Creme de Cassis - Black Currant Cordial

I'm drinking a cassis Lambic ale. Lambic is a Belgian-style ale, not exactly a beer in the way we usually think of it, usually done with a fruit. Cherry and raspberry are the flavors more commonly known in the United States. Lambics -at least the ones I've had- are light, sour , malty and often sweet. Cassis is the French word for black currants, and a Lambic beer gives off an intense aroma of the fruit it is made with. Tonight I am enveloped in the smell of black currants.

Cassis is a smell I associate with childhood and with France. My mother is a devotee of a drink called a "Kir," which is white wine with a bit of creme de cassis (black currant cordial) . There is also such a thing as a "Kir Royale," which is champagne or sparkling white wine with creme de cassis.The Kir was invented by a major of Dijon...

I highly recommend trying a Kir if you haven't. And there are plenty of other things to do with that bottle of blackcurrant cordial!

I haven't made it, but this looks darn tasty: Flourless Chocolate Cassis Cake with Creme Anglaise.

This cheesecake recipe with creme de cassis, white chocolate and almond extract also looks delectable.