La Belle Province

After 17 days off, it is back to reality Dear Reader.  What a wonderful break that was from life's daily grind of the morning alarm, commute and of course work.   How lovely it was not to be on the clock and stuck in a routine....luxury!

We spent a week in St. Adele, Quebec in a fabulous Air BnB, day tripping to Montreal and Mont Tremblant.  The leaves were just starting to change, giving the Laurentian's a cascade of greens, gold, orange and the beginnings of fiery reds.  What a beautiful country Canada is...I often say that I won the geographical lottery being born here and how true that is these days given the current state of world affairs.

Having been away on vacation, I haven't been cooking much these past few weeks but I thought I would drop in, say hello and share some photos from La Belle Province with you.  

Bonjour!

Blue skies forever!

We had a visitor our first morning...my husband tipped him out and he scampered off at break neck speed. A chubby fellow, clearly well fed from his dumpster diving diet!

Sun setting through the trees our first evening in St. Adele. Beyond the trees there is a beautiful lake and mountains.

We explored Val David, a nearby village. It has lovely boutiques and shops to wander. I bought two new purses that I couldn't resist...and did a bit of Christmas shopping - because it's never too early to start!

The General Store in Val David. It had an array of kitchen goods, a deli counter and cafe. More Christmas shopping occurred!

My husband likes to explore...he points his nose and off we go. This was in Val David.

While wandering around St. Adele looking for somewhere to go for breakfast, we came across this puzzle shop.

We stumbled upon this quirky restaurant in St. Adele...the Cafe Bistro Starca. We had breakfast there twice and it was lovely. They also sell baked goods, and preserves. I came home with jars of beets, chili sauce and a bag of granola - the same one I had enjoyed for breakfast there.

Our adventure continued with a day in Mont Tremblant. We loved it so much last year, we had to go back.

The view from the gondola on Mont Tremblant.

A marina at the foot of the pedestrian village at Mont Tremblant.

I love old churches that have been converted to homes...this one was down the very rural road that our Air BnB was on.

The Marché Jean Talon...one of the oldest public markets in Montreal, having opened in 1933.

Monster Hubbard Squash!

Look at them!

There are so many different vendors at the market.

Play me a song, piano man.... (Located in the market)

The market is a colourful place with so much beautiful produce to choose from.

So many types of chili peppers!

Feeling hot, hot hot!!!

The Boulangerie Premiére Moisson located in the market. Oh my! I bought what I think has to be THE most beautiful bread I have ever had...their Autumn flavours loaf. We also took home creme brulée and baguette toasts. So good!

This Autumn bread was so good...sourdough with fresh Quebec apples, dates, fall spices, honey and pumpkin seeds.

The end of our Montreal adventure....a shared plate of beautiful bread, cheese and grapes and of course a glass of wine.

I hope you enjoyed my pictorial post...but rest assured - I'm back in my kitchen and will have something new to share soon Dear Reader.  Keep an eye on the page headers at the top of the page - I'm working on something new to share with you all.​