Calvados

Normandy apple pie is the embodiment of a French gastronomic masterpiece from the apple orchard-rich region of Normandy. Its taste is a harmony of delicate, crumbly pastry infused with subtle notes of calvados, juicy apples, and velvety cream with almond undertones. This pastry is the perfect treat for cozy home evenings as well as festive receptions. Almond flakes add sophistication and a light crunch, while the aroma of vanilla and apples fills the home with warm coziness. The pie can be served warm when the cream slightly flows or chilled for a denser texture. It pairs excellently with a cup of black coffee or a glass of cider. It encapsulates French elegance and a love for simple yet refined flavor combinations.

The recipe was shared with us by the Italian brand chef of Aram Mnatsakanov's restaurants Antonio Freza, this is how he prepares donuts in Probka restaurants.

French apple pie with cinnamon is a true embodiment of sophistication and simplicity. Its history traces back to France, where pastry chefs have been creating desserts for centuries that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients. The delicate buttery crust encases juicy apple slices infused with the aroma of calvados and cinnamon. A light creamy filling adds softness and makes the pie velvety. This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or strong tea, and its warm aroma fills the home with coziness. The French love to serve it slightly warm, complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The versatility of the pie makes it an excellent choice for both everyday tea time and festive tables, as its flavor is exquisite yet accessible, familiar yet always delightful.

From the book "Pie Science" by Irina Chadeeva.

The Impression cocktail is an elegant blend of French calvados, delicate peach puree, and refreshing lemon juice, creating a refined balance of fruity sweetness and light acidity. Its gentle texture is complemented by the softness of Japanese Calpis and refreshing peach juice, while crushed ice makes the drink cool and invigorating. This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings, romantic encounters, or relaxed leisure. Its name reflects the impressions it leaves — tenderness, freshness, and harmony of flavors.

The cocktail 'Angel's Gaze' is an exquisite drink infused with the spirit of British elegance. Its delicate balance of gin, calvados, and liqueur creates a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy notes. The cocktail's history is shrouded in mystery, but its name hints at the sophistication and lightness of flavor, like an angel's gaze – gentle and enveloping. This drink is perfect for special evenings when you want to savor the depth of flavor nuances. It is simply prepared: the components are vigorously shaken in a shaker with ice and then elegantly poured into a cocktail glass. A wonderful choice for those who appreciate classic drinks with a mysterious charm.

The cocktail 'Golden Dawn' is a refined blend of noble spirits and fruity freshness, embodying the atmosphere of a luxurious morning or a romantic sunset. Its origins trace back to European traditions where flavor harmony played a key role. The taste of this drink is warm and rich thanks to gin, calvados, and apricot brandy, with a slight acidity from orange juice and the sweetness of grenadine. This balance makes it perfect for enjoyment during special moments. Its elegant presentation in a martini glass with a mint leaf adds sophistication to the drink. 'Golden Dawn' is not just a cocktail but a true ritual of taste that transports you to the world of morning freshness and evening coziness.

The cocktail 'Marilyn's Kiss' embodies elegance and sophistication, just like the legendary actress herself. This drink combines the luxury of dry champagne, the depth of calvados, and the subtle sweetness of grenadine, creating a refined and enchanting taste. The cocktail is perfect for romantic evenings and festive events, highlighting special moments with its light fruity aftertaste and effervescence. Legend has it that its creation was inspired by the grace and charm of Marilyn Monroe, whose charisma left a mark on millions' hearts. Enjoy it in a martini glass, and let each sip pay tribute to beauty and unparalleled style.

Dessert of national scale

Roasted quail with chestnuts is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines the exquisite taste of game with the aroma of autumn fruits. Historically, such dishes were prepared in hunting lodges and French gastronomic traditions, where the tenderness of quail meat and its ability to absorb sauces were valued. Roasting in calvados with pears and onions gives the dish a light caramel sweetness, while chestnuts add nutty and earthy notes. The quail generously drizzled with a sauce made from honey, balsamic vinegar, and lime acquires a rich flavor enhanced by spicy seasonings. This dish pairs perfectly with boiled vegetables, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. It is suitable for festive dinners and romantic evenings, leaving unforgettable impressions.

Maman Blanc's apple tart is a true embodiment of French classicism, infused with family traditions and refined taste. This recipe comes from the depths of European cuisine, where the simplicity of ingredients meets the elegance of their combination. The buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet filling of caramelized apples soaked in calvados and butter aroma. A light custard made from eggs, cream, and sugar adds tenderness, turning the tart into a true delight for gourmets. It is served slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar to highlight its velvety texture and rich flavor. This tart is perfect for cozy tea times, festive evenings, or simply enjoying a moment enveloped in the aromas of baked apples and vanilla notes.

The recipe for this cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 book "The Savoy Cocktail Book". Perhaps he was the one who came up with the "Angel's Face.

Applejack is an old strong American thing, the production process and taste of which resembles French calvados. In this case, calvados replaces applejack as a double.

The recipe for this cocktail first appeared in the book "Savoy Cocktail Book", published in London in 1930. It was compiled by the famous American bartender Harry Craddock, who emigrated to England during Prohibition and worked at the London Savoy Hotel. The book contains 750 recipes, and it is still being reprinted.

Normandy pheasant is an elegant dish from French cuisine, originating from the Normandy region known for its apple orchards and aromatic calvados. In this recipe, the tender pheasant meat is infused with the sweetness of caramelized apples, the spice of cinnamon, and the freshness of rosemary, creating a rich palette of flavors. The calvados used for flambéing the bird adds a light fruity aroma, while cider and cream soften the taste, making it incredibly rich and harmonious. This dish is perfect for a festive dinner where one can enjoy the warmth of traditional French gastronomy. It is served with boiled potatoes and fresh green salad to highlight its natural depth and sophistication.