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  • Garden Salad

    Garden Salad

    A great summer dish directly from the garden, this salad is composed by the first harvest. You can use the leafy greens you have on hand and add thinly sliced cucumber, onion, pepper. This year, I replaced the green kale by the red kale, which I find more tender and less bitter. Here is a real garden salad!

    Ingredients:

    • A few Boston and oak lettuce leaves, chard, red kale, watercress
    • A garlic flower scape
    • 8-10 cherry tomatoes sliced in 1/2
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 3 tbs rice vinegar
    • 1 tbs of mayonnaise
    • 1 tsp whole grain mustard
    • 1 tsp maple flakes or maple syrup

    Instructions:

    1. Wash in cold water, drain and chop the lettuce, chard, red kale and watercress. Pour in a large bowl.
    2. Wash and cut into small sections garlic flower scape, add to salad with cherry tomatoes.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients and pour on the salad, stir well and serve.
  • Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    This Mediterranean salad is very summery and tasty. I advise you to assemble it just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Watermelon is the most lycopene-rich food, a powerful and important antioxidant in the prevention of some cancers. It also contains an amino acid, phenylalanine, whose action can protect against Parkinson disease. You can vary the recipe by adding kalamata olives and sliced red onions.

    Ingredients:

    • 2-3 cups seedless watermelon cut into small cubes
    • 1/2 cup goat feta or regular crumbled or cut into small cubes
    • 6 fresh mint leaves, chopped
    • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • juice of one lime
    • 1 tsp of honey
    • sea salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    1. In a bowl, combine melon, feta and mint.
    2. In a small bowl,whisk all the dressing ingredients until dissolved.
    3. Pour dressing over salad, toss and serve.
  • Riviera products

    Riviera products

    Riviera products: stylish and good!

    At the moment I write this, I have started my first bowl of raspberry white cheese by the brand Riviera. Now available in most grocery stores, this product is worth it! Do not be afraid of this new item, the texture and taste are like yogurt, but creamier. It’s a good snack with 110 calories for 1/2 cup, 2.8% fat and an intake of 5 grams of protein.

    I also tried their irresistible Petit Pot of organic yogurt with original flavors such as apricot, walnuts, figs and rhubarb. It is not just the packaging that is beautiful, they are creamy and delicious. Sweeter than white cheese, a Petit Pot is a great treat to get. The small glass jars can be recycled or reused as you like (to make a vinaigrette, sauce, flower pot). It is even possible to order plastic covers on their website. The Petit Pot is sold for about $4.99 for four yogurts of 120 g.

    Of European inspiration, these products stand out in the grocery store with their lovely presentation. Next time, I am looking to try their vanilla or strawberry goat milk yogurt. You will also find in grocery their cultures butters, sour cream and cream, inspired by European methods. Riviera products are prepared by Laiterie Chalifoux, a Quebec family business founded in 1920 in Sorel Tracy.

    Thank you Riviera to innovate with this stylish range of products!

    Have you tried them?

  • My purchases at Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert 2016

    My purchases at Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert 2016

    Friday I went to the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert held in the Palais des congrès until Sunday, March 12.

    Do not eat before you go, because almost all kiosks offer products to taste: energy bars, juices, smoothies, spreads, bread, cookies, seaweed, jams, muesli, dried and dehydrated fruits, mixed nuts, soups, chocolates, honey, and more!

    Here are the products I bought this year, I look forward to try new recipes!

    • Le petit mas: fermented garlic flowers at $6, keeps 2 years in the fridge.
    • Nature’s Path Organic: Qi’a Cereal Box $3 and a box of 12 Qi’a energy bars at $9
    • Moissonneries du pays: organic sprouted buckwheat bag $8, to put in the oatmeal, energy bars, etc.
    • Cha’s organic: coriander seed ground $7, well-packaged spices.
    • Inari: organic popcorn $4, hard to find in grocery stores.
    • La clé des champs: organic caraway at $2.50 for 40g. Great choice of organic spices to buy!
    • Chocadel: organic raw chocolate bar with maple $5. For a change of Theobroma and Giddiyoyo.
    • Giddy Yoyo: organic raw red banana spears bag at $13, a unique product to discover.
    • Saladexpress: grated vegetables bags at $1 and butternut squash cubes at $2, it’s convenient and cheap!

    What are your discoveries this year?

