Se congèle très bien!
Pour le gâteau
One of my favorites from the Middle East!
The ingredients seem numerous, but it is done very well and easily.
2-3 tomatoes, cut into slices of about 0.5 cm
1-2 hot peppers
2 green bell peppers, cut into strips or chunks
2 onions, minced
6 garlic cloves, 2 coarsely chopped, 4 whole
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 lemon, for juice
1 chicken cut into pieces, or 4 thighs or 8 drumsticks
3 tbsp. of Madame Germaine's Souks de Marrakech spices or to taste (make your mix! Allspice, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, ginger, ground coriander, ...)
1 chicken stock cube
1/3 cup tomato paste
3 potatoes, cut into slices about 0.5 cm
1 eggplant, cut into slices about 0.5 cm
Salt and pepper
Chicken lacquer
2 tbsp. tomato paste
4 tbsp. plain yogurt
2 tbsp. ketchup
1 tbsp. spice mix
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a large ovenproof saucepan (or a Pyrex), put 2 tomatoes, 1 hot pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic and olive oil. Mix everything together a bit and put in the oven.
Meanwhile, drizzle the chicken with the lemon juice and coat. Salt and pepper.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, sear the chicken. Add 1 onion, 1 hot pepper and 1 bell pepper, the whole garlic, magloba spices, kabsa), a chicken stock cube and the tomato paste. Salt.
For me, this salad represents everything about Bali. It's naturally beautiful and it tastes like heaven!
In Bali I found a little corner of paradise. Dewi's house. It is one of the most peaceful places I have stayed. Just two nights rejuvenated me for months.
Ingredients
It's not even to impress the visit! It's to please myself. To feel on the other side of the world. To grant me a special moment.
And it's easy as pie!By the way, quinoa really is a superfood. Thanks to the Peruvians for making us discover it! With iron and 8 amino acids, let's go for quinoa!
For about 12 patties
3/4 cup neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado, sunflower, etc.)Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a large parchment paper sheet on a baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the first 5 ingredients well with a whisk. Add the quinoa and mix again.
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flours, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices).
With a wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well, add the raisins, then mix again.
Spread on the baking pan using an ice cream scoop. Flatten them a bit. Bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
Good treat!
*You can freeze them... take them out in the morning and put them in the lunch box!
By the way, do not hesitate to cook your corn on the barbecue. It adds a little magic touch to them! I coat them with a little fat first, and I grill them. Some leave them in the skin, but not me. I love the flavor it gives them (a habit picked up in Cameroon).
Above all, we want it to be explosive and not pasty! Personally it's 5 minutes in the water, no more. And on the BBQ, I want a nice little browned/burnt in a few places.
The Middle East
olive oil and zaatar, this famous explosive spice blend of thyme, sumac and sesame seeds. A little grilled halloumi with that?
By the way, you can omit the feta for a dairy-free lunch. Personally, bovine protein does not suit me. So a good sheep and goat cheese feta is perfect in this recipe!
For 4 people
16 baby potatoes, halved
1/4 onion, very finely chopped (it can be yellow, red, even green onion, take what you have!)
At least 6 tbsp. 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil (sunflower, avocado, grapeseed, etc.)
8 poached eggs (lots of videos for the method on the Internet, otherwise mirror eggs or turned it does!)
Bacon from a well-bred pig (if you fancy having a little on the plate, but it's optional)
Finely chopped parsley
crumbled feta cheese
Aleppo pepper (you can replace with Espelette pepper or other, it's for a little kick at the end!)
For the sauce
Prepare the potatoes. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes in boiling water. We want them softened, but not fully cooked!
Rinse the potatoes under cold water, then drain them.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the oil, then when hot, the potatoes. Fry them until golden on all sides.
Add oil during cooking if needed. Towards the end of cooking, add the chopped onion, salt and pepper.
Prepare the rest of your ingredients while your potatoes are cooking (except the eggs, we'll save that for the end!).
For the sauce, in a small pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, then when they are translucent, add the lemon juice. Add the soy cream.
Add mustards, maple syrup and add a little water if necessary if the sauce is too thick.
Finally, add salt, pepper, dill and chives.
To make the tier:
Put sauce at the bottom of the plate (be creative!). Place the potatoes in it. Then two eggs on the potatoes, then feta, parsley and Aleppo pepper.
If you don't use feta, don't hesitate to salt your eggs.
Bacon on the side ;)!! Bon appetit!
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I wanted another easy recipe to enjoy them. So here it is!
This cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily become ketogenic. Super super simple to make, it is also super super soft!
To your whips!!
Cake
1 1/3 cup (144g) almond flour
1/4 cup (45g) coral lentil flour or coconut flour
2 tbsp. baking powder (baking powder)
1/3 cup (100 g) maple sugar, or monk fruit sugar for a ketogenic version (you can use maple syrup, but you will need to reduce the amount of liquid a little. Ex. : add 1/4 cup of soy cream)
3 eggs
6 tbsp. 1 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, avocado, etc.)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Zest of a lemon
1/3 cup soy cream (I use the Belsoy brand)
crushed raspberries
Raspberries
maple sugar
For the cake...
Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
In a bowl, using a whisk, combine the flours, baking powder and sugar.
Add remaining ingredients. Whisk again to combine everything.
Pour into a round cake pan (about 30 cm in diameter) or a square Pyrex pan, oiled and floured (with the red lentil flour).
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve with crushed raspberries à Normand
Crushed raspberries in Normand
Mix, really to taste and according to the desired quantity, raspberries and maple sugar in a bowl. Mash the raspberries well with a fork.
If you like hot-cold contrasts, you can heat it a little in the microwave before serving it on the cake.
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For about 12 patties
1 cup rolled oats
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup maple syrup
2-3 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, etc.)
1 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, salt, cardamom.
Add the egg, vanilla, maple syrup and oil to get the right texture (wet but easily sticks together to make a ball). Mix well.
Add the raspberries, mixing gently.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and make patties using a small ice cream scoop. If you don't have any, make small balls with your hands. Space them out slightly. Flatten them a bit (not too much!).
Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
]]>I was very happy to meet Ayman alias Monsieur Spices to learn more about Jordanian cuisine and above all, to know how to easily prepare this wonderful protein breakfast that starts the day off right!
And for your next Sunday brunch, you will have a crazy success without breaking your head!
Ayman owns A Spice Affair, which produces explosive spice blends that take you around the world! Of high quality, without additives, without GMOs, without traces of peanuts or nuts. 15% off anytime by clicking here.
- tomatoes and cucumbers
- seasoned olives
- labneh (plain yogurt drained for at least 4 hours) with olive oil and sumac
- Silky scrambled eggs with 7 spices and Armenian pepper
- grilled cheese and honey
- makdous (small aubergines stuffed with walnuts)
- zaatar and olive oil
- pita bread
To know how to prepare it, see our video on Youtube!
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1 cup of water
2 tbsp. spice (ideally whole)* - I highly recommend Madame Germaine Chai in Mumbai blend.
1 1/2 tbsp. black tea (or 2 bags of black tea)
2 tbsp. sugar (or maple syrup) - normally it would be more, but to taste
1 1/4 cup milk
Over medium heat, in a cauldron, bring the water to a simmer and let the spices infuse for approx. 3 minutes.
Add tea and sugar. Simmer another 2-3 minutes.
Add the milk. Leave the heat to medium. Wait for a simmer again and let infuse for 2-3 minutes.
Pass through a sieve. Keep warm covered.
Comfort yourself with this little trip to India from home! Cheers!
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I was received like a queen in Bousson, in the Italian Alps, at Erminia and Eduardo.
In addition to the wonderful pasta dinner, with local cheeses, local wine, local bread (!!), Ermania and Eduardo concocted this wonderful cake while I was giving an online cooking workshop.
Believe me, even though I was more than full from having eaten everything I ate that evening, I had not one but two slices of this fabulously delicious cake. A melting texture and a perfect taste.
Mama mia! What more can be said. Pure happiness!
Here is the recipe that Erminia generously shares:
(it's called 9 scoops because normally we measure scoops of each ingredient)
Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
Toss the apple slices with and the cinnamon.
In a bowl, combine 6 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar, eggs, oil, milk. Mix a little. Add flour and baking powder, mix again. Mix well to remove all lumps.
Butter and flour a cake pan about 28 cm or 11 inches in diameter, or cover it with parchment paper (if you wet it and "squizz" it in your hands, it will be easier to make it take the shape of the mould).
Add the cake batter to the pan.
Place the apple slices vertically, round side up (it looks like a rose!) in the dough.
Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cake.
Bake for about 50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out dry.
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Me who had lived in Peru, China, Cameroon, and visited so many countries. I thought I knew everything about fruit. What a mistake, and what a shame!! Colombia slapped me and brought out my ignorance. The more we know, the less we know. Here are some fruits that I discovered and that I had no idea existed. But I must admit that this list is not complete at all!
Fruit in Colombia is available everywhere on the streets and in restaurants, fresh, in juice or in popsicles! Good god, I had a great time!
In fact, one of the specialties of the Comuna 13 district of Medellin is the famous fruit popsicles, which are well coated in salt! I winced a bit, but it was good!
Carambole : Well known for her killer look. How pretty is this carambola!
Granadilla (granadella): I thought it was a passion fruit. It was clearly explained to me that no! It looks like, but without the acidity. Candy!
Mangosteen: Although it is native to Indonesia (I had discovered it in Asia several years ago), it is just as good, silky, sweet and juicy in Colombia! My favorite of all!
Tomato de arbol (tree tomato): We recognize a little the tomato, but here it is sweeter and delicious in juice. A magnificent fruit!
Lulo: A one-of-a-kind aroma of profusion and exoticism, with a delicately tangy harmonious taste like a mixture of pineapple, kiwi and strawberry. In juice, it explodes in the mouth! Its look resembles khaki, but inside you can clearly see the difference.
