Every year, just before Christmas, I make a few tourtières. One for us, another for my mom, one for my best friend, another one for my mother-in-law, and a little one for my aunt Aline. Over the tradition, it has become a ritual for me.
In the morning, I go to my favorite butcher Chez Vito, where I have a quick coffee and a little chat with Tino, while Dany, Luca or Mr.Vito himself, prepares the perfect mix of ground pork, veal and lamb. Back home, I sear the meat with white onions and a perfect mix of spices and fresh herbs, which are, along with the quality of the meat, the key to a great tourtière. My tourtière spice blend always includes a little clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and a chosen herb that will give it a unique character. This year, since we have to go through the end of the world—once again—I picked sage.
What I love about sage is its lovely peppery taste but also the fact that it is a great energizer. Sage stimulates the surrenal glands that tend to be a little run down at this time of year and it is also a brain and memory stimulant...which is always good!
To accompany a tourtière, there is nothing better than homemade ketchup! But if you are running out of time, let me suggest a great alternative from Ace Bakery, the Niagara Chutney, made of peaches, apple, pears, raisins, onions, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, vinegar, spices and mustard seeds. I love this company, not only because they are form here, but also because they always create delicious products that are healthy and natural, without any chemical junk. This being said, if you would like to have my family’s special ketchup recipe, I would be happy to share it with you, just send me a note in the commentary box.
From my family to yours, I wish you an amazing Holiday Season!!!
p.s. and just in case it is really the end of the world this time…Thank you for reading my blog, I love you all!
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