Bibulous-o-graphy-Chocolat

Bibulous-o-graphy for ‘Chocolat’ by Joanne Harris.

As Lent begins, a mysterious stranger and her daughter breeze into a dull French town bringing colour, spirit and ‘Chocolat’. Joanne Harris’s bitter-sweet novel is a tale of temptation and perfect for Easter. It’s full of flavour and a fair amount of sipping.

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B is for Beers – note the plural

Roux and his fellow gypsies come to Monsieur Muscat’s café in search of a refreshing drink or three but are refused. Doors close to them across town as Father Reynaud preaches hate from his pulpit.

B is for Brandy

Vianne makes cherries in brandy which just happen to be one of our very favourite chocolates of all time (hint).

(Chocolat by Joanne Harris)

C is for Café-cognac

Vianne goes into the Café Republique belonging to the bully Monsieur Muscat. She orders a café-cognac which doubtless further lowers her in his estimation, not that she cares what he thinks. A pleasing mid-morning stiffener of a drink.

C is for Champagne

No particular brand is named but it’s used to celebrate Armande’s 81st birthday party supper. Curiously, they drink it at the end of their epic meal but you can do what you want at that age.

C is for Chablis

‘Which runs smooth throughout’ the birthday fest for Armande.

C is for Communion Wine

Somewhat sacrilegiously I think this is what Reynaud sneaks for his ‘Sunday libation’. Okay, he probably doesn’t but it amuses me to think of him being so corrupted.

(Chocolat by Joanne Harris)

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S is for St Raphael

‘I suspect Armande has poured herself another glass of St Raphael’. Could be the Bordeaux red blend OR the classic French fortified aperitif.

(Chocolat by Joanne Harris)

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W is for Warm Spiced Wine

Prepared by Blanche, one of the river gypsies: “The drink was sweet and sharp with lemon and nutmeg, the spirit so strong that if caught at the throat. For the first time in weeks the night was clear, and our breath made pale dragons in the still air.’ Roux then cooks river crayfish and sardines and early sweetcorn and sweet potatoes over the fire. They also have some cider.

(Chocolat by Joanne Harris)

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