Corozo: A kind of small red berry that is infused to make juices, or makes a wonderful jam.
Mora: Almost a blackberry, but a unique raspberry-blackberry, sour and sweet taste. Fantastic!
Pepino de agua: I was told it was a fruit. I still doubt it. In short, do not hesitate to help me so that I finally know what it is!!
Maracuya: passion fruit! In juice, I discovered something exceptional. I drank one a day minimum!
Guanabana, or Corossol : Surprising texture but very pleasant taste.
Pitaya, but yellow: I knew them pink. I greatly appreciated them. Quite tasty, close to the kiwi, but very smooth.
Chontaduro (peach palm): I was told about its health benefits, but not about its taste! Very rich in proteins, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. All parts of the Chontaduro plant are used for human consumption: the fruit, pulp, seeds, stems and leaves. The fruit must be cooked before it can be eaten.
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He lives on Tierra Bomba Island. Traquilo Fabio. He won't die of stress, we kinda envy him. In the morning, he leaves early at sea to fish for oysters. He then crosses the island to go to the Blue Apple Beach Resort, where tourists will surely be interested in tasting his catch.
Oysters are tiny. Served with hot sauce and lime juice. The oysters are especially the best I have eaten in my life!! Myyyyyyyyyyyyy god!!!!
The fact that they are small makes them so pleasant in the mouth. Their taste is delicate and is just perfect with condiments.
Fabio was very insistent that I taste his oysters for free. I understood why. Afterwards, it's impossible not to want to buy some!
Fabio also goes sea urchin fishing every day. Dangerous activity that requires caution and a little experience. Here's how we do it.
I would like to thank Fabio with all my heart for his time and generosity. I hope to be able to return to enjoy even more fishing time in his company.
]]>My Youtube video on my taste experience can be found here:
Markets are the nerve center of any place. We discover what to eat, but also we get a ton of information on the culture and the way of life of the locals. Markets exist, tourists or not, and they are exceptional places to visit. Going to the market is discovering the daily life of people, smells, habits and making friends!
The Bazurto market is no exception to the rule and allows you to get out of the tourist chaos of Cartagena and into the daily chaos of the inhabitants. Besides, if you talk to your vendors, servers, guides, etc. and ask them about their life, you will realize that they rarely live in the centros neighborhoods of Cartagena, which are more for the rich and tourists. Their house is often located in the barrio of the Bazurto market, a little further to the southeast of the city.
To get there, I simply walked. About 30 minutes from my apartment located east of the Getsimani and San Diego neighborhoods. It was hot, and although I enjoyed discovering a different part of Cartagena, I was very happy to find this cold lemonade vendor on the way!
Warning! The action takes our eyes everywhere but you have to watch where you step!
I was hesitant to take a tour, and although I had fun in this market, I would recommend anyone to do it. First, because so many people on the road told me to be careful not to get robbed, that I was always afraid in the market, even to take out my camera. Then, because I would have learned even more about people and I would have met even more people. But obviously I would have been with a tour group. What I was trying to avoid. Finally, if you ever decide to go there with a tour, several options are available to you (Airbnb, Trip Advisor, ...).
If you ever go there without a ride, go there
Ici haut je suis dans un centre commercial très moderne non loin du marché.
Ici bas je suis dans les rues environnantes au marché.
When you go to the market, you will see the social inequalities. The market versus a large modern shopping mall. Upon entering, you will be a little confused by this maze. The market is big and appeals to all your senses! But don't be discouraged. Each place is divided by sector. So we end up finding ourselves there.
In the row of metals I found lots of practical kitchen tools!
I also found a place with (real) colorful chicks!!
Not talking to people would be missing out on the wagon maker, or talented singers! You will also discover the Champeta, music invented in the less affluent Afro-Colombian suburbs of Cartagena.
Freshly caught fish the same morning at the small port of the market (photo just above).
In food, you will discover never before seen fruits, but also medicinal herbs traditionally used for generations to cure all ailments!
Be sure to taste the local specialties of the small restaurants in the market, including the one that attracted Antony Bourdain during his visit to this place.
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Cartagena has something to seduce all its visitors. Whether you like sports, landscapes, nightlife, food, water, you will not be disappointed to put your feet up for a few days, or even more, in this magnificent city of Colombia.
Typically, my day starts with a good coffee prepared with love by Carlo. I do not drink coffee. But beware, on my first morning I saw Carlo at the corner of my street surrounded by his regulars and his 12 thermoses containing coffee. Black coffee, sweet coffee, coffee with milk, … Carlo prepares all of this before settling down at 6am to serve his customers. His coffee, Colombian of course, seduced me with its taste, its sweetness, and its little bitterness. Carlo won me over with his good humor and kindness. How not to return there every day? After all, his coffee only costs $0.33!
Continuing my way, I meet Alej. He sells fried arepas made in a factory in Cartagena, and good fresh orange juice. What a delight to start the day with this cornmeal stuffed with perfectly seasoned meat and an egg. With a fresh iced juice when the heat is already 30C in the early morning, I feel in heaven! For about $2, I'm satisfied.
