Now at 47 years old, it appears that I have an irresistible urge to simplify my life. Okay... my version of simple may not be the best to define the word... I have a natural tendency to develop a simple idea until it's all but simple! Not always a bad thing, but certainly a trend that may change along the next few years.
For our little family, simplifying should be tied to a fine budget review - and the time has come for us to implement small reforms in our lifestyle. Everything is subject to examination, like our wireless/phone/cable expenses for example. But first and foremost, I believe that our choices of food supplies and eating habits are the right place to begin.
Timing is great, I feel inspired to enter a cooking spree. School will begin in a couple of weeks, together with our regular school year schedules of work and activities. Having meals prepared ahead of time will be very helpful to ease into the fall. I want to roll along the harvest, exploring some healthy weeknight helpers, and new ideas for the boy's lunches (and mine too!). More fresh and non-precossed foods, back to the basics. Simplifying! I would like to preserve tomatoes too, but maybe it's another one of my Martha Stewart meets Debby Travis thing... so I'll just keep the preserving as a slight possibility : )
We just spent two weeks at the cottage in beautiful South Muskoka, and I found one of Tim's mom's old cookbook, straight from 1972. Perfect! I made the cheese scones recipe, the boys loved it. It was a bit blend so we agreed to improve the recipe in the future. Leo voted to add bacon... and Dylan would flavour them with pesto and mushrooms. Interesting. In any case, scones make a great side kick for a hearty soup in a thermos! I must say that the boys and I have been watching some cooking shows this summer (Les Chefs, and other occasional screenings on the cooking network. It has inspired both of them to cook and try new things, especially Dylan. I will involve them actively into the choice and preparation of their various lunch dishes. Hearty bean soups, paella, burritos, panzeroti, cornbread pockets, and more.
And what shall I do with my spare time? Ha ha! Here is the catch... I don't have any. Work - Family nurturing - and Personal nurturing (like working out!) will be the theme of the school year. And if all goes well - Yucatan in late April!
Recipes will be flowing in again very soon - happy harvest!
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Top 15 Tips for a Family Escapade
I never really compiled the pointers I shared along our three month journey to (and into!) Yucatan. If you are planning on traveling with your family, here is a very good start for your long 'to do' list. The trick is to start planning at least 8 months before departure, and budget for ALL expenses involved. It will seem like a lot to do, but if it all flows nicely over a few months - your prep work will pay off with peace of mind and more enjoyment while you're away.
-Research your destination thoroughly : main airports, average flight cost, different types of accommodations, language, food, currency and pricing, banking, schools, transportation, main attractions in the vicinity, etc.
-If you intend to sub-let your residence while you are away : do you need to fix-it up or renovate? How much is it worth for rental? (see sabatical.com, or vrbo.com) Will you need to hire a maintenance service for the renters, snow removal, etc.
-Get everyone to the dentist, and to the doctor for vaccinations - about 2 to 3 months prior to departure. This step might have a pretty price tag for the whole family... one expense I did not plan for. Ouch!
-Insurance : Look for decent health and travel insurance, and if you intend to drive, look into liability insurance too (chiching!).
-When shopping for your flights (I used Kayak.com), make sure to look into the luggage policy. Many charge extra for check-in luggage. I recommend to bring one suitcase for every two persons, and plan on coming back with one each. Note that a suitcase exceeding the maximum weight will cost you much more than checking in an extra suitcase. Also assess what you can buy once at destination, and discard or give away before you return (things like a cooler, soccer ball, life jacket, beach towels, and basic toilet items, etc).
-In light of all the info and pricing above, make your itinerary, set your departure date, and make a complete budget.
-Prepare a will, and a living will to the best of your ability- even if it is not notarised. Bring one copy with you, and leave one copy with your main contact at home.
-Make sure that all passports and health cards are valid for the entire duration of the trip. Join a copy of all these documents to the will papers, and copies of your insurance info - all for your main contact at home.
