Food and drink

May18

May Cocktails and Mocktails!

breakaway@lloydstravel.com Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink no responses

May Cocktails and Mocktails!

May Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of Spring fresh drinks and flower blossoms and fresh new sprouts, when they think of May and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! May Cocktails and Mocktails!

Mint Julep

Ingredients

2 1/2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz of simple syrup
Fresh Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice
Garnish with a sprig of mint

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice as desired. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

Berry Basil Lemonade

Ingredients

1 cup mixed berries (strawberry, raspberry and blueberries
3 oz of Lemonade
Fresh Basil leaves
Muddle berries and basil together, then top with lemonade.

Add all the ingredients except the lemonade and mix for 1-2 minutes. Pout lemonade over the berries and basil and stir, add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh basil. See the smiles for miles with this fun Mocktail. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share! May Cocktails and Mocktails!

Save these recipes for when visiting us at Breakaway Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @Breakaway for a chance to be featured! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

Apr26

April Cocktails and Mocktails!

breakaway@lloydstravel.com Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink no responses

April Cocktails and Mocktails!

April Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of Spring fresh drinks and flower blossoms when they think of April and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! April Cocktails and Mocktails!

Cherry Blossom Martini

Ingredients

2 oz Gin
1 oz of Cherry Liqueur
1/2 oz Elder Flower Liqueur
Splash of Vermouth
Garnish with a Cherry Blossom

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with a fresh cherry blossom.

Sparkling Peach Lemonade

Ingredients

2 oz of Peach puree
3 oz of Lemonade
Sparkling water
Garnish with a slice of Peach.

Add all the ingredients except the Sparkling water to a blender and mix for 1-2 minutes. Garnish peach slice. See the smiles for miles with this fun Mocktail. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share! April Cocktails and Mocktails!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

Mar22

March Cocktails and Mocktails!

breakaway@lloydstravel.com Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink no responses

March Cocktails and Mocktails!

March Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of green drinks and shamrocks when they think of March and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! March cocktails and Mocktails.

Irish Mule

Ingredients

2 oz Irish Whiskey
1/2 oz of Lime Juice
Ginger Beer
Garnish with a slice of Lime

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish will a fresh slice of lime.

Minty Shamrock Shake

Ingredients

2 cups of Vanilla Ice cream
1 cup of Milk
1/2 tsp of Peppermint Extract
Green food colouring(Optional)
Whipped cream and green sprinkles to garnish.

Add all the ingredients except the whipped cream and sprinkles to a blender and mix for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with whipping cream and green sprinkles. See the smiles for miles with March Cocktails and Mocktails. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes. We will be sure to share! Here is a link to some other tasty recipes to pair with your drinks March Food Recipes

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

Feb15

February Cocktail & Mocktails!

breakaway@lloydstravel.com Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink no responses

February Cocktails and Mocktails!

Love is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of love with these fresh and tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of strawberries as the ‘fruit of Valentine’s Day’ – chocolate dipped, mixed in drinks, or just on their own. But we think raspberries are just as worthy and we can’t wait for you to try out these tantalizing recipes.

Raspberry Rose Fizz

Ingredients

2 oz of Gin
1 oz of Raspberry Liqueur
1/2 oz of Rose Syrup
Champagne

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Love Potion Mocktail

Ingredients

3 oz Cranberry Juice
2 oz of Pomegranate Juice
1 oz of Raspberry Puree
Splash of Club Soda

Stir gently to incorporate flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Save these recipes for when visiting us at La Casa Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @lacasacottages for a chance to be featured! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

Dec15

Baking Up Holiday Magic: The Art of Christmas Cookies

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays no responses

The holiday season is synonymous with many things: twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the delightful aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies filling our homes. From classic sugar cookies to intricately decorated gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition that brings joy and warmth to this festive time of year. In this blog, we’ll dive into the sweet world of Christmas cookies, exploring the history, popular varieties, and tips for baking and decorating these delectable treats.

The Sweet History of Christmas Cookies:
The tradition of baking cookies during the holiday season has a rich history. In Medieval Europe, spices and dried fruits were expensive and reserved for special occasions, including Christmas. These ingredients found their way into cookies, creating the foundation for the modern Christmas cookie.

Popular Christmas Cookie Varieties:
1. Sugar Cookies: These classic treats are a canvas for creativity, often decorated with royal icing and festive sprinkles.

2. Gingerbread Cookies: Gingerbread cookies, including the iconic gingerbread men, offer a warm and spicy flavour that evokes the holiday spirit.