Continuing my way, I will meet the fruit sellers of Palenque, a small town located not far from Cartagena. Palenque was the first free African city in the Americas and in 2005 was declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This city is also famous for its fruits. The smiling women in their vibrant and colorful dresses selling magically flavored fruit will be happy to have their picture taken with you (in exchange for a little cash!) or sell you delicious mangoes that can be put on. salt and lime juice.
_______________________
This is just one of the many ways to start your day in this Caribbean-vibe town.
Cartagena de Indias was built on the site of a deserted Native American village: Calamari (shrimp!). From its name, which means “new”, the Spaniards added “de Indias”, to differentiate it from its namesake Cartagena of Spain.
Cartagena was the first Spanish colony in the Americas and its location on the Caribbean Sea made it a vitally important port city. From there, the conquistadors shipped the treasures they had plundered from native cultures to Spain, while importing slaves from Africa. In order to defend the city and its wealth of stolen goods against pirates, the Spaniards built, for 200 years, a huge stone fortress.
As the city remained under Spanish rule for around 275 years, Cartagena greatly assisted in the liberation of Spain, declaring its independence before the rest of the country on November 11, 1811 with the help of the great liberator Simon Bolivar. Cartagena is also called La Heroica. In 1815, Pablo Morillo, charged by Fernando VII, had the mission to reconquer Cartagena. The city was attacked by cannon fire, the entry of water and food had been blocked. Despite everything, the people defended themselves and resisted as much as they could for 105 days. 105 days of resistance which would have caused 4000 deaths. Morillo nevertheless proceeded to the final capture on December 6, 1815, but the city will have preserved its reputation as a heroine by this great resistance.
In 1984, the walled city of Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of military architecture. That's not all people come here to see, though. Cartagena is a must-visit place and Colombia's most popular city for tourists, thanks not only to the colonial buildings, but also to the sandy beaches, mouth-watering cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
To learn even more about the history and understand the importance of each of the monuments, do not hesitate to book your free city tour. You just have to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
https://freetourcartagena.com/en/home/
WHERE TO SLEEP?
I will not recommend one hotel more than another. There are plenty of choices in Cartagena to suit all budgets. Personally, I was lucky enough to find a complete apartment on Airbnb and absolutely magnificent, including a swimming pool with an incredible view of the castle of San Felipe, in Getsimani, on the edge of San Diego.
However, as for which neighborhood to choose, here is more info:
I found this great map on https://www.tomplanmytrip.com/
Thank you for this beautiful sharing, it sums up the neighborhoods of Cartagena de Indias very well.
Basically everything is close enough to walk to (otherwise there are always taxis on the way!) in this town. But some neighborhoods are further than others to see the main attractions.
Cabrero: beaches and mix of modern buildings. Requires a bit of walking to get to the main attractions.
San Diego: In a way the continuity of the center, very well located and close to everything.
El centro: The name says it, it's the center. Charming as you wish, restaurants, bars, magnificent streets. Everything is there. Of course, the price will be a little higher.
Small parenthesis, here is the sidewalk paying tribute to all the Miss Colombia winners since the beginning of the contest!!
Getsimani : A former neighborhood where drugs and prostitution were rife, art has succeeded in making this place one of the most beautiful in Cartagena, but also in the world! Colors, restaurants, bars, dance, life! This is the neighborhood I adopted!
Manga: Economical, but less touristy. Interesting if you want to think outside the box. Requires a bit of walking to get to the main attractions.
Me tasting culinary specialties in Manga! I had a lot of fun with the locals and there were very few tourists.
Bocagrande: large beach and tall modern buildings. The beach has nothing to do with that of the islands, so don't go there for that reason. Requires a bit of walking to get to the main attractions.
QUOI FAIRE À CARTHAGÈNE?
Besides enjoying the culinary flavors of Cartagena and the region (see my other articles focused on the subject for more!), there are many other activities possible. But know it, Cartagena is really a city for foodies (I'll talk about it in other articles)!!
Montez le château de San Felipe
This is Cartagena's most famous landmark, and it's pretty hard to miss. It was built in 1657 to protect itself from pirates seeking to seize silver and gold bound for Europe.
Wait until later in the day to explore the maze-like tunnels and enjoy the view of the city with a beautiful sunset.
Promenez-vous dans Getsemani
Just admiring the many street murals and decorations will fill your heart with happiness. In addition, in the evening, you can have a small cocktail on every street corner!
Learn more about the indigenous peoples of Cartagena
Get a unique perspective of Colombia with a tour of the sustainable city of Cartagena led by the Zenú, an indigenous people who were driven from their homes over the centuries and now survive by selling coffee on the streets of Cartagena.
Few tourists hear of Zenú. Not only will you see the city in a different light as your guide tells the story of Cartagena from an indigenous perspective, but you'll learn about their struggles for justice and their exceptional prowess in craftsmanship.