    For more info: expomangersante.com
    Facebook : facebook.com/ExpoMangerSanteEtVivreVert

  • Apricot And Date Oat Bars

    Apricot And Date Oat Bars

    Easy and quick to make, gluten and refined sugar-free, these granola bars are full of flavor and nutrients. A very good alternative to sugary cereal or oatmeal for a breakfast change.

    Ingredients: 

    • 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
    • 3 ripe bananas
    • 1/3 cup dried apricots sulphite-free
    • 1/3 cup pitted dates
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 pinch of cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoon of chia seeds

    Directions:

    1. In a food processor, pulse the oats until they are ground into a powder-like consistency.
    2. In a bowl, mash banana until smooth and add all the ingredients. Stir until well combined.
    3. Pour the batter into a line square dish with parchment paper. Using the back of a spoon, press evenly into pan.
    4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Cool completely. Cut into small bars. Serve.
  • Conference on Monsanto

    Conference on Monsanto

    On February 29, 2016, I attended the conference “Historic victory against Monsanto! And after? “Given by Mathieu Roy, agriculture advisor  Équiterre, Daniel Carmantrand, President, Planet its up to you and Paul François, grain farmer in Charente, France.

    The conference mainly highlighted the fact that the French farmer Paul Francois has won a historic victory against Monsanto. Paul François suffered in 2004 of an acute herbicide intoxication on his farm. Ancient intensive spraying fervent, he is gradually reorienting his production to organic farming.

    Currently in Quebec, groups including Équiterre are asking the government to restrict the use of more pesticides because of their effects on living organisms. Having myself grown up between a cornfield and a broccoli field, the impact of pesticides on the environment and health has always interested me. Having to get into the house and close all windows during aerial spraying was far from pleasant. I had the impression of living in the center of an open factory and not in an idyllic countryside.

    First, I think that the wave of mobilization is aimed mainly at GMOs resistant to herbicides, including ones that include a gene for resistance to glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide), as well as an unprecedented use of Roundup on crops. Glyphosate is present in more than 200 herbicides and pesticides. Inexpensive, Roundup is the most popular herbicide in Canada. Its active ingredient was declared a  likely carcinogen in humans in 2014 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization.

    Nearly 90% of grain crops in the United States are derived from these GM seeds. At this conference, I learned that the Montérégie region is a champion for the cultivation of GMOs. The products derived from GMOs which can be found in our grocery cart are canola, corn and soybeans. These are amongst the ingredients in the composition of several processed products such as: starch or corn flour produced from GM corn.

    We are in the second generation of GMOs, which implies that the seed is modified to be tolerant to different kinds of pesticides and herbicides. A vicious cycle has already started because the intensive use of Roundup has led to resistant weeds and insects, which require more intensive spraying. These practices first endanger farmers, the rural population, waterways and amphibians.

    Indeed, the majority of rivers in agricultural areas in Quebec are contaminated with levels that exceed water quality criteria thresholds. What will it cost to clean up the rivers of Quebec? This is just one example of the repercussions of the massive use of pesticides in our environment.

    More than ever, consumers have the power to exercise their influence on the economy. If a product is not bought, it will no longer be offered. Buying more food from organic agriculture (ideally from Quebec) will encourage our producers to redirect their production.

    For more information:
    Lutte aux pesticides d’Equiterre.
    Cultures OGM
    Des mauvaises herbes ultrarésistantes héritées des OGM
    Québec a perdu le contrôle des pesticides
    Farmers to Gain Access to Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Xtend(TM) Soybeans in 2016

  • CONTEST MANGER SANTE 2016‬

    CONTEST MANGER SANTE 2016‬

    Win a pair of tickets for the event #‎MANGERSANTE2016‬

    I am very happy to organise a contest for a pair of tickets for the event MANGER SANTÉ 2016 (11-13 March in Montreal and 19-20 March in Quebec)!

    I love going to this event as it’s a unique opportunity to discover new organic products. I’ll be there Friday, March 11 and likely Sunday, March 13 to attend many conferences and buy new products. Here are some of my top buys in 2015: Aliments Massawippi, Giddy Yoyo, Gogo Quinoa, Inewa, La Milanaise, Manitoba Harvest, Miels d’Anicet, Theobroma Chocolat.

    You have until MONDAY MARCH 7th, 2016 to participate. The pair of tickets will be valid for the expo of Montreal OR Quebec.

    VISIT: facebook.com/LillipopGirl
    1. LIKE LILLIPOPGIRL FACEBOOK  PAGE (click LIKE at the top of the page).
    2. SHARE the publication on your Facebook wall.

