The delicious scents of vanilla, cinnamon, star anise, citrus and honey spread throughout the town. Saint Nicholas’ brioches and the famous gingerbread announce the return of Saint Nicholas. These traditional gingerbreads with the effigy of the patron saint fill the window shops as soon as November starts. With their varied shapes, ingredients or prints that decorate them, the gingerbreads are the best embodiment of this traditional festival, for the greatest pleasure of all.
Saint Nicholas in chocolate
The pastry chefs, chocolate makers and bakers fill their shop windows with traditional Saint Nicholas treats, each one trying to be more creative than the other. Black, white, milk or even orange chocolates, big or small, standing with his staff or sitting on his donkey - the patron saint is chewable. Behind the display cases, the children's mouths are watering, but they will have to wait until Sunday morning to unpack these gourmet gifts.
Saint Nicholas’ gingerbread tradition
The traditional Saint Nicholas’ gingerbreads decorate the windows and stands of the Village at the end of November. With their varied shapes, ingredients or pictures that decorate them, gingerbreads are the best embodiment of this traditional festival, for the greatest pleasure of all. Saint Nicholas’s donkey is often represented, although the patron saint remains the star.
Saint Nicholas’ brioche
The Saint Nicholas’ brioches are shaped like little fellows and sold in bakeries and French pastry shops at the end of November. Kids love them and they are often eaten with hot chocolate for an afternoon tea in winter. These brioches are plain, covered with chocolate or a thin layer of icing. With or without eyes, sometimes dressed, these brioches come in all shapes and sizes depending on the shop you go to.
Saint Nicholas’ mulled wine
In the Village of Saint Nicholas, what a pleasure it is to warm up around a good glass of mulled wine. This traditional drink is the result of a recipe that is specific to each chalet. Mixed and heated in a large pot, it contains: more or less sugar, orange and lemon wedges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and ginger and sometimes some anise stars. Its sweet taste goes well with the Saint Nicholas’ brioche and gingerbread. No need to tell you to drink it in moderation, of course!