IMPULSE Travel Colombia's Zenú Heritage Tour is a half-day tour that explores downtown and the Museo de Oro before heading to the 20 de Julio district. Here you will experience a weaving demonstration and enjoy a small meal prepared by the women of the weaving collective.
https://impulsetravel.co/en/ctgzenu/zenu-indigenous-heritage-tour
Go to the beach
One of Cartagena's main tourist attractions is its access to sun and sand. The easiest option is to visit the Bocagrande area of town, but it's not exactly the scenic Caribbean beach you were hoping for.
It's fine for an afternoon of lounging, drinking cheap beer, and eating seafood, but you'll have to travel a bit further to find the really nice beaches.
Your best bet is Playa Blanca, which can easily be visited on a day trip. Here you will find that powdery sand and turquoise water after all. You can even spend the night if you really want to relax and enjoy.
Allez d'île en île
One of the most popular things to do in Cartagena is to take a boat trip around the Rosario Islands. This archipelago is located about 100 km from the coast and is a natural national park.
The park was created to protect one of the most important coral reefs in the Caribbean.
It is not difficult to embark on an excursion to visit the islands, but be aware that many of these excursions come with very bad reviews.
It's best to do your research to find a reputable company, or just get enough people together to rent your own boat and do things your way.
You can also sleep on these islands, which allows you to really enjoy their tranquility. This is what I did at the Blue Apple Beach Resort (see my article on the subject).
Put on your dancing shoes
If you're like me and you're a 2 x 4, learning to dance probably won't hurt you! Dancing is an integral part of Caribbean culture and a favorite pastime for locals. Salsa is king here, but you can also learn merengue or bachata. A few glasses of rum will surely help you relax…
Café Havana may be the most popular place, but it's expensive. A more local place to dance with a live band is the Bazurto Social Club.
Enjoy the sunsets on the wall
For drinks with a view, look no further than Cafe del Mar. Located just above the historic city walls, this bar is the best place to enjoy a Caribbean sunset with a cocktail in hand. Drinks are expensive and you have to plan ahead.
For those of us who prefer to play on a budget, you can just grab some beers from local vendors and hang on the wall. The view isn't as great, but you can still hear live music from the bar.
Party till the sun comes up
Cartagena likes to party, plain and simple. As well as the hordes of backpackers and tour groups that come here to let loose, the locals enjoy the loud parties just as much! Every night is a good night to hang out here, as there are a wide variety of bars and clubs to suit all party styles.
]]>I love pancakes! They bring back wonderful childhood memories. When my mother didn't really feel like cooking and told us that we would eat pancakes for supper, it was party time!
A few years later, my chef Gilles from the Paris-Brest restaurant (where I worked for 2 years) introduced me to his thin orange crepes that melted in your mouth. It was a real pleasure when he made me some on Fridays. I said to myself "the French know how to make good pancakes!".
A few years ago, a customer from the United States with Swedish origins shared her grandmother's pancake recipe with me. That's when I discovered Swedish pancakes! What finesse my friends!
Since then, all these people still contribute today, when I make pancakes, to ensure that each one receives so much love that it tastes like heaven and melts in your mouth. Ask my nephews who makes the best pancakes ;)!!
At lunch, with a ton of various fruits just to absorb some vitamins, pancakes are a must for my weekends. So here is my recipe for thin pancakes (or, I like them thin and silky!).
WARNING: you know that I never measure. The most important will therefore be:
1. The texture of the mixture
2. The heat of the pan
Adjust as needed!
For about 8-10 thin pancakes (depending on the size of the pan!)
1 cup almond milk (regular milk works too, but I love the taste of almond milk in pancakes!)
3 eggs
2/3 cup flour
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. maple syrup
A pinch of salt
Butter, magarine or oil
Over medium-high heat, heat a large skillet. While it is heating, prepare the pancake mix.
In a bowl, mix with a mixer (or a whisk and your muscles, vigorously!), the eggs with half of the flour and milk. Once everything is smooth (no lumps!), add the rest of the flour and milk. Add salt and maple syrup. Mix well so that no lumps remain.
The texture of the mixture should be quite liquid, without being watery (more like maple syrup). If you feel it's too thick, add a little milk.
Start cooking. Your skillet should be quite hot. Lower the heat to medium. Put a little fat in the pan and spread well.
Pour a ladleful of the mixture. Raise the pan and turn it. If the pancake mix spreads easily over the entire surface of the pan and becomes a thin layer, you're in business! Otherwise, add a little milk and mix.
Cook for a few minutes, until golden, flip, then cook the other side for just one or two minutes, so that the pancake remains soft and moist. Repeat for each pancake!
For the maple meringue, the recipe is here!
]]>Sometimes I make a simple crumble with leftover tea biscuits that I grind into a powder and mix with a pinch of spices A Spice Affair apple pie and a little melted butter before putting in the oven so that they become a little crispy.
However, here, I had no cookies waiting for me in the back of the cupboard. So I mixed:
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook until the crumble becomes a little golden. Let cool and break into coarse pieces.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest and salt.
Add remaining ingredients except butter. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. This will take several minutes, arm yourself with patience (or do a little reading at the same time!).
