Food and drink

Nov03

Did you know that two billion pounds of pumpkin ends up in landfills worldwide each year? Are you looking to dispose of your pumpkin differently so it does not land in the landfill this year?

Here are a few ways you can dispose of your pumpkin:

  1. If you pumpkin is bare with no candle residue, paint, marker etc pumpkins are a great snack for wildlife to enjoy. On your next hike bring your pumpkin cut into pieces and dispose it into the bush off the path and out of the way of other hikers. If animals decide to pass on enjoying this snack not to worry pumpkins are 90% water so they will decompose into the earth.
  2. Compost your pumpkin and reuse the dirt for your garden in the upcoming years!
  3. Create a “snack-o-lantern” for the birds around your neighbourhood follow this craft here
  4. Plant the pumpkin seeds to see if you are able to grow your own pumpkins next year!
  5. If your pumpkin was freshly carved and no mould or decomposing has taken place you are able to make a long list of recipes from the pumpkins “meat” aka the inside of the pumpkin!
  6. Reach out to local farmers and see if their pigs, chickens or goats would enjoy your pumpkin as an afternoon snack!

A few recipes you can try are:

  1. Pumpkin Pie
  2. Vegan Pumpkin Soup
  3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
  4. Pumpkin Based Vegetable Stock
  5. Pumpkin Bread
Oct23

Fall has fallen upon us and we found some of the most delicious fall recipes for you try during your stay with us!

Busy day ahead and no time to cook? Not to worry – toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and be prepared for the delicious smells once you arrive back at the Breakaway Properties!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make this delicious Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup!

  • Butternut Squash
  • “no-chicken” broth or vegetable broth
  • Onion
  • Curry powder
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Coconut Milk
  • Lime
  • Cilantro

Do you have a extra pumpkin laying around inspiring you to make a special dish for Halloween..? Look no further this Cheesy Pumpkin Lasagna is a must try!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make this delicious Cheesy Pumpkin Lasagna!

  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Cider vinegar
  • Dried sage
  • Cans pumpkin purée
  • Maple syrup
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Shredded Fontina
  • Egg
  • Box no-boil lasagna noodles
  • Cooking Spray

Halloween birthday upon you? Try these festive cupcakes this year!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes!

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground ginger
  • White sugar
  • Ground allspice
  • Teaspoon salt
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon

Icing:

  • Cream Cheese
  • Butter
  • Confectioners Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Ground cinnamon
Oct15

Have you had the opportunity to indulge in local ingredients and produce? The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market is a must add to your list when looking for local, fresh ingredients. Hosted year round every Saturday from 8:30am-noon.

A few common asked questions from the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market website attached below:

  • Are Dogs Allowed? No – The friends of  Qualicum Beach Farmers Market love the fur babies but ask for them to stay at home for the market trips!
  • What is in season? Check out the in season diagram here!
  • Is there food at the market? Yes
  • Are there washrooms? Yes – located outside the Community Hall
  • Where do I park? – In the church behind the market there is parking offered during the market.
  • Where is the Market? 644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8

There are so many vendors who frequently are at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market from produce, eggs, baked goods, and crafts just to name a few. To view the entire vendor list check out the website here.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget your reusable bag!

Aug25

Looking for a delicious quick snack to enjoy during your vacation, but you can’t choose what? Look no further we are here to support you and all snacking ideas!

Guacamole and Chips Recipe: Depending on how much Guacamole you would like you can double or triple this recipe!

  • 2-3 Avocados
  • 1 lime or lemon
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1/2 cup of diced onion
  • 2-3 tomato’s diced
  • jalapeno a lot or none (if you like spice add about a tablespoon thinly cut)
  1. Peel avocados and mash to your preference of chunky or smooth
  2. Dice onion, tomato and jalapeno if you want to add a little spice
  3. Mince Garlic or use garlic press
  4. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl mix and add lime/lemon and salt to taste
  5. Match with your favourite chip and enjoy!

Pina Colada Dip – found here!

  • 1-1/4 cups cold 2% milk
  • 3/4 cup pineapple yogurt
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Optional: Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes and maraschino cherries
  • Fresh pineapple wedges
  • Vanilla wafers
  1. In a large bowl, whisk milk, yogurt and pudding mix 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours.
  2. If desired, top with coconut and cherries before serving. Serve with pineapple and wafers.

Coconut, Lime, and Pistachio Cookies – found here!

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 teaspoons lime juice
  • 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup pistachios, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 large egg white, room temperature
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and lime juice. In another bowl, whisk flour, pudding mix, baking soda and baking powder; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in pistachios and dried cranberries. With clean beaters, beat egg white on medium speed until thick and foamy; stir in coconut.
  2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Top with coconut mixture. Bake until until edges begin to brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Sprinkle with lime zest. Store in airtight containers.

