Categories
Tips Travel

Montreal

 

Parle vu français? I don’t either, but I still find Montreal very charming.  A multi cultural island, here you can find Italian, Jewish, French, English, and Chinese neighborhoods just to name a few.  There are so many things to see and do, unfortunately we were there for two days only, and took a walking tour in order to learn more history about Montreal.  The weather was pretty warm (in the 90’s) so it wasn’t the best weather for a 3 hour walking , but nevertheless we were able to see many neat places like the Notre-Dame Basilica (last time we were here 8 or 9 yrs ago it was closed for a wedding), City Hall, and some of the charming cobble streets in the Old Montreal.

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Notre-Dame Basilica
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Notre-Dame Basilica
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Notre-Dame
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Notre-Dame Basilica
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Notre-Dame Basilica
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City Hall

They remind me so much of Europe, the cobble streets dotted with restaurants, cafes, and creperies.

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The food here is delicious as well.  We had foundue and crepes at Chez Suzette ,and we walked 2 miles in 90+ degrees to try this Portugese restaurant called Ma Poule Mouille and it was so worth it(even though it might not look so appetizing in the pictures, we were so hungry I almost forgot to take a picture.)  They specialize in grilled chicken over smoked wood, delicious poutine(fries topped with cheese curds and gravy), and salads.  The chicken is roasted to perfection them cut and topped with a sauce that is made from the chicken drippings and wine. The lines to order are out the door but move pretty quickly.

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Chez Suzette
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(Whole rosted chicken)Ma Poule Mouille

 

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(Chicken and Chorizo Poutine)Ma Poule Mouille

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I found the little balconies with their bistro sets so charming I had to photograh this one.

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Statue of Amphititre wife of Posidon (underground Montreal)

There is an underground city in Montreal which has shops, offices and restaurants.  Above is one of the art pieces in front of a beautiful marble fountain. A piece of the Berlin Wall resides here as well.

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I just love this bronze statue called Les chuchoteuses (English: “The Gossipers”). It was placed in this part of Montreal to beautify this specific neighborhood.

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Les chuchoteuses (English: “The Gossipers”).

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We even made a little friend who liked to sit by the water and dip it’s paws in it.

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Categories
Travel

Maine

 

Endless lobster joints and costal shoreline, Maine is the “Vacation State.” This is our first stop among the 5 US states (and couple cities in Canada) we will be visiting for the summer.  In Maine I fell in love with the beautiful cottages dotted along the rocky shorelines, the lighthouses, and all it’s history.

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We tried whole lobster at two different restaurants and I have to say that for me in the end lobster is lobster if it’s boiled.  I can’t imagine any place  would have different tasting lobster than another, especially in the summer when tourism is at it’s peak.  Sweet and briny, the lobsters range in size anywhere from 1.25-4Lbs! (We tried the 4 pounder and the 2 pounder and I would recommend the latter. The big one was chewier and super hard to crack!) Not recommended if you don’t have a man to crack your lobster, unless you’re very strong 😉

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While driving around we spotted this quaint little town where the girls got “the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten” from a place called Stone Fox Farm Creamery. I have to say it was possibly the best, super creamy, you could literally taste the fresh creamy milk and blueberries.  Blueberry ice cream is real big here because of the amount of blueberries that grow here in the summer. We won’t be here to pick them since they are ready end of July-Aug.

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You can pick blueberries in many spots around Maine, especially around Acadia National Park.  Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway.  It has something for everyone, beaches, hiking trails, gardens, many gift shops and a few restaurants.  We took a 4 hour  trip with Olis Trolly.  The trolley takes you around the park on either a 2 or 4 hour tour. I recommend the 4 hour since you get to see more of the best parts of the park then you can decide with ones to further visit on your own if you so choose to.

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Gardens @ Acadia Natl Park

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Gardens @ Acadia Natl Park
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Acadia National Park
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Acadia National Park

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Acadia Natl Park
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Acadia Natl Park

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There are many lighthouses in Maine along it’s coastline.  Each one is unique in the way it looks, but all of them have the same purpose,to serve as a navigational aid and to warn boats of dangerous areas. It is like a traffic sign on the sea. Up until the 1980’s, lighthouses were operated by lighthouse keepers who lived in houses next to the lighthouse towers with their families. While visiting these lighthouses it reminded me of a book I read called The Light Between Oceans by M.L Stedman. The novel is about a lighthouse keeper’s life during WWI.

The lighthouse we had time to visit were Portland Headlight on Cape Elizabeth and West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.  Each unique in it’s own way, from the way they look to their history. Equally beautiful though.