3. Peppermint Bark Cookies: Combining the flavours of chocolate and peppermint, these cookies are a refreshing delight.

4. Snickerdoodles: Cinnamon-sugar-coated snickerdoodles provide a comforting and nostalgic taste of the holidays.

5. Thumbprint Cookies: These cookies, with their indents filled with jam or chocolate, are both visually appealing and delicious.

6. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, shortbread cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth delight that can be shaped into festive designs.

7. Rugelach: A Jewish pastry, rugelach, is often enjoyed during Hanukkah and Christmas, featuring a flaky dough filled with nuts, raisins, and cinnamon.

Baking and Decorating Tips:
1. Plan Ahead: Start by choosing the cookie recipes you want to bake and make a shopping list. This ensures you have all the ingredients you need.

2. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients, such as real butter and fresh spices, can make a significant difference in the flavour of your cookies.

3. Chill the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting shapes.

4. Get Creative with Decorations: Use royal icing, fondant, and food colouring to create intricate designs and festive patterns on your cookies.

5. Package with Care: Share the joy of Christmas cookies by gifting them in beautifully decorated tins, boxes, or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.

The Joy of Christmas Cookies:
Baking and sharing Christmas cookies is not just about the delicious treats themselves; it’s about creating memories, traditions, and moments of togetherness with loved ones. Whether you’re baking with family, hosting a cookie exchange, or leaving a plate of cookies for Santa, these sweet delights bring a sense of warmth and goodwill to the holiday season.

Christmas cookies are more than just baked goods; they are the embodiment of the holiday spirit. Whether you’re indulging in the cozy process of baking or savouring the final delicious results, Christmas cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the magic of the season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the sweet traditions of Christmas cookies fill your home with joy and love this holiday season.

Dec01

Tis the Season: Vancouver Island’s Charming Christmas Market Events

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vancouver Island no responses

The holiday season is just around the corner, and Vancouver Island is gearing up for a festive celebration. With Christmas markets, craft fairs, twinkling lights, and delicious treats, the island is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. Here’s a guide to some of the magical Christmas events happening this year:

Coombs Christmas Market:
Location: To be determined
When: December 2 & 3, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Kick off the holiday shopping season at the Coombs Christmas Market. Discover the perfect, locally crafted gifts for your loved ones. From artisan crafts to gourmet food items, this market is a treasure trove of handmade, local Christmas goodness. For more details, visit the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association.

Christmas Market & Walk of Lights at Arbutus Meadows:
Location: 1515 Island Hwy E, Nanoose Bay
Dates: December 2, 9, and 16, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm; Festival of Lights on December 23

Experience the magic of Christmas at Arbutus Meadows every Saturday in December. Explore the indoor venue with talented local vendors, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food. Outside, you’ll find a Festival of Lights Walk, Bethlehem Village, a live Nativity Scene, farm animals, hay wagon rides, bonfires, smores, a Lego Winter Village Display, and more. It’s an enchanting holiday experience.

The Holiday Market at Nanaimo North Town Centre:
Location: Nanaimo North Town Centre
Dates: December 2-3; 9-10; 16-17
Hours: Saturdays – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hosted by The Mom Market Vancouver Island, this Christmas vendor market is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts and goodies. Explore a winter wonderland with free admission, grand prizes, music, Christmas cocktails/mocktails, and more. This market is for everyone, not just moms, and is perfect for finding unique and special presents.

Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair:
Location: 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan
Date: Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Step back in time and visit the Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair, set in the historic heritage property. Over 40 local vendors will showcase their handmade crafts, from candles and carvings to toys and clothing. Explore the three floors, take pictures with Santa, engage in kids’ crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and savor nostalgic food in the Dining Room. Best of all, this fair supports Providence Farm’s therapeutic programs for adults and seniors with various challenges.

St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar:
Location: Church Hall – 138 Hoylake Rd. W, Qualicum Beach
Date: Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Don’t miss St. Mark Anglican’s Christmas Bazaar. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up delightful Christmas baking and preserves and discover handcrafted gifts, books, curios, treasures, and mysterious mystery bottles. Relax with a muffin and a cup of tea with friends while you’re there.

The holiday season on Vancouver Island is a time of joy, community, and cherished traditions. These Christmas events offer a chance to find unique gifts, enjoy delicious treats, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. As the island transforms into a winter wonderland, there’s no better time to embrace the festive spirit and celebrate the magic of the season.

Jan25

Breakfast ideas to try during your stay with us!