-If you intend to home school, arrange for a couple of meetings with the teachers at least 3 months prior to departure. Ask to borrow the essential books (be careful to not take too much...some teachers may get carried away). Look for a small and cheap printer (or buy it on location) so that you can print assigned homework or various exercises, and have a camera or iPhone to take a low resolution picture of the completed homework- which you email back to the teacher. I recommend to allow for 2 small school shifts per day (90 minutes per shift), and BE CONSISTANT with your school schedule (make weekly plans for a varied program - including sports and Arts). Plan for possibly hiring a tutor to help with the re-integration after you return home.
-If you intend to drive while you're away, try to produce one or two colour and laminated photocopies of your driver's license. I know I know... but it might save you some good bribing money! And on the topic of driving... for convenience and comfort, consider buying a roof bag like this one : http://roofbag.com/
-Set-up your banking so that you have one main bank account, and one back-up bank account. You may use your bank card abroad instead of buying the currency before you leave. Most banks will charge you a $3 flat fee for each withdrwal, and calculate the going exchange rate of the day. However beware of President's Choice banking... they also charge a hefty percentage of each withdrawal! Notify your bank and credit card company of your destination and timing - otherwise they will block your accounts.
-Get Skipe, or any other cheap online long distance deal. It cost us about $3 per month for unlimited calls from Mexico to Canada via Skype. And make sure that you have an updated list of phone numbers, emails, and addresses for postcards.
-DO NOT bring your iPhone !!! You will get skinned alive with insane roaming fees... and I do mean insane. Instead, buy a cell phone there, or use your computer to communicate.
-Bring one or two USB keys to store computer information, or to send and receive documents and photos from an internet cafe. If you don't have internet where you will be living, you can organise everything in files, and just go to town and connect to proceed - send what you wan, etc.
-Pack a basic first aid kit, a couple of bungie cords with a dozen clothes pins, a deck of cards or other small games, load your audio device with a good selection of music, and you're good to go!
-Make plans to manage everyone's well being for at least 3 to 4 weeks post return. Some people get a little depressed, or overwhelmed with the change of pace, etc. Pamper yourself a little, and engage in regular activities (like the gym!)
I hope this is helpful... and to finish off this post my main advice here is simply... GO FOR IT !!!
-Research your destination thoroughly : main airports, average flight cost, different types of accommodations, language, food, currency and pricing, banking, schools, transportation, main attractions in the vicinity, etc.
-If you intend to sub-let your residence while you are away : do you need to fix-it up or renovate? How much is it worth for rental? (see sabatical.com, or vrbo.com) Will you need to hire a maintenance service for the renters, snow removal, etc.
-Get everyone to the dentist, and to the doctor for vaccinations - about 2 to 3 months prior to departure. This step might have a pretty price tag for the whole family... one expense I did not plan for. Ouch!
-Insurance : Look for decent health and travel insurance, and if you intend to drive, look into liability insurance too (chiching!).
-When shopping for your flights (I used Kayak.com), make sure to look into the luggage policy. Many charge extra for check-in luggage. I recommend to bring one suitcase for every two persons, and plan on coming back with one each. Note that a suitcase exceeding the maximum weight will cost you much more than checking in an extra suitcase. Also assess what you can buy once at destination, and discard or give away before you return (things like a cooler, soccer ball, life jacket, beach towels, and basic toilet items, etc).
-In light of all the info and pricing above, make your itinerary, set your departure date, and make a complete budget.
-Prepare a will, and a living will to the best of your ability- even if it is not notarised. Bring one copy with you, and leave one copy with your main contact at home.
-Make sure that all passports and health cards are valid for the entire duration of the trip. Join a copy of all these documents to the will papers, and copies of your insurance info - all for your main contact at home.
-If you intend to home school, arrange for a couple of meetings with the teachers at least 3 months prior to departure. Ask to borrow the essential books (be careful to not take too much...some teachers may get carried away). Look for a small and cheap printer (or buy it on location) so that you can print assigned homework or various exercises, and have a camera or iPhone to take a low resolution picture of the completed homework- which you email back to the teacher. I recommend to allow for 2 small school shifts per day (90 minutes per shift), and BE CONSISTANT with your school schedule (make weekly plans for a varied program - including sports and Arts). Plan for possibly hiring a tutor to help with the re-integration after you return home.
