PEC Indulging Again

I haven’t been posting. I have a million reasons. Number one and most significant, I have started a new business, TAG Events with my daughter, Cait Lafleche and between building our website, meeting with clients, and preparing for our official launch its been busy (and exciting).

I was also reminded by a reader and fellow blogger I haven’t been posting as much recently. The truth hurts but I knew she was right. I often wonder why we let the things we truly love slip to the sidelines? So with younger sister as my traveling companion we happily headed off in anticipation of some good times, good food and great company to Indulge PEC (round 2).

I grew up not to far away from PEC, in Northumberland County on the lake so it kind of feels like going home every time I am there. I also have no great knowledge of wine, but I know what I like and I know what foods to pair with wine. I grew up in a home with a wine lover, someone who appreciates it, so I had been exposed to it from an early age.

We landed in Bloomfield at Angelines a lovely inn, where we could refresh and rest our heads on brand new pillows in brand new beds. We were treated very well by our hosts, who had just completed renovations. I plan to stay there again this summer.

First stop the Agrarian for a taste of Maple-licious, grilled cheeses, homemade waffles served with salted maple cream, covered in blue cheese were just some of the delicious offerings. It was where we met the people we would be spending this short, sweet weekend with. It was a lovely start to a perfectly indulgent two days.

Next stop the Indigo Yoga Centre which is home to John Squair (formerly of Sandbanks Winery now of Three Dog Wine) our host and planner of this event and his partner Sacha Clarke-Squair. John was spot on with this part of Indulge, he brought the wineries to us, brilliant! A few hours of enjoying wines, chatting with winemakers and other bloggers, and the super special treat of Seed to Sausage perfection. Those of you reading most likely do not have to be told about Seed to Sausage, but just in case, they create wonderful meat (sausage, award-winning salami, pancetta, deli meats) all by hand in Sharbot Lake Ontario. Who could ask for more? Their tagline, local.ethical.humble pretty much explains everything. Their just good people, the kind you want to support. Where can you find their products? Right here.

Afterward a trip to stretch our legs and get some fresh air visiting local artisans was just the trick! Then off to dinner at Pomodoro.

We appreciated the ability to have some extra time the next morning, before a trip to Waupoos Estates Winery for a delicious breakfast, visit to the sugar shack and wine tasting. Then whisked off to 66 Gilead Distillery for a vodka and gin tasting (my first ever), where I fell in love with their whole wheat vodka. This beautiful second empire house was built in 1874 by a wealthy Hops grower, Bert Cooper, during the County’s Barley Days. The house is also available in the evenings for special events.

A big thanks to Jeremiah from Taste of the County. His love of this place he grew-up and its history added even more depth to this adventure. He and John are the perfect ambassadors.

The planners spoil us. They also make us want to tell everyone and share this amazing place with the world, and so we should. The feeling you get in the County is like no other place. It’s not stuffy or pretentious. Its welcoming and warm, a place you want to be. The work of everyone who lives there seems effortless, it flows so naturally. But we know it’s not effortless, that it’s a lot of hard work, because it’s a labour of love and that love for the place shines through in big beaming rays.

I want to live there too.

French Toast Makeover

Endlessly searching for good beginnings, the Monday morning fresh start etc. I am always looking for healthy alternatives to the big weekend brunch. As empty-nesters (very young ones I might add) we thought we would have more time to ourselves, it seems the exact opposite. So, we cherish Sundays in this house, it’s the only time when its absolutely about us. We sleep in, catch up on Corie, walk the dogs, do some laundry and try to keep the computer and phones to a minimum.

This weekend I decided to makeover French toast. I was really pleased with the results. Though not as pretty as some, it was delicious and we loaded it with fruit.

This is the overnight version, which makes morning prep so easy. Throw it in the oven and put the coffee on. Yer’ done!

Spray a 13×9 inch pan with non-stick low fat spray.

6 slices of whole grain bread
1 tsp cinnamon
3 eggs
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup of maple syrup
2 tbsp of low-fat marg melted
1 tsp vanilla

Lay the bread down in the prepped pan in a single layer. Sprinkle the bread with the cinnamon (this is plenty of cinnamon). Mix eggs, milk, maple syrup, margarine and vanilla in bowl then pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning take it out and put it in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees. Makes 3 servings.

Add fruit, more maple syrup or your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderlove

Sometimes in our busy lives we forget to share. Share our day, our love, a good meal. Putting effort out mid-week to create a lovely meal is really worth it. That is all.

Bacon-Wrapped Maple Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

pork tenderloin
1/8 cup olive oil
1/8 cup maple syrup
6 slices of applewood smoked bacon
a few sprigs fresh rosemary
pinch of sea salt
fresh ground pepper

Whisk oil and syrup, rub all over the piece of pork. Wrap pieces of bacon around pork to cover. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Place in casserole or roasting pan, uncovered in a 350 oven for 45 minutes.