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island no responses

Nothing is better then the smell of a freshly brewed coffee, birds chirping, bacon sizzling and family laughter dancing through the house. During your stay with us we want you to be as comfortable as possible, skip the meal planning we have already done that for you. Giving you extra time to enjoy that coffee and time with your loved ones.

Clementine Sunshine Smoothie

This deliciously fresh, citrus smoothie will kick start your day and energize you for the adventures to come around the beautiful land surrounding La Casa!

4 clementines, preferably chilled
½ cup ice
¼ cup yogurt or almond milk (plain or vanilla flavors work)
Tiny dash sea salt

Savoury Breakfast Bowl

Bring your favourite breakfast bowl from the cafe of your dreams to reality with this delicious recipe.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 cups spinach
½ cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
¼ avocado, sliced
½ cup Everything Bagel Potatoes
1 to 2 eggs (fried, scrambled, soft boiled, whatever your preference)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sprinkle of feta cheese or nutritional yeast, optional
Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil, if desired
Hot sauce or salsa, optional

Baked Sweet Potato Egg Cups

Olive oil spray
2 1/2 cups peeled and grated, on large holes sweet potatoes (about 1 8-ounce potato)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste,
1 ounce finely grated Pecorino cheese, 2 teaspoons reserved
6 large eggs

Apple Dutch Baby

3 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup milk
6 tablespoons salted butter – divided
1 apple – peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon – optional
powdered sugar – for serving, optional

Dec14

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Tara Rafferty Beaches, Blog, British Columbia, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

Nothing says holidays like over indulging in cookies, or coming home to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Treat yourself this year.. literally!

Our home away from home offer beautiful kitchens that are ready to be baked in, stop by the store for a few ingredients and you are ready to bake. At Breakaway Vacation homes the smell of your freshly baked cookies will linger throughout your stay and bring joy and happiness to your stay. Celebrate the holiday with us this year, we offer houses ranging from sizes at 3 locations including Tanglewood, Qualicum Landing, and Otter Bay – book now and relax later!

Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup coarse sugar or granulated sugar

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (for the coating)

Jam Filled Thumbprint Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup jam, raspberry or strawberry
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1-2 tablespoons almond milk

Dec09

Holiday Dinner Recipes

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

You have arrived at your destination and packed your bags inside your cozy cottage and your vacation has begun your stomach begins to grumble and at last it comes time to utilize your large kitchen that is equipped with most the supplies you need, now what to cook? You are reading the perfect blog for you with some of our favourite home cooked meals to make your stay extra memorable from the kitchen outwards.

Turkey Biscuit Stew – a delicious dish to keep your warm and utilize that leftover turkey

⅓ cup chopped onion
¼ cup butter, cubed
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-½ ounces) condensed chicken broth, undiluted
¾ cup milk
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup cooked peas
1 cup cooked, sliced carrots
1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, not flaky

Creamy Chicken Piccata

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
¼ cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
¼ cup capers, drained

Easy Red Lentil Dal Recipe – super simple and ingredients you will have in your pantry

red lentils- which are cost effective, shelf stable, and a staple in our pantry
Spices – curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, ground coriander and salt
Aromatics – finely chopped onion, minced garlic and finely grated ginger
tomatoes- one 15 oz can (juices included)
stock- vegetable stock for vegetarians, homemade bone broth if you are not. Using stock infuses even more flavor into the lentils as they cook!

Nov21

Winterfest Craft Fair Qualicum Beach

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Sustainability, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

We are counting down the days till the Winterfest Craft Fair at Qualicum Beach! 50+ Crafters, Artisans and in between will be attending the Winterfest the list of vendors can be found here. While you are checking out all of the vendors there will be 7 types stage entertainment from Highland dance, bands and live music.

Admission price is $4 per person – come and go as you please!

Not only will you be supporting local while shopping at the Winterfest Craft Fair event you will also be donating to local community groups. From the beginning of 2012 they have raise $24,108 for local community groups!

Last year they were able to raise $3,323 which was split to the following community groups. Sourced from Winterfest Website

Bikers Against Child Abuse $447,    Oceanside Hospice $408,
Qualicum Beach Cat Resue $237,    Haven Society $1060,
Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs $427,    North Island Wildlife Rescue Ass. $408,
Ballenus Track Rebuild, $200 Building Learning Together $127.

Get to know the community while staying on the property and enjoy the local talent that Qualicum and surrounding area brings.

Where: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street

When: November 25th – 27th

Friday 9am – 5pm

Saturday 9am – 5pm

Sunday 10am – 4pm