-If you intend to drive while you're away, try to produce one or two colour and laminated photocopies of your driver's license. I know I know... but it might save you some good bribing money! And on the topic of driving... for convenience and comfort, consider buying a roof bag like this one : http://roofbag.com/
-Set-up your banking so that you have one main bank account, and one back-up bank account. You may use your bank card abroad instead of buying the currency before you leave. Most banks will charge you a $3 flat fee for each withdrwal, and calculate the going exchange rate of the day. However beware of President's Choice banking... they also charge a hefty percentage of each withdrawal! Notify your bank and credit card company of your destination and timing - otherwise they will block your accounts.
-Get Skipe, or any other cheap online long distance deal. It cost us about $3 per month for unlimited calls from Mexico to Canada via Skype. And make sure that you have an updated list of phone numbers, emails, and addresses for postcards.
-DO NOT bring your iPhone !!! You will get skinned alive with insane roaming fees... and I do mean insane. Instead, buy a cell phone there, or use your computer to communicate.
-Bring one or two USB keys to store computer information, or to send and receive documents and photos from an internet cafe. If you don't have internet where you will be living, you can organise everything in files, and just go to town and connect to proceed - send what you wan, etc.
-Pack a basic first aid kit, a couple of bungie cords with a dozen clothes pins, a deck of cards or other small games, load your audio device with a good selection of music, and you're good to go!
-Make plans to manage everyone's well being for at least 3 to 4 weeks post return. Some people get a little depressed, or overwhelmed with the change of pace, etc. Pamper yourself a little, and engage in regular activities (like the gym!)
I hope this is helpful... and to finish off this post my main advice here is simply... GO FOR IT !!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Agrrrrghhh!!!!
The wonderful teacher I had found decided to accept a very well paid gig on a cruise ship... leaving on October 1st. So much or my instincts! Although I understand her position, I am very disappointed, and caught with some damage control to do. Because she had accepted my offer, I announced her arrival to our piano students, and a couple of daycares. I had also introduced the series of mini-concerts to a couple of daycares, which she was supposed to coordinate with me, and perform. So I re-posted the position on Craigs List - (https://post.craigslist.org/u/Ci3BHtC94BGvHWFF2qOMdw/u73er). This means that I am very likely to teach in a couple of daycares this fall, and postpone the new hire until January. As long as there is plenty of work, I can't really complain!
On the vacation front, the trip to Quebec was interesting to say the least. I'm not sure why it puts me completely upside down, mostly before but also during my visit. It's a strange phase in terms of family relations. I find it 'polite' rather than genuinely heart felt. I have to learn to manage my emotions and expectations, enjoy things at their most simple level... not too deep. I do hope that the future holds better, lighter family moments. This time around, coming back home was a huge relief.
I still have not found my normal fizz, it's been awhile now... but yesterday I heard a radio interview which gave me a good kick. It was about this thirty-something woman who has survived cancer, and basically shoots straight for her dreams now - no time to waste . Isn't it that kind of sparkle that lit my world not so long ago? Time flies, and the kids grow-up so fast - it was a good reminder.
Today is a nice sunny August day in Toronto, and I will do as much laundry as I can... not having a dryer means that we have to work with the weather - I like it. Putting clothes to dry on the line is a fine and relaxing activity, good for me right now. Yep, a clothes line and a laptop is all I need today : )
On the vacation front, the trip to Quebec was interesting to say the least. I'm not sure why it puts me completely upside down, mostly before but also during my visit. It's a strange phase in terms of family relations. I find it 'polite' rather than genuinely heart felt. I have to learn to manage my emotions and expectations, enjoy things at their most simple level... not too deep. I do hope that the future holds better, lighter family moments. This time around, coming back home was a huge relief.
I still have not found my normal fizz, it's been awhile now... but yesterday I heard a radio interview which gave me a good kick. It was about this thirty-something woman who has survived cancer, and basically shoots straight for her dreams now - no time to waste . Isn't it that kind of sparkle that lit my world not so long ago? Time flies, and the kids grow-up so fast - it was a good reminder.