Jalapeno Popper Dip – found here!

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced jalapeno peppers
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Sliced green onions, optional
  • Corn chips, tortilla chips or assorted crackers
  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, chilies, peppers and 1/4 cup Parmesan until blended. Spoon into an ungreased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, oil and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle over cheese mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 min. or until golden brown. Sprinkle with green onions, if desired. Serve with chips or crackers.

Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus – found here!

  • 3 fresh medium beets (about 1 pound)
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, optional
  • Minced fresh dill weed or parsley
  • Assorted fresh vegetables
  • Sliced or torn pita bread
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Pierce beets with a fork; place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Microwave beets on high for 4 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool slightly. Wrap beets in individual foil packets.
  2. Remove papery outer skin from garlic bulb, but do not peel or separate cloves. Cut in half crosswise. Sprinkle halves with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil. Wrap in individual foil packets. Roast beets and garlic until cloves are soft, about 45 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven; unwrap. Rinse beets with cold water; peel when cool enough to handle. Squeeze garlic from skins. Place beets and garlic in a food processor. Add garbanzo beans, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, cayenne pepper and remaining olive oil, salt and ground pepper. Process until smooth.
  4. If desired, pulse 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt with beet mixture, dolloping remaining yogurt over finished hummus. Sprinkle with dill or parsley. Serve with assorted vegetables and pita bread.

Enjoy your summer snacks!

Jul12

Enjoy the experience of local food and local talent all at once at the Black Goose Inn. Minutes from the Tanglewood beach vacation rentals you’ll find some great eats and live music!

Check out their extensive menu full of snacks, starters, salads, mains, pies and even something for the kids! It’s traditional British cooking just minutes from your vacation home! Black Goose Inn offers an authentic experience welcome to the entire family, including your 4 legged friends. An outdoor patio is available. Happy hour is offered from 3-5pm with live music between the hours of 6pm-8:30pm. Find the live music schedule here!

Some of our favourite items on the menu are:

Strawberry and Pecan Spinach Salad – Spinach, Strawberries, Feta, Home made candied pecans, Balsamic Dressing

Lamb Shank – Red wine rosemary oven braised lamb shank, Buttery mashed potatoes, Peas, Red win lamb jus

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon – Sockeye salmon, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and a Creamy lobster sauce

Of course, our cottages come fully equipped with everything you need to make your own home cooked meal – but who wants to cook every night of their vacation!

Jul05

Picture this: You spent the entire day in the Qualicum Landing pool and hot tub splashing and playing in the sun. But your stomach begins to rumble and you are ready to eat! No worries! In under 20 minutes you can be in Coombs at one of our favourite local spots: Cuckoo Trattoria!

Cuckoo is located in the Coombs Market (famous for their goats on the roof, amongst other things!) So head over a bit early and take your time wandering the local shops before heading in for dinner.

Cuckoo boasts a large menu of delicious authentic Italian cuisine made with local West Coast ingredients. The best traditional Italian recipes we all love! From pasta, to Italian thin crust pizza, homemade desserts and more.  Head Chef Fausto Bellicini was born and raised in Italy and brought all his expertise to us locally in the heart of Coombs. You can read more about Chef Fausto here. Choose to eat in or take out, but I recommend staying and enjoying the ambiance!

A few of our favourite dishes:

Fettuccine Salmone – The Italian spin on a West Coast classic, with wild B.C. smoked salmon, garlic, capers, dill and a touch of white wine in a light cream sauce

Boscaiola – Flavours of the forest, with local wild chanterelles and a medley of seasonal mushrooms sautéed with garlic & thyme, topped with mozzarella cheese on a creamy mascarpone cheese base, drizzled with Italian truffle’s oil

Mussels – Fresh steamed mussels served Neapolitan style with garlic and white wine, or yellow curry and coconut milk

Your taste buds will be tingling the minute you walk in the door with the aroma of fresh, local, delicious, homemade Italian meals and ingredients.

Be sure to check out Cuckoo Trattoria during your stay at Qualicum Landing!

Realm Local Food
Jun28

Looking for a taste of local food during your Tanglewood stay? We have loads of tips on local treats and eats, and Realm Food Co is high on our list! Realm is a great place from breakfast, to on the go bites, tacos, sandwiches and so much more!

Located minutes from Tanglewood in Parksville is Realm is a great pick for a meal out. All the items on the menu are sourced locally right from Vancouver Island, and we all know you can’t beat the taste of local. Check out Realm Food Co’s website to see all the items on the menu and explore more about them.

