For a long time Whistler was just a far away dream, somewhere I would one day learn to ski. The truth is, I couldn’t have picked a more beautiful spot. While riding the gondola you realize how many people have travel from all around the world to ski at Whistler. You can meet people from Europe, South America and the States, who are all equally enamoured with the snow capped peaks.
Author: Sylvie
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Vegetarian Guide to Canada’s Rockies: Banff & Lake Louise
If you could send just one postcard home showing off your travels to Canada, Lake Louise might be the winner. It is no wonder the place is packed in the summer. Even with all the hype, as you step in front of the majestic mountains and crystal lake, it feels worth the wait.
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Cherry Clafoutis
When a crate of cherries landed on our doorstep I knew two things, 1) I needed a cherry pitter and 2) I had to make Cherry Clafoutis. This recipe came drifting into my memory from a time long ago when I was visiting my aunt. A classic French dessert passed down from my grandmother, Cherry Clafoutis is surprisingly easy and can be made with any fresh berries or stone fruit in season. (more…)
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Mama’s Crêpes
Along the Algarve Coast of Portugal is the small fishing town of Lagos. Hugely popular as a summer destination, this idyllic seaside town is made up of cobbled pedestrian streets and miles of crescent beaches flanked by impressive cliffs. In the heart of Lagos, at the Rising Cock hostel, Mama takes great care of her guest and makes sure to serve hot fresh crêpes every morning. (more…)
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Tasting France’s Finest at the Ruinart Champagne House
France’s champagne region and city of Reims is just a 45 minute train ride north-east from Paris through the countryside. If you are visiting Paris and have time for a day trip, this is the perfect blend of history and gastronomy. -
Mexican Tortilla Soup
When the weather gets cold we turn to this Mexican Tortilla soup. The flavours are rich and complex, tomato forward with a sweet and smoky chili accent. A beautiful and delicate presentation make this dinner party worthy.
We were taught this recipe in Cancun, at the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Center. Our teacher, Chef Manning brought the flavours of Mexico to life and we left with a stronger appreciation for the ingredients and techniques of Mexican cooking. Read about our interview with Chef Ryan Manning here!
One of the special ingredients for this soup is the guajillo chili, however if you can’t find this you could also use Ancho chili. It’s worth trying to track these down as substituting with other chilis is not going to give the same complex taste.
To really impress your guests take the time to plate your soup bowls with the garnishes and serve the tortilla soup from a teapot for a dramatic presentation. It’s true what they say – you eat with your eyes first.
Let’s make some soup!
Mexican Tortilla Soup
For The Soup
- 1 garlic clove (minced )
- 2 cups onion (diced )
- 4 guajillo chilies or Ancho chili (seeded )
- 4 corn tortillas (toasted and crumbled )
- 8 cups vegetable stock
- 4 lbs tomatoes (diced )
- 1 cup sour cream
To Garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup queso fresco / cotija cheese (cut into triangle pieces )
- 3 tortillas (julienned and fried )
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1 avocado (diced )
- 20 cherry tomates (cut in half)
- In a large pot, saute the garlic, onions, toasted corn tortillas and guajillo chilies in a splash of oil
- Add the stock and the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer over low heat for at least an hour.
- Remove from heat and blend with a stick mixer or in a blender.
- Stir through the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the garnishes, fill a piping bag (or ziplock bag with the corner cut off) with your guacamole and pipe medium sized dots into the bottom of your service bowls. Garnish with cilantro leaves
- Place your pieces of cheese and cherry tomates around your guacamole. Sprinkle the chili and corn tortilla strips overtop.
- Place each bowl on the table and pour the soup over the garnishes when ready to eat.
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Scotland Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye When we received the invitation to visit Scotland for a dear friend’s wedding, we couldn’t resist the adventure. We were eager to explore stone castles and cobblestone streets and photograph scenic landscapes. The idea of little local pubs filled with fine scotches and live bands playing in front of the wood fire sounded like a perfect getaway. (more…)
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Vegetarian Guide to Edinburgh
Victoria Street, Edinburgh A picturesque city with plenty of history, Edinburgh makes a great jumping off point to start your trip to Scotland. While in the capital, visit the castles and monuments, explore the Royal Mile in Old Town, and make New Town your destination for shopping and cocktails. (more…)
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Island Interview: Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye, also known as the misty isle, is a dramatic and beautiful island, remotely set off Northern Scotland’s coast. It’s full of dreamy scenes like sweeping rolling hills, lush green fields, jagged rocks and rough seas. Talisker Whiskey is distilled on the island and wraps up the essence of salt, perseverance and stormy landscape. (more…)
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Portugal in 2 Weeks ~ A Vegetarian Travel Guide
On Lonely Planet’s Best-in-Travel Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2018, Portugal is an explorer’s dream. Leave the research to us!This exciting two week itinerary in Portugal will have you relaxing on magnificent beaches, sightseeing medieval cities, exploring quaint towns, and reveling in old world wines paired to plant-based cuisine. Hire a car for the gorgeous coastal roads and start the adventure through one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
Your Portugal getaway awaits,
Boa viagem!