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate.
In a large saucepan, bring the maple syrup to a boil until the candy thermometer reads 115°C. Remove from fire.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until a soft peak forms. Then gradually add the hot syrup to the egg whites, whisking. The whites will puff up. Continue beating for 3-4 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
Right now, I'm using this texture for angel food cake frosting.
Otherwise, like this pie, I like to make my meringues crunchy.
Using a pastry bag, I shape the meringue on baking sheets with parchment paper, giving it the shape of small peaks. I put them in the oven at 175F for about 3 hours.
To check the cooking, I make sure that the small meringue peaks come off the parchment paper easily and that after cooling, the meringue breaks up neatly. If this is not the case, it is necessary to prolong the cooking.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a loaf pan.
In a bowl, mix the yogurt, baking soda and let stand for a few minutes.
Using a mixer, or with a whisk and your muscles, combine the oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas. Add the yogurt mixture and stir.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, spices and baking powder and add to the first mixture to incorporate, nothing more.
Pour into the loaf pan and bake in the middle of the oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
]]>For about 6 people
4 tbsp. tbsp olive oil
1 onion, minced
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
2 mini turnips, cut into matchsticks
1 zucchini, cut into sticks
1 fennel bulb (optional), minced
2 tbsp. spice table Souks de Marrakech Madame Germaine (or a mixture of your choice, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, etc.)
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 can of chickpeas, rinsed
4 cups of water or chicken broth
4 tbsp. tablespoon raisins
1/2 cup of couscous
*You could add cooked merguez if you want meat!
In a pot over medium heat, sauté the onions for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Add the rest of the vegetables, except the tomatoes, sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the spices, tomatoes, chickpeas, water. Bake for about 15 minutes. Stir once in a while.
Add the raisins and cook another 5 minutes (until the vegetables are tender).
Remove from the heat, add the couscous, cover and wait 5 minutes.
It's ready!
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It was a great improvisation very successful to pass the many many many plums that were offered to me.
The class you, the result gives something super good for lunch, but also good enough to serve your guests.
Super healthy too!! ;)
*The secret is in the spices!!
For a beautiful rectangular pyrex dish
10 to 20 plums (depending on size), cut into pieces
3 apples, cut into chunks
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup almond flour
1 cup chickpea flour
1 cup pecan chunks
1/3 cup of maple sugar (or regular, failing that)
1. of the mixture'épices Tarte aux pommes A Spice Affair
A pinch of salt
1/3 cup vegan margarine
1/4 cup neutral oil (sunflower style)
Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
Mix plums, apples and maple syrup in the bottom of the pyrex.
In a medium bowl, combine the two flours, sugar, spices and salt.
Add margarine and oil, then stir until smooth.
Spread over fruit.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden brown.
Good app!!
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Because several people asked me questions and wanted to get started too... but not for the same reasons as me.
It's funny, I've watched so many Youtubers do it. I never thought that would happen to me one day. Let's say that life has forced things. In my case, it was a wrist and coccyx injury that brought me to see the chiropractor Vanessa from LivSanté. I was told it didn't crack. Good, I hate to crack!
Vanessa does her job as a chiropractor, but as she says, when the pain lasts, the relief only lasts a few days and you have to go back to see her every month, it's not normal. This was my case, I could not recover from this banal fall, despite the fact that I train and keep myself in fairly good shape in general.
In these moments, rather than charging into the void, Vanessa looks at other causes for the inflammation that won't heal. Especially the food.
And in my case, I already knew that I had difficulties. Dairy products didn't bother me for a while (tummy bloating and severe constipation, not to mention the effects on my hormones (breast pain, etc.)) – I had banished them from my life to my great regret. Carbs and gluten were making me “rush” a little too, even if not as much.
But I like to eat healthy and take care of my energy, but I also like to taste and discover! And when the trips start again, I want to continue exploring the culinary flavors of the world without depriving myself!
So I started a cleansing process, of sorts. The goal: to get rid of the bacteria in my gut that cause inflammation when they eat milk, sugar, gluten (and for me many other things like coconut, etc.) and feed the ones that make me feel good . For this, I had to stop feeding them for a month at the start, and take probiotics in order to bring in good new bacteria. Then the other month I had to keep going, then boost the good old bacteria with products that feed them (zinc and Green in my case).
Here I am after 2 months. Last Saturday, I went to the restaurant. My first special pleasure moment in 2 months. I ate fried cheese, fried calamari, pizza, ice cream… Result: no bloating. No constipation. Just the normal that continues! First successful test!
I will continue my good habits, while allowing myself more often special moments to make sure that these swellings do not come back too quickly. I'll let you know!
But in the meantime, here is my observation on these 2 months:
DID I SUFFER?
I managed to find amazing recipes and eat very well, super varied and to treat myself. I have published several on the Voyager, Savor, Share group. Snack, aperitif, desserts, I found plenty of alternatives. But yes, it is planned. Going without planning would have been painful, because I would always have eaten the same thing! I made a menu for 2 weeks starting with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even alcohol. But all in all, changing habits was easy. I discovered new ingredients, new ways of cooking. It takes time though.