A couple of our favourites on the menu are:

Ramen (vegan options available) – poached egg, bone broth, carrot, cabbage, kale, wild mushrooms, rice noodles, nori, bone broth, chili-hoisin gastrique choice of chicken, pork or tempeh

West Coast Bowl – seared albacore tuna, avocado, carrot, beet, sprouts, cabbage, marinated kale, rice, nori, chipotle-basil aïoli, ponzu sauce

Local Sandwich -basil chèvre, marinated tomato, cucumber, apple-thyme slaw, greens, sprouts, turmeric aioli

Looking to bring the deliciously fresh food back to your Tanglewood Beach Home patio – Realm offers take out so you can bring it back to your beautiful beach home for the entire family to enjoy.

Haven’t booked your island vacation yet? Make sure to check out our rentals page to see all that we offer – and get in touch if you have any questions at all!

Eat Local, Eat Fresh!

Traditional Holiday Treats
Dec15

Christmas is chock full of traditions, from tree decorating to gift giving, carol singing and of course, eating. Every family has their own version of a traditional Christmas dinner. Today we are looking at some long-standing Christmas desserts! These sweet creations have been around for ages (literally), so we thought it would be fun to take a slightly closer look at these time-honoured treats.

  1. Christmas Puddings

    Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas desserts (alongside the fruit cake), this sweet treat has been around since at least the 15th century. While it has certainly changed since then (this pudding started out more savoury than sweet), and the ingredients and way we make it has shifted over time, it still remains a top pick at Christmas dinners, especially amongst the British! Check out some great recipes here.

  2. Fruit Cakes

    Though it receives more than its fair share of mockery, the fruit cake has a long and esteemed history. With roots going as far back as the Ancient Romans, this holiday dessert has the depth and strength to withstand a few jokes! There are a lot of recipes and variations out there, including the Italian panforte & Germany’s stollen. Take a look at Alton Brown’s famous version, and let us know if you have a favourite go-to recipe!

  3. Mince Pies

    Like the first 2 desserts on our list, mince pies have been around for centuries, though they have undergone some major adaptations along the way. Also like the first 2 desserts, this treat gained some notoriety during Oliver Cromwell’s time in power, when these tasty treats (among other Christmasy traditions) were made illegal. Today, recipes abound for these tasty pies, and they have become ubiquitous on Christmas tables, especially across the UK.

  4. Trifle

    This decadent yet simple layered dessert is another one with a long standing history. Soaking left over breads, cake, and fruit in alcohol was a way to preserve them. It also made sure that no ingredients went to waste. This was meant to be a simple, throw together dessert, and even the name ‘trifle’ seems to reflect that! From classic to creamy, chocolate or berries, there is no lack in mouth watering trifle recipes to try!

  5. Pumpkin Pie

    Pumpkin pie may be seen as a traditional Thanksgiving dessert in Canada and the USA, but it is also one of the most popular Christmas desserts. Originally from central America, pumpkins were first brought to Europe in the 1500’s. These gourds easily made their way into traditional British pie cooking culture; however, it still took a few centuries to become the dessert that North Americans savour today. Fun fact – pumpkins were originally called ‘pumpions’, from the french ‘pompon’, owing to their adorable pompom resemblance! Take a look at one of my all-time favourite pumpkin pie recipes!

We are officially in holiday mode over here, and would love to hear about some of your favourite Christmas treats! Leave us a comment if you would like to share! If you are a serious Christmas planner and are already thinking about next year don’t forget to check out our cottages! Large kitchens and cozy fireplaces are a great addition to any holiday tradition!

B.C. Wine and Snack Pairings
Sep10

Keep reading to get our recommendations for the best B.C. wine and snack pairings this season.

If you’re visiting B.C., you’ve probably already heard that we are the wine country of Canada. British Columbia hosts around 929 vineyards currently as well as over 350 licensed wineries. There are 4,130 hectares of wine grapes growing across B.C. in any given year. 

Now that it’s fall, you’ll want to shirk the light, floral flavours of spring. Here are some great B.C. wine and snack pairings with an autumn twist! 

Pumpkin + Viognier 

Pumpkin is a staple of fall and often shows up luxuriously spiced in baked goods like pie, cookies, and tarts. The rich, sweetness of pumpkin will pair well with a nice viognier. Luckily, B.C. wineries like Volcanic Hills have many options for you to pick from. 

Try: Pumpkin Pie Bites from Tasty + Viognier from Volcanic Hills Winery (West Kelowna)

Apples + Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is the third most popular wine grape grown in B.C., right after the uber-popular Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. It used to be known for being super sweet but has been trending towards dryer flavours, making it a great option for fall. Gewürztraminer’s fruity profile pairs well with apples, which can be plucked right from the tree at one of the Okanagan’s U-Picks!

