What is Calvados?

Calvados is an apple brandy made in Normandy, northern France. It's produced from distilled cider and matured in oak barrels. In Normandy it's traditionally served as a digestif during (yes, during) the meal. It's good in cocktails and makes an excellent mulled cider mixed with apple juice, cider, cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar. It can be used in cooking, particularly in Norman specialities such as chicken with cream and calvados, crêpes flambé or apple-based dishes.