Honestly, I loved feeling that everything I ate was good for me. But with the deconfinement, the only difficult part was to have less social and going out because no restaurant (or finally, almost, but it's more complex! – there are however ways to get by!) .
I think when I post recipes in the future, I will indicate if it is gluten-free, dairy-free, or low glycemic index. In short, I ate very well and super varied, but because I took the time to cook and do research.
WHAT IS LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX?
The sugar-free diet was quite low on the glycemic index. You can find the values of each ingredient on the internet and you have to aim as low as possible. Do not trust the carbohydrates on the cracker box for example, you really have to see the glycemic index on the Internet!
Basically no sugar, but also no bananas, mangoes, cooked carrots and turnips, potatoes, corn, wheat, etc. There are many many restrictions. We agree, without cooking ourselves, these ingredients are everywhere! So I explored many kinds of flour (quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, lupine, etc.) to get by! And luckily, we were in the middle of the season for berries, which have a very low glycemic index! You should also know that, by aiming for low glycemic indices, it also becomes very easy to reduce gluten... they combine very well!
DID I LOSE WEIGHT?
I hate the word diet. I never gain my weight. I don't understand people who aim for the Yo-Yo effect rather than maintaining a healthy diet on a daily basis. In short, for me, the ultimate goal is vitality!! Thunderous energy every day. No guilt for what makes us happy, but a balance to feel good about ourselves (and that's personal to everyone). So obviously by aiming for the low glycemic index, I lost weight. In my case, 8 pounds in 2 months. But was that my goal? Pantoute!
Do I still have pain in my wrist and tailbone? DO I HAVE MORE ENERGY?
While I was tired and I felt my vitality at its lowest, I now feel much better!
My wrist doesn't hurt at all anymore and I can finally lift anything I want! My tailbone is almost fully recovered (I had trouble sitting still!). My breasts no longer hurt during ovulation. My hormones are much less affected. So yes, the inflammation has gone down and I feel better. I have more energy (I'm not at my peak yet 😉!) and my vitality is coming back. It's hard to describe, but we feel it inside of us when we're full of gas! I like to get up in the morning and feel full of life to accomplish all my projects. Tsé, when nothing scares us!
Note that I combined this with what it takes me to maintain this vitality. But here is my recipe, which I will continue:
So if you want to try my "diet", I invite you just above all to take the time to see how you feel on a daily basis in your skin, measure your energy to accomplish your projects, and see if you want to make any corrections. If so, it will be a set of habits that you will have to change to create your own balance! Don't aim for a diet, just to feel good about yourself and full of vitality!
Feeling good about yourself can just mean loving yourself the way you are!! First of all...!!
The body is your car to get you where you want to go! It needs to be taken care of. And it is at the service of your heart to which you must connect to make the best decisions and feel lighter on a daily basis… regardless of your weight!
]]>Le Omni Mount Washington Hotel is located in New Hampshire. A few hours by car from customs and you are in paradise! The grand white hotel with the red roof solemnly welcomes you, making every guest feel like a king or queen. With its large entrance, you enter each time as if a piece of history awaits you.
You could decide to sleep at the Mont Washington Hotel. Personally, I never allowed myself that. Otherwise, the surroundings are full of campsites for accommodation. But also places to discover. But the pinnacle is simply driving around in the mountains. Admire the landscapes, savor the curves, observe people bathing in the rivers, and take a few relaxing stops.
Arriving at this hotel, you will feel a unique vibe. As if many gentle and kind souls were still wandering around the place. You can admire the building, walk around the large grounds, watch the golfers in the distance. But what I love the most is sitting on the back balcony and taking in the view of the magnificent Mount Washington mountain while having a cup of brownie ice cream (or a glass of wine if that's more your kind!).
Arriving at this hotel, you will feel a unique vibe. As if many gentle and kind souls were still wandering around the place. You can admire the building, walk around the large grounds, watch the golfers in the distance. But what I love the most is sitting on the back balcony and taking in the view of the magnificent Mount Washington mountain while having a cup of brownie ice cream (or a glass of wine if that's more your kind!).
You will find a ton of activities in the surroundings: zip line, golf, the steam train leading to Mount Washington, various hikes, …
In fact, the hotel has a golf course just behind it with a view of the mountains.
You will come back from this place with a rejuvenated soul, soothed, because time will have stopped and well energized to continue your daily life.
]]>What a world classic! But did you know that the famous Caesar salad comes from Mexico? To learn more about the history of this salad known around the world, Click here!
I love it homemade, with quality ingredients. Here is one of my versions, with explosive chicken!! How tasty!
Chicken souvlaki from Madame Germaine
400 g chicken breast, cut into strips
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp. spice Souvlaki by Moulas Madame Germaine
Marinate the chicken in the ingredients indicated and leave for at least 30 minutes (it can go up to 24 hours).
Cook the chicken over high heat, on the barbecue or in a pan, to sear well and have a nice browning.