Today is a nice sunny August day in Toronto, and I will do as much laundry as I can... not having a dryer means that we have to work with the weather - I like it. Putting clothes to dry on the line is a fine and relaxing activity, good for me right now. Yep, a clothes line and a laptop is all I need today : )
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sweet Canadian Summer
I once heard a Quebec author describe the Montréal summer as 'un été qui a connu l'hiver' (a summer that has known winter). How true... Yes, winters are very long here and by February or March, most canadians are more than ready for any sing of spring - although it might not show its timid nature until we're well into March, sometimes April. After enduring the hardships of many months of cold, ice and snow, there is nothing like a beautiful spring day. It validates the hope we had for better days, and it's like a big wave of energy and joy. Nature bursts into it's glorious parade of blooms and crops... crocus, and magnolias, and cherry trees. Asparagus, and fresh strawberries. And as June rolls around, the fields begin their ever changing dance of blue and yellow wild flowers. We ease into the sweet canadian summer, like a great deep long sigh. How soothing.
Now in late July, right in the middle of it, I can anticipate how fast the next 5 weeks will flow. We arrived in Quebec city on July 16, the boys had a one week skateboard camp and had a wonderful time, while Tim and I spent some of our time working, and some time simply lounging around my mom's air conditioned condo. I even had afternoon naps! We had nice evenings too, a couple of dinner parties, and we gave a tour of old Québec to some friends who stopped over for one night, while on their way to Cape Breton Island. Fun.
We made our way to the Quebec cottage on Saturday afternoon, in the beautiful lower St-Laurence region (near the Bic National Park). Within the lower St-Laurence, we call this area 'Les Basques'. The landscapes around here are beautiful and deeply satisfying to me. Inland, many fields of wheat in the mountain valleys, lots of mountains. The Apalachians. And the river of course, with it's salty water all the way from the North Atlantic. I've been coming to this area all my life, it's family turf and I love to immerse into it with my little family. The cottage stands on a point by lake Saint-Mathieu, and up the hill is the small village by the same name. My great grand-parents grew-up and got married here.
I wish the lake area had not developed so much over the years... there used to be a nice wheat field behind the cottage, it ended at the bottom of the mountain. And there was a creek flowing down the mountain, and lots of trout coming up from the lake to lay their eggs. Then one summer, when I was about 8 or 9, they blasted the side of the mountain and made a ski hill. Then they built a bigger road right through the field. Then the field was gone and they built a hotel, and a camping ground. Later they burried the lower part of the creek in an underground pipe, building houses... and slowly creeping up in the mountain. It is a killer view from up there of course, at the cost of the view from down here. I wish I could stop it all, it's too much already. Nostalgia...
I am letting the summer flow, and I am slowly organising my return to full time work in late August. I had quite a year of freedom, and it's now time to really focus on my dispositions to be up for the change of pace. Preparing mentally, and physically. Yes... I have slotted some YMCA time into my schedule! It's mostly to regain a good level of energy, and I will probably lose a few pounds in the process...
I have hired a new teacher - experienced, musician and fully bilingual, and a very good personality. She is a great fit for the team, and I am confident that she will be successful... although I admit that my instinct have been wrong before... so I guess we will see. Training begins on August 31 for my team of 3 teachers, and I will work on that in the next couple of weeks. I am also introducing a new and exciting element to the early childhood program : Live music! One small concert/workshop per trimester. I have been wanting to do this for quite awhile, and finally found the right approach so that the budget is decent for musicians. I will also work on that in the next few weeks, preparing for my meeting with my new teacher - she will be developing these sessions with me, and perform. Looking forward to it.
But while I still have some time to smell the flowers, I intend to do just that. We have a foggy day in the mountains today, so we're going to town with my mom. Tim left for Toronto yesterday with my brother Louis, Nathalie, my nephew Émile and his cousin Charles-Marie. So it's just me and my mom, with Dylan and Leo. Quiet and peaceful, in the fog.
