have never tried this but will definitely do so soon

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    1. I reckon you need to be in France again though to really enjoy a trou normand.

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  6. I've never heard of Calvados but it sounds delish and totally cozy for a cool fall/winter day. Found via #traveltuesdays

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  7. Ooh Rosie - you have sold me a trip to Eco-Gites just on that description alone! I don't know if I've tried Calvados but I reckon I'd like it because I like cider. I love the thought of a French style feast - sounds mouth-wateringly tasty! #TastyTuesdays

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    1. We'd love to see you and the Munchkins here one day soon.

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  8. Trou normand is my favourite! We had it at my wedding between two of the courses. Mel #TastyTuesdays

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  9. That's so interesting! I just love a good trou normand and I just wished that I could have one every meal. It's very interesting with the calvados as I had never seen a drink poured over a trou normand before! But I would love to try it :)

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  10. Looks like a delicious palate cleanser and just screams AUTUMN to me!

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  11. Oh wow, this looks incredible! So refreshing! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays

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    1. It is lovely although best saved for special meals.

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  12. This looks delicious,got to try this one out soon I think. #TastyTuesdays

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  13. Interesting. I have never heard of this before. Would love to try.

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