My father grew up in an extremely rural part of Normandy. His school consisted of three students and the roads were primarily occupied by cows. When I was eight, after growing up in bustling, sophisticated Paris, the family returned to the land of my father…Calvados. Our small village (pop. 250) had no store within miles. We grew our vegetables, raised meals on all sorts of legs including rabbits, chickens and ducks, made cider and Calvados, apple brandy, from the abundant supply of apples.

My Aunt and Uncle still have a farm in Normandy and still make their own brand of Calvados.  In Normandy, Calvados is more of a staple than wine and is steeped in tradition. It’s rubbed on the gums of teething toddlers; mixed in a bottle of cold coffee for workers in the fields, and served after dinner as a digestif.. Endless were the excuses to have just a little. And a little is all that is needed. The homemade elixir can easily register 160-proof. No wonder I’ve never forgotten my first taste of Calvados, given to me as a small child in the form of a soaked sugar cube.

The traditions behind Calvados are as varied as its uses. In my family, for example, a small quantity was bottled on the day of my christening, only to be opened and drunk on my wedding day. Three bottles made the transatlantic voyage to my wedding 26 years later.

Calvados Matches
Given its proof, Calvados plays very well with matches. So flame away. Other good matches:

ONION SOUP Add an interesting hint of apple by deglazing and caramelizing the onions with Calvados instead of brandy.

DESERTS Add to caramel sauce or the poaching liquid of apples or pears.

LIQUORS Create liqueurs, as my mother did, by marinating garden berries or currants in Calvados for months (add sugar water as well.)
Irish coffee Combine Calvados with Frangelico in a cup of hot java.
Top with whipped cream and a swirl of caramel sauce.

ADULTS-ONLY Milkshakes (unless you are in France)
Blend together calvados, vanilla ice-cream and milk.
Smoothies with a Kick Calvados always makes great friends
with nuts and bananas. Throw the trio in a blender with ice
and your favorite liquid counterpart.