March 11, 2022

PONT L’EVEQUE CHEESE AND APPLE CAKE

Bring a slice of Normandy to your table with my gorgeous Pont l’Évêque cheese and apple cake. Paired with a red wine.

Lardons and Cheese and Apples, Oh My!

As I walked past the deli’s window in London, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful Pont l’Évêque cheese sitting there, almost crying out for attention. It had been a while since I indulged in this lovely cheese from Normandy, and I remembered a recipe I had seen in an old Elle magazine (pre-covid times, of course). As I began to plan my recipe, I noticed a pack of lardons sitting (hibernating?) in my fridge, patiently waiting to be used. It was the perfect opportunity to incorporate them into my dish and create a mouth-watering combination of ingredients.

The History of Pont l’Évêque Cheese

The history of Pont l’Évêque cheese is rich and intriguing. This French cheese believed to have been first produced in the 12th century by Cistercian monks in the area around the commune of Pont-l’Évêque, between Deauville and Lisieux in the Calvados region. It was originally called d’Angelot and was mentioned in texts from the time.

It has been enjoyed by cheese lovers for centuries and was even mentioned in literature during the 18th century. The cheese is one of the oldest French cheeses still in production today.

The Wines of Anjou Villages

When it comes to cheese and wine pairing, the options are endless. For this particular recipe, I recommend an Anjou Villages Red wine from the Loire Valley.

The Anjou Villages appellation is one of the finest appellations for red wines from the Anjou region of France’s Loire Valley. The wines are renowned for their deep ruby-red colour and elegant notes of red fruits and flowers, including iris and violet.

A Taste of Earthy Spice and More

In addition to its fruity and floral notes, Anjou Villages wine is also characterized by its earthy notes of leather and forest floor, as well as a hint of spice from pepper and cinnamon. This distinctive flavour profile is the result of the unique terroir of the Anjou region, which includes a mix of gravel, sand, and limestone soils.

A Long and Storied History

Dry red wines have only represented a small percentage of Anjou winemaking throughout its history, but the region has a long and fascinating history of winemaking dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. During this time, Anjou wines were highly sought after in England, Holland, and Belgium, and were even served at the coronation of Richard the Lionheart.

Today, Anjou Villages wines are highly regarded for their quality and unique flavour profile. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with food, they offer a taste of the rich history and terroir of the Loire Valley.

Fall in Love with Normandy

As I took my first bite, I was transported to the rolling hills of Normandy, where the cheese is made. The richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the apples were superb, while the lardons added a savoury touch that made my taste buds sing. Feeling inspired? Head to your local deli and pick up a piece of Pont l’Évêque cheese to recreate this delicious cake at home.

Discover new Hidden Gems of French Cuisine

You may wish to discover or rediscover some exquisite iconic French recipes !

What about a traditional quiche lorraine or the lengendary Aligot (cheesy mashed potato) ?

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)