Now in late July, right in the middle of it, I can anticipate how fast the next 5 weeks will flow. We arrived in Quebec city on July 16, the boys had a one week skateboard camp and had a wonderful time, while Tim and I spent some of our time working, and some time simply lounging around my mom's air conditioned condo. I even had afternoon naps! We had nice evenings too, a couple of dinner parties, and we gave a tour of old Québec to some friends who stopped over for one night, while on their way to Cape Breton Island. Fun.
We made our way to the Quebec cottage on Saturday afternoon, in the beautiful lower St-Laurence region (near the Bic National Park). Within the lower St-Laurence, we call this area 'Les Basques'. The landscapes around here are beautiful and deeply satisfying to me. Inland, many fields of wheat in the mountain valleys, lots of mountains. The Apalachians. And the river of course, with it's salty water all the way from the North Atlantic. I've been coming to this area all my life, it's family turf and I love to immerse into it with my little family. The cottage stands on a point by lake Saint-Mathieu, and up the hill is the small village by the same name. My great grand-parents grew-up and got married here.
I wish the lake area had not developed so much over the years... there used to be a nice wheat field behind the cottage, it ended at the bottom of the mountain. And there was a creek flowing down the mountain, and lots of trout coming up from the lake to lay their eggs. Then one summer, when I was about 8 or 9, they blasted the side of the mountain and made a ski hill. Then they built a bigger road right through the field. Then the field was gone and they built a hotel, and a camping ground. Later they burried the lower part of the creek in an underground pipe, building houses... and slowly creeping up in the mountain. It is a killer view from up there of course, at the cost of the view from down here. I wish I could stop it all, it's too much already. Nostalgia...
I am letting the summer flow, and I am slowly organising my return to full time work in late August. I had quite a year of freedom, and it's now time to really focus on my dispositions to be up for the change of pace. Preparing mentally, and physically. Yes... I have slotted some YMCA time into my schedule! It's mostly to regain a good level of energy, and I will probably lose a few pounds in the process...
I have hired a new teacher - experienced, musician and fully bilingual, and a very good personality. She is a great fit for the team, and I am confident that she will be successful... although I admit that my instinct have been wrong before... so I guess we will see. Training begins on August 31 for my team of 3 teachers, and I will work on that in the next couple of weeks. I am also introducing a new and exciting element to the early childhood program : Live music! One small concert/workshop per trimester. I have been wanting to do this for quite awhile, and finally found the right approach so that the budget is decent for musicians. I will also work on that in the next few weeks, preparing for my meeting with my new teacher - she will be developing these sessions with me, and perform. Looking forward to it.
But while I still have some time to smell the flowers, I intend to do just that. We have a foggy day in the mountains today, so we're going to town with my mom. Tim left for Toronto yesterday with my brother Louis, Nathalie, my nephew Émile and his cousin Charles-Marie. So it's just me and my mom, with Dylan and Leo. Quiet and peaceful, in the fog.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Viva El Crockpot ! Julie's Coconut Curry Chicken
This is a classic in our household. It was introduced to our family by my brother in law Danny, a great cook. It was one of the many dishes he had prepared for a dinner party, and both Leo and Dylan kept asking me to make 'Danny's curry chicken' thereafter. I have made it again and again, making slight changes each time, in search of my desired blend of flavours...
While in Xcalak (Mexican Costa Maya) in last December I found myself with all the ingredients to make this dish, except for the coconut milk. What to do oh what to do?... about 2 hours away from town... and while I was thinking of a solution, I was staring out the window... and there it was! Plenty of coconuts hanging in those trees!!!
Gabriel, the caretaker of the property, kindly cut one for us, and I got very busy. Empty it and keep the liquid, then peel the hard brown shell (with a thick spoon is best), and I finally ended up with beautiful white coconut chunks. In a blender, I put about 2 cups of coconut pieces, the liquid previously drained out from the fruit, about 2 cups of chicken stock, and a little milk (1/3 cup). Blend until smooth - et voilà! The beginning of my first Coconut Curry Chicken really really made from scratch !!!
And with that to my credit, I renamed the dish 'Julie's Coconut Curry Chicken'. Enjoy!