Garlic Croutons
2 slices of bread, cut into cubes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Dried parsley
Garlic powder
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the bread cubes in a little olive oil until golden brown. Add seasonings to taste and mix well.
You can also just put the whole bread slices on the barbecue. Just before, coat them with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. When golden on both sides, add a little parsley and let cool. Then cut into cubes.
Vaigrette
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1-2 tbsp. capers
Finely chopped chives
Salt and pepper
A little water to liquefy
For the vinaigrette, mix all the ingredients
To assemble
Romain lettuce, coarsely chopped
Quality bacon, cooked then cut into pieces
Riviera goat cheese cheddar (or other cheese), shavings
Assemble your salad with the lettuce, the pieces of cooked bacon, shavings of cheese, then the croutons and the chicken. Add dressing to taste.
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For 2 people
3-4 eggs
Fondue meat (depending on what you have left!)
Sujok Spices A Spice Affair
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a skillet, over low heat, brown the meat in oil or butter. Add a little water so it doesn't dry out. Add the spices.
Then break the eggs over the meat. Cook gently until desired doneness (I like runny yolks), you can also make a brouillade if you prefer. Season to taste.
To complete your Turkish breakfast, add olives, tomatoes and cucumber, bread, jam, tahini and molasses...
I recently discovered the pleasure of eating mindfully. And maybe you too (maybe even without knowing it). I was taught mindfulness over 14 years ago. Mindfulness was the basis for better leadership, so it's not surprising that we explored it thoroughly in the MBA. For all these years, I knew meditation very well theoretically, its benefits, how it should be done, etc.
For several years also, my spiritual guide Nancy Vachon had been constantly telling me to take the time to stop and eat. Just 15 minutes, to enjoy my meal, even when I'm alone and in a busy working day. I heard his message well and knew its importance, but I wasn't really listening.
Well let's see you!
Stopping to eat alone. Take the time to savor alone. Without my cell in front of me. Without talking on the phone. Without standing to hurry. Without eating in front of my computer while working. Without entertainment other than my food.
Hey well, like what, when it doesn't come from us...
Then there was the Covid, the twists and turns, the hard work… and suddenly, a kind of something that brings a bit of fatigue. Deeper thoughts. Questioning. A forced slowdown.
And suddenly, all the theory became practice not because it had to, but for the luminous well-being it brings inside.
With this meditation also came the pleasure of stopping to savor, all by myself! But yes! What a pleasure to sit alone to taste what has been prepared, even if this thing is the simplest there is. What a joy to enjoy each of the ingredients, to realize how they grew, the energy that was put into growing them, how they got to us. An intense dose of vital energy from all over the earth that passes through our organs and goes into our blood, our muscles, our ligaments, to give us back this energy. What a pleasure to enjoy colors, tastes, textures. What a magical moment I now spend eating alone, savoring in silence, if only 15 minutes a day with myself. A total and complete connection with nature, on my plate!
So here it is, finally after all these years of theory and "theoretical" practice, I feel such immense well-being that eating alone, with my food, stopping completely, has become in my priorities several times a week. And it's like any well-established habit, it won't go away anytime soon!
I wish you enjoy it just as much!
]]>It's hot, it's sunny! And I totally appreciate all that life brings, so much happiness!
And to refresh myself a bit, what could be better than a drink with the magnificent herbs that grow all around me!
For 1 glass
- A few Thai basil leaves
- A few mint leaves
- 8-10 raspberries
- 2 tbsp. tablespoon lemon (or lime) juice
- 1 tbsp. tablespoon maple syrup
- About 3/4 cup lemon sparkling water (or regular and add more lemon juice)
Place the Thai basil, mint and raspberries in a glass. Crush and grind well to bring out the flavors of the herbs.
Add lemon juice and maple syrup. Mix.
Add sparkling water and enjoy in a magical setting (there is no definition for magical setting, it's the one that's magical in your head!).
*If you want to add alcohol, a little rum would be delicious!
**The flower on the drink is an edible monarda, whose delicious petals taste like sweet mint.
]]>But these crackers are so good, simple and nutritious that they will definitely remain in my daily diet, low glycemic index or not!
Be careful, it's all in the seasoning. Take the one of your choice, but put some!
In a measuring cup or small bowl, soak the chia seeds in water for 30 minutes.
In another medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the swollen chia seeds.
Mix well then make a ball of dough, it's a bit sticky, I agree. But to hear it, just put the ball between two pieces of parchment paper and lower. Aim for a thickness of around 3-4 mm.
Remove the parchment paper from the top, then with a pizza cutter or a knife, make shapes for the crackers (squares or whatever, let yourself go!!).
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. If after this time the dough is not yet completely dehydrated, using another baking sheet, turn the dough and remove the parchment paper. This will allow dehydration on the other side. Return to the oven for about 5-10 minutes, checking regularly.
Note that the cooking time will vary a lot depending on the thickness of your dough.
Store in an airtight container!
Delicious with guacamole, veggie pâté or cretons, goat cheese, hummus, tartare...
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