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Portland Headlight
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Portland Headlight
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Portland Headlight
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West Quoddy
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West Quoddy

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Lubec
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Lubec
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Lubec

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Categories
Recipes

Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad with Smoky Thousand Island Dressing(GF, Low-Carb,Keto)

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

A fresh take on the original Crab Louie salad. I made this with grilled shrimp and fennel bulbs, and drizzled with a smoky thousand island dressing.  I had this salad on a recent trip we took to Napa, and wanted to recreate it at home because it was so delicious and light compared to the Crab Louie. I changed up the dressing and made it low carb and slightly smoky compared to the typical thousand island dressing which I find heavy and overly sweet.

Create

Perfect for summer, this salad is just as delicious the next day. Place  the components in separate containers and just assemble it all together when you’re ready to eat.

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Grilled Shrimp Louie with Smoky Thousand Island Dressing

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Servings: 4 people
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

Smoky Thousand Island Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free ketchup I used Heinz
  • 1/2 cup creme fraiche
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp erythritol or sugar free sweetener of your choice
  • 1 tsp good quality mustard I used garlic aioli mustard from Trader Joes
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • salt and pepper to taste

Grilled Shrimp

  • 20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salad

  • 4 cups mixed spring greens
  • 12 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 large eggs medium boiled(place eggs in boiling water and leave for 6 minutes, leave under cold running water to cool approx 3-5 mins.)

Grilled Fennel Bulb

  • 1 fennel bulb cleaned and quartered
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat grill to high.

Dressing

  • Combine the mayo, ketchup, creme fraiche, lemon juice, erythritol, mustard, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and liquid smoke in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Chill in fridge until rest of salad is assembled, then you can adjust the seasoning if needed.

Grilled Shrimp

  • Place shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Top with the minced garlic, salt and pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Toss gently to combine.

Grilled Fennel Bulb

  • Wash bulb and cut green leafy top off it. Quarter the bulb and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Salad

  • Turn heat on grill to medium, grill the fennel bulb away from direct heat 10-15 mins until tender,turning them over halfway through. Remove to a pan. Grill shrimp 5-7 mins, turning them over halfway through. Remove to a pan.
    Divide mixed greens to 4 plates, top each plate of greens with 5 grilled shrimp, 1 quarter fennel bulb, 1 boiled egg halved, few tomato halves and drizzle with the dressing.
    Enjoy!

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Categories
Recipes

Fennel & Olive Salad

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

Yes, another fennel salad, because I like it that much! This one is super simple, very tasty, GF and low-carb.  It’s delicious the next day, I had some with cold salmon that I had leftover and it was very filling. The hint of saltiness from the olives goes great with the crunch and slight sweetness from the fennel bulb. Let me know how you like this one ❤❤❤

fennel&olive

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Fennel & Olive Salad

Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Servings: 8 servings
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 2 bulbs fennel medium sized
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/2 lemon juice only
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Finley slice or shave the fennel bulbs and place in a medium bowl
  • Add to the bowl the rest of the ingredients except olives and dill
  • Toss the salad until fennel is mixed in well with the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 
  • Add the olives and fresh dill and give it one more toss, adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Enjoy!!!

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Categories
Recipes

Low Carb Bagels(GF)

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

I’ve been doing Keto for about 3 weeks now( hey, everyone is doing it, why not me?😉) and had made this delicious eggplant dip/spread (get recipe here) but wanted something to put it on besides vegetables, and decided to give this keto bagel recipe a try.  This uses the Fathead Dough recipe which I’ve made before but turned into cinnamon rolls. I have to say they are pretty satisfactory for being low carb.  My daughter loved them with cream cheese. You can also make them into a disc shape if you prefer to use as a bun for sandwich/burger, the only difference is instead of rolling the pieces and closing them at the end (like a ring) you would roll each piece into a ball and slightly flatten, then bake. I found that working with the dough quick will prevent the “rings” from ripping when the dough has cooled too much. You can also toast these the next day to reheat, or you can pop them in the oven at 400F for few minutes.keto bagelsIMG_3233

I sprinkled parmesan on some of the bagels, and smoked sea salt flakes on others.

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Low-Carb Bagels

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 12 bagels
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese full fat
  • 2 eggs large
  • 3 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 2 tbsp baking powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 3 minutes in 1 minute increments  until melted but not bubbling.
  • Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add the eggs, almond flour, and baking powder.
  • Gently knead until a dough forms(it will be sticky)
  • Let cool for about 5 minutes
  • Roll the dough into a ball and cut into 4 equal pieces. Cut each piece into 3 equal pieces(now you have 12 equal pieces)
  • Oil your hands and roll each piece into a small rope and pinch ends together to form a ring. Continue with the rest of the pieces of dough
  • If you choose to put toppings on your bagels, brush each bagel with egg wash (an egg thats been whisked) and sprinkle your favorite toppings on top. I used parmesan cheese and smoked sea salt flakes(not on the same bagels)
  • Pop in the oven and bake 12-14 minutes until golden brown
  • Enjoy!!!