JULIE'S COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN
4 to 6 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 1/2 cup flour
1 onion, finely copped
5 or 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in 2 inch cubes
4 carrots, diced
1 can of coconut milk
4 cups chicken stock
2 TBsp fresh ginger, grated
3 big cloves of garlic, crushed
2 TBsp curry powder
Salt to taste
Cut the chicken in 2 inch cubes, and coat with the flour (you may add some curry, and or garlic, and or ginger powder to the flour). In a frying pan, brown the pieces of chicken and set aside. Cut the onion, carrots and potatoes, mix and place in the bottom of the crockpot - and add the chicken on top. In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, chicken stock, garlic, ginger, curry powder and salt - and poor it over the other ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. You may stir it half way through the cooking time. Serve on basmati rice - yum!!!
While in Xcalak (Mexican Costa Maya) in last December I found myself with all the ingredients to make this dish, except for the coconut milk. What to do oh what to do?... about 2 hours away from town... and while I was thinking of a solution, I was staring out the window... and there it was! Plenty of coconuts hanging in those trees!!!
Gabriel, the caretaker of the property, kindly cut one for us, and I got very busy. Empty it and keep the liquid, then peel the hard brown shell (with a thick spoon is best), and I finally ended up with beautiful white coconut chunks. In a blender, I put about 2 cups of coconut pieces, the liquid previously drained out from the fruit, about 2 cups of chicken stock, and a little milk (1/3 cup). Blend until smooth - et voilà! The beginning of my first Coconut Curry Chicken really really made from scratch !!!
And with that to my credit, I renamed the dish 'Julie's Coconut Curry Chicken'. Enjoy!
JULIE'S COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN
4 to 6 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 1/2 cup flour
1 onion, finely copped
5 or 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in 2 inch cubes
4 carrots, diced
1 can of coconut milk
4 cups chicken stock
2 TBsp fresh ginger, grated
3 big cloves of garlic, crushed
2 TBsp curry powder
Salt to taste
Cut the chicken in 2 inch cubes, and coat with the flour (you may add some curry, and or garlic, and or ginger powder to the flour). In a frying pan, brown the pieces of chicken and set aside. Cut the onion, carrots and potatoes, mix and place in the bottom of the crockpot - and add the chicken on top. In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, chicken stock, garlic, ginger, curry powder and salt - and poor it over the other ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. You may stir it half way through the cooking time. Serve on basmati rice - yum!!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Viva El Crockpot ! Julie's Bean Soup
July rolled around in it's summery splendor, and we're graced with beautiful summer days to enjoy.
It brings me memories of cooking in the heat... and avoiding the use of the oven.
While chatting with one of my good friends, she informed me that here in Toronto (and maybe elsewhere too?) we have a lower electricity rate from 9pm to early morning (I think 6am?). Anyhow... it gave me the idea to make good use of my crockpot overnight, and spare some daytime kitchen overheating by the same token.
I have made one of my staple crockpot dishes - Coconut Curry Chicken (recipe will be posted in this series). But it seems that I always make the same 2 or 3 dishes with my crockpot. So wanting to explore new recipes, I found one which I have altered a little (or shall I say enhance...) and it became a big hit in our family. It's a bean soup, and the main change i made was that the original recipe called for ham, I replaced it with sausage - and added some garlic and origano. It's a hearty bean soup, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner with a fresh loaf of bread. Very versatile too, you might end up with your own version (or enhancements!). Enjoy!
JULIE'S BEAN SOUP IN A CROCKPOT
3 italian sausages
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 branch of celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried origano
1 1/2 cup dry beans (any kind, I used black eyed peas)
6 cups water
10oz tomato sauce or coulis
salt and pepper, to taste
In a frying pan, brown small sausage meatballs (squeeze meat filling out of the sausage in small lumps). Set the browed meat aside. In the same frying pan, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until lightly softened. Transfer to the crockpot, add the meat, garlic, basil, potatoes, tomato coulis, water, dry beans, and salt and pepper. Stir well, cover and cook 8 to 10 hours on low. Yummy!