Try: Easy Apple Crisp from Little Sweet Baker + 50th Parallel Gewürztraminer (Lake Country, BC).

Figs + Port

Port (AKA Vinho do Porto or just Porto) has relatively low acidity and tannin, making it a great pairing for both cooked or raw figs. Port also has a slightly higher alcohol percentage, ranging closer to 20% than the usual 10-13%. Figs are a ton of fun to work with in the kitchen and a quick search for “fig appetizer ideas” will open your mind to the world of the edible fruit of Ficus carica.

Try: Fig Appetizer With Brie And Spiced Honey from Just a Little Bit of Bacon + Vintage Okanagan Tawny Port from House of Rose (Kelowna, BC).

Sweet Potatoes + Zinfandel

Sweet potatoes, venison, and game meats are just a few hearty fall flavours that pair well with the dark fruit, spice, and oak of a good Zinfandel. Enjoy black cherry, blueberry, and hints of vanilla with your favourite easy sweet potato snack. 

Try: Baked Sweet Potato Chips from Minimalist Baker + Black Sage Zinfandel by Black Sage Vineyards (Okanagan Valley, BC).

Ready for a Visit to Beautiful B.C.?

What do you think about our choice of B.C. wine and snack pairings for fall? Let us know or let us know what other local topics you want us to cover. 

Let Breakaway Vacations help you book your stay. We have luxury vacation cottages and overnight rentals for all group sizes and budgets. Talk to one of our friendly travel experts to get started. 

You might also like: The Best B.C. Wine and Why We Love Them.

Best Cocktails In Kelowna
Aug20

Are you visiting one of our luxury cabins in Kelowna, B.C.? You might want a fresh, exciting night out while you’re in town! Take a night to yourself to discover the unique, sultry cocktail bars across the city. Here are a few of the best cocktails in Kelowna…and where you can find them. 

Rember: Cocktails change year-over-year and sometimes season-over-season. If you can’t find something we’ve suggested on the current menu, ask the bartender! They might be able to make it special for you or suggest an alternative cocktail. 

Micro Bar Bites

Micro Bar Bites is an intimate dining experience located right downtown Kelowna on Water Street. They have bottled beer and homemade cocktails on the menu. The duck fat & rosemary popcorn really can’t be beat as a quick appetizer for the table. They are also dedicated to supporting local produce suppliers! 

Our favourite cocktail: Y’all Can’t Handle the Truth. This is a RauDZ Creative Concepts exclusive with TWT gin, Pimms, cucumber oleo-saccharum, lime, and Okanagan Spirits Taboo Absinthe rinse. See their whole menu here.

Jack’s 

Jack’s, AKA Jack’s on Bernard, is a Kelowna cocktail bar with a rock-and-roll vibe, as emphasized by their drink menu named after famous songs and 90’s nostalgia. They have an amazing menu of food including three different types of flatbread (yum!). Ask for their Featured Flatbread to get a seasonal surprise. 

Our favourite cocktail: Detroit Rocket City. Cucumber-infused Absolut Vodka, watermelon, lemon, and hibiscus foam. See their whole menu here.

Social 

Social 242, AKA Social Lounge & Grill, is located on Kelowna’s beautiful Lawrence Avenue and boasts a menu packed with daily deals, vegan menu options, and plenty of beer and wine to choose from. For dessert, or paired with your cocktail of choice, try their Amaretto Creme Brulee or Hazelnut Espresso Cheesecake. 

Our favourite cocktail (and don’t let the name fool you): The Mediocre Caesar. A classic Caesar with all the fixins’—cheese, pickles, olives, and sausage. Did we mention CHEESE? Check out their full menu here.

Cantina del Centro

Cantina del Centro is a Latin American-inspired cocktail bar and eatery with locations in both Kelowna and Nelson. The Kelowna venue, located on Bernard Avenue, is just a stone’s skip away from Okanagan Lake. Their specialty is Mexican street food and they offer an extensive tequila and mezcal list.

Our favourite cocktail: Sin Cara Mezcal Margarita. Sombra mezcal, Haskap, lavender, vanilla, and lime. 

Mid-Town Station

Mid-Town Station opened in November 2019 as a partner venue to the Train Station Pub, another local Kelowna staple. This Landmark District go-to gathering spot does everything from dinner, brunch, take-out, and even catering. They also have a loyalty reward program for frequent guests. 

Our favourite cocktail: Okanagan Sangria. Smirnoff green apple vodka, lillet blanc, maraschino liqueur, white wine, lime juice, white cranberry juice, float of Okanagan spirits cherry liqueur, and soda. 

What do you think about our list of best cocktails in Kelowna? Ready to visit and find your new favourite cocktail bar and drink? Come stay with Breakaway Vacations—luxury vacation rentals for any budget.