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Categories
Recipes

Keto Blueberry Lemon Muffins

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

Moist and full of flavor with only 2g of net carbs, these blueberry muffins are what you need when the craving hits, or you just need a quick breakfast.

lemon blueberry muffins

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4 from 7 votes

Keto Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 muffins
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup Xylitol
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line a 12 muffin pan
  • In a large bowl whisk the almond flour, xylitol, and baking powder
  • Add the melted buttermilk,vanilla extract, eggs, and lemon zest and continue whisking until well incorporated and smooth.
  • Fold the blueberries into the batter
  • Pour batter into the lined muffin pans filling them 3/4 full
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes
  • Cool on a cooling rack and 
    Enjoy!!!

Notes

Recipe adapted from http://www.wholesomeyum.com

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Categories
Recipes

Avocado and Basil Pesto(Keto Friendly)

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

I was trying to make some pesto, but for some reason the basil wasn’t as basil..y as I expected it to be. I tweaked it a bit by adding some avocado, lemon, and smoked paprika and this delicious concoction happened! Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce on your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy!!!❤❤❤

Keto Friendly

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Avocado and Basil Pesto

Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Servings: 2 cups
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup walnuts
  • 2 avocados
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • lemon juice from one lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a food processor add the basil, walnuts, garlic, avocados, lemon juice, and seasonings. Pulse until creamy.
  • With food processor on high, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
  • Adjust the seasoning as needed. Store  pesto in jars or airtight container.

Notes

Since this pesto is made with avocados, slight darkening might occur on top layer. It's completely edible, but if color bothers you gently scrape off top layer and discard.

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Categories
Recipes

Spinach, Mushroom, and Bacon Frittata

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

If you’re looking for a protein packed, dairy-free breakfast( or lunch/dinner), try this quick frittata.  It re-heats beautifully the next day.

Frittata

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Spinach, Mushroom, and Bacon Frittata

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 8 eggs large
  • 8 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425F
  • In a cast iron or oven safe skillet, place bacon. Turn heat on stovetop to medium and cook until slightly browned
  • Add mushrooms and continue cooking about 5 minutes
  • Add the spinach leaves and cook until slightly wilted about 2 mins.
  • In a medium bowl add the eggs along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Beat lightly
  • Pour egg mixture over the bacon and vegetables. 
  • Continue cooking on the stovetop for about 45 seconds until edges start to solidify.
  • Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Cool slightly and enjoy!!!
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Spinach, mushroom, and bacon frittata

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Categories
Recipes

Fennel and Cherry Tomato Salad

 

*Please note, the following post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”  Disclaimer

You’ve got digestive issues? Eat this! Crispy and totally delicious. Fennel is well known to help with

  • Bone Health. Due to the calcium content, fennel can help maintain bone strength and health. …
  • Improves Skin Health. …
  • Lowers Blood Pressure. …
  • Aids Digestion. …
  • Increases Satiety. …
  • Improves Colic. …
  • Helps Prevent Cancer. …
  • Decreases Risk of Heart Disease.

Basically a miracle plant right? If only eating it would make me thin and rich…..oh well, at least it will help with the bloating.

Fennel and Tomato Salad

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Fennel and Tomato Salad

Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

  • 1 bulbs fennel very thinly sliced or shaved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 springs fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tbsp parmesan(optional) shaved

Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • in a small jar or bowl combine all the dressing ingredients and shake or whisk until well homogenized. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • In a medium bowl place the sliced fennel bulb, add the dressing and toss. Let stand for about 5-10 minutes. 
  • To the fennel bulb add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh dill, and parmesan, toss again and enjoy!

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Categories
Recipes

Meatball Soup

 

This is a simple but delicious Romanian meatball soup.   Served with sour cream, hot peppers, and quick dinner rolls.

Enjoy ❤❤❤

meatballsoup

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Meatball Soup ( Ciorba de Perisoare)

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Romanian
Servings: 10 servings
Author: WhollyCupcake

Ingredients

Broth

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 12 cups water
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 3 springs fresh dill finely chopped
  • 4 springs fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 3-4 tbsp chicken base

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or pork
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup medium or long grain rice
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper

Instructions

  • To a 5.5 QT pot on medium heat, add the olive oil
  • Add onions and sauté 3 mins until fragrant
  • Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper and continue sautéing for 5 more minutes, season with salt and pepper
  • Add the water and tomato sauce. Bring mixture to a boil
  • Add the chicken base and simmer for 15-20 minutes
  • Add the parsley and dill and taste the broth, adjusting seasoning as necessary. Bring broth back to a boil
  • In a medium bowl add the ground meat, egg, salt, pepper, and rice. Mix with your hands until everything is well incorporated
  • Wet your hands and begin pinching small amounts of the meat mixture, rolling it between your palms and dropping it into the boiling broth. Continue with the rest of the meat.
  • Let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice inside the meatball is soft.
  • Turn off heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the soup. Serve with quick dinner rolls,sour cream, and hot peppers.

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