It brings me memories of cooking in the heat... and avoiding the use of the oven.
While chatting with one of my good friends, she informed me that here in Toronto (and maybe elsewhere too?) we have a lower electricity rate from 9pm to early morning (I think 6am?). Anyhow... it gave me the idea to make good use of my crockpot overnight, and spare some daytime kitchen overheating by the same token.
I have made one of my staple crockpot dishes - Coconut Curry Chicken (recipe will be posted in this series). But it seems that I always make the same 2 or 3 dishes with my crockpot. So wanting to explore new recipes, I found one which I have altered a little (or shall I say enhance...) and it became a big hit in our family. It's a bean soup, and the main change i made was that the original recipe called for ham, I replaced it with sausage - and added some garlic and origano. It's a hearty bean soup, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner with a fresh loaf of bread. Very versatile too, you might end up with your own version (or enhancements!). Enjoy!
JULIE'S BEAN SOUP IN A CROCKPOT
3 italian sausages
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 branch of celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried origano
1 1/2 cup dry beans (any kind, I used black eyed peas)
6 cups water
10oz tomato sauce or coulis
salt and pepper, to taste
In a frying pan, brown small sausage meatballs (squeeze meat filling out of the sausage in small lumps). Set the browed meat aside. In the same frying pan, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until lightly softened. Transfer to the crockpot, add the meat, garlic, basil, potatoes, tomato coulis, water, dry beans, and salt and pepper. Stir well, cover and cook 8 to 10 hours on low. Yummy!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
More Tips - Quintana Roo Accommodations!
Looking back at some of my blog entries... I realised that I have not been recommending accommodations in the state of Quintana Roo... oh my!!! How did this happen?????
So if the Caribbean is what tickles your fancies - here are my favorite spots along that coast - from North to South (and notice how I skip Cancun alltogether...).
Isla Holbox
Highly recommended destination - No specific accommodation pointers for this one, but very simple advice : You may very well look for accommodation once you arrive on Holbox. There are numerous modest hotels around the central square, just be ready for the late night sounds of enjoyment all around! If you are looking for a more upscale hotel, you should book online ahead of time in one of the very nice beach establishments.
In Playa del Carmen
Hotel Riviera Maya : located just far enough from the crowds, and still walking distance to the buzz of 5th Avenue and the beach, this hotel is simple and clean, comfortable, with pool, and very friendly staff.
http://www.hotelrivieramaya.com/
Occidental Allegro Playacar : This is a very nice and quaint all inclusive with a beautiful beach, great for kids too! - with all your all inclusive perks and enternainment, and kids club. You may find a good last minute pricing (I found one in November with BookIt.com at $50 per adult per night-kids free).
http://www.allegroplayacar.com/
Near Tulum...
The small community of Tankah Bay is a short 5 minute drive North of Tulum. Villas are pricy compared to the Golf coast, so if you can indulge I would recomment Casa Playa Azul. Very nice 3 bedroom beach house with pool, with 3 kayaks and all snorkeling equipment included - 500 meters from the Mezoamerican Reef barrier (2nd longest in the world).
http://www.tankahshores.com/home.html
In Tulum :
Posada Yum Kin: Located downtown Tulum, very nice and comfortable units with kitchen, very laid back, and nice swimming pool. You might be able to negociate your rate, give it a try!
http://www.pyktulum.com/
Heading Further South...
Majahual and Xcalak (aka The Costa Maya)
Margarita del Sol - a multi-unit appartment complex on the beach near Majahual, with kayaks and snorkeling equipment included. Nice and simple!
http://www.margaritadelsol.com
Casa Caracola - in the Xcalak National Reef Park... this is a true gem. The PERFECT Caribbean snorkeling dream home. Here you are out of the way and off the grid, with solar power and rain water - with all the comfort you could wish for. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and amazing snorkeling or diving just a few strokes off shore - one of the best spots on this part of the coast. The house is very comfortable, and the care takers are super friendly and helpful. If you want the ultimate snorkeling experience, this is top notch!
http://www.casacaracola.com/ (you may want to mute the music)
Bacalar
Amigos Bacalar is a modest but comfortable bed and breakfast right on the beautiful bright blue Bacalar lake. All rooms have a fabulous lake view, and there is a little buffet breakfast every morning. Great for swimming and exploring the vicinity (Cenote Azul,Chetumal, archeological sites, etc).
http://www.bacalar.net/
Chetumal
Hotel Mary Rey is where I always go in Chetumal. Nice big pool (very likely to yourself...) in the central yard, and walking distance to Héroes Ave. (public market and museum). A standard room is about $50 per night here, and unlike many hotels on the main strip - it is just far enough from the action to be quiet through the night.
http://www.chetumalmosaico.com/pages/lodging/mary_rey.htm
And there you have it!
If I was to cruise down the Mexican Caribbean coast in one trip, with all the time and money in the world, I would absolutely go back to each one of these places.
Enjoy!
So if the Caribbean is what tickles your fancies - here are my favorite spots along that coast - from North to South (and notice how I skip Cancun alltogether...).
Isla Holbox
Highly recommended destination - No specific accommodation pointers for this one, but very simple advice : You may very well look for accommodation once you arrive on Holbox. There are numerous modest hotels around the central square, just be ready for the late night sounds of enjoyment all around! If you are looking for a more upscale hotel, you should book online ahead of time in one of the very nice beach establishments.
In Playa del Carmen
Hotel Riviera Maya : located just far enough from the crowds, and still walking distance to the buzz of 5th Avenue and the beach, this hotel is simple and clean, comfortable, with pool, and very friendly staff.
http://www.hotelrivieramaya.com/
Occidental Allegro Playacar : This is a very nice and quaint all inclusive with a beautiful beach, great for kids too! - with all your all inclusive perks and enternainment, and kids club. You may find a good last minute pricing (I found one in November with BookIt.com at $50 per adult per night-kids free).
http://www.allegroplayacar.com/
Near Tulum...
The small community of Tankah Bay is a short 5 minute drive North of Tulum. Villas are pricy compared to the Golf coast, so if you can indulge I would recomment Casa Playa Azul. Very nice 3 bedroom beach house with pool, with 3 kayaks and all snorkeling equipment included - 500 meters from the Mezoamerican Reef barrier (2nd longest in the world).
http://www.tankahshores.com/home.html
In Tulum :
Posada Yum Kin: Located downtown Tulum, very nice and comfortable units with kitchen, very laid back, and nice swimming pool. You might be able to negociate your rate, give it a try!
http://www.pyktulum.com/
Heading Further South...
Majahual and Xcalak (aka The Costa Maya)
Margarita del Sol - a multi-unit appartment complex on the beach near Majahual, with kayaks and snorkeling equipment included. Nice and simple!
http://www.margaritadelsol.com
Casa Caracola - in the Xcalak National Reef Park... this is a true gem. The PERFECT Caribbean snorkeling dream home. Here you are out of the way and off the grid, with solar power and rain water - with all the comfort you could wish for. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and amazing snorkeling or diving just a few strokes off shore - one of the best spots on this part of the coast. The house is very comfortable, and the care takers are super friendly and helpful. If you want the ultimate snorkeling experience, this is top notch!
http://www.casacaracola.com/ (you may want to mute the music)
Bacalar
Amigos Bacalar is a modest but comfortable bed and breakfast right on the beautiful bright blue Bacalar lake. All rooms have a fabulous lake view, and there is a little buffet breakfast every morning. Great for swimming and exploring the vicinity (Cenote Azul,Chetumal, archeological sites, etc).
http://www.bacalar.net/
Chetumal
Hotel Mary Rey is where I always go in Chetumal. Nice big pool (very likely to yourself...) in the central yard, and walking distance to Héroes Ave. (public market and museum). A standard room is about $50 per night here, and unlike many hotels on the main strip - it is just far enough from the action to be quiet through the night.
http://www.chetumalmosaico.com/pages/lodging/mary_rey.htm
And there you have it!
If I was to cruise down the Mexican Caribbean coast in one trip, with all the time and money in the world, I would absolutely go back to each one of these places.
Enjoy!
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