    Good luck!

  • Makeup Remover and Micellar Water

    Makeup Remover and Micellar Water

    Some critics of makeup remover  and micellar water:

    It is important to remove makeup every night before going to bed, because keeping makeup at night is not healthy for the skin and can cause irritation. Here are some products that I tested and recommend.

    I have used for many years the Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover by Lancôme, which works well for stubborn/waterproof mascara. My skin and eyes are sensitive and I always had good results with this product. The skin remains soft but not greasy. A perfect product for an evening makeup.

    Recently I tried the biosource balm-to-oil cleanser and make-up remover by Biotherm; it is also appropriate for sensitive eyes and applying a paste on the washcloth is easier to see and less product is wasted than a liquid. Enriched with shea butter, it does not dries or irritate the skin. I liked this new formula.

    I just discovered (with delay!) micellar water. This product has existed for many years and has already proven itself. The micelle water is a mixture of water and fine oil particles in the form of micelles. Recommended by my friend AM.Maquillage, I tested the Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution. Technically this cleanser does not have to be rinsed, but I prefer to do so. Indeed, the micelles are small particles of surfactant (detergent) and it can also contain alcohol, which can dry sensitive skin. Micellar waters are not all equal in composition, I prefer the fragrance and paraben free products. I like the feel of this product, perfect to remove light makeup. The next on my list to try is Bioderma Sensibio H2O, which claims to inhibit redness.

    Rose water is a good natural tonic to use after cleansing or in the morning before applying day cream, and sold only $2.50 for 250ml at the grocery store. It tightens the pores, soothes, softens and refreshes the skin.

    Do you use these cleansers and rose water in your daily routine?

    Bi Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ( Made in USA )
    Biotherm Biosource Balm-To-Oil Deep Cleanser & Make-up Remover 125ml/4.22oz
    Bioderma – Sensibio (Crealine) H2O Micelle Solution (For Sensitive Skin) – 250ml/8.4oz

  • Dark Chocolate Ginger Pear Muffins

    Dark Chocolate Ginger Pear Muffins

    The pear and chocolate go so well together! Here is a recipe for muffins full of pears and chocolate, with a little touch of ginger. Whether for breakfast with a smoothie or snack, I ‘m sure you will love these muffins.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 3/4 cup unbleached flour
    • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate
    • 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/3 cup milk

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 180 ° C (350 °F).
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla.
    3. Pour in the dry ingredients. Stir gently and add the pears.
    4. Spoon batter into silicone molds with a spoon.
    5. Bake in center of oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Brussels sprouts salad with avocado and blood orange

    Brussels sprouts salad with avocado and blood orange

    The delicious main-course salads at Mandy’s on Crescent Street in Montreal are very inspiring. Here is a very nourishing version rich in vitamin C, folate, fiber and antioxidants. Mandy’s is a must for lunch if you ‘re in the area!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups fresh or frozen brussels sprouts (I used frozen), cooked, cooled and cut into thin slices
    • 1 blood orange, peeled and cut into chunks
    • 1 avocado diced
    • pumpkin seeds (optional)
    • the juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp grain mustard ( old )
    • 2 tsp maple syrup (I used the yuzu maple syrup by Isens, yum! )

    Directions:

    1. In a small bowl, blend the oil with the lemon juice, mustard and maple syrup.
    2. In a bowl, toss the pieces of Brussels sprouts, blood orange and avocado.
    3. Pour dressing and sprinkle the pumpkin seeds, serve and enjoy immediately!
  • Gluten Free Chocolate and Raspberry Cake

    Gluten Free Chocolate and Raspberry Cake

    It’s almost Valentine’s Day, here’s a healthy and delicious cake!

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 cup almond flour
    • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 large ripe banana
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
    • 1/2 cup pure cane sugar

    Raspberry puree:

    • 2 1/2 cups frozen raspberries
    • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or pure cane sugar
    • 1 tbs cornstarch
    • 1 tbs water

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
    2. In a bowl, mix the almond flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
    3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer with the sugar for about 2 minutes. Add vanilla, oil and mashed banana, then dry ingredients and combined.
    4. Grease a 6 or 8″ springform pan (I used 9″ and the cake was not very high) with coconut oil and line the bottom with parchment paper.
    5. Pour batter evenly and bake for about 30 minutes or until top is firm enough. Allow to cool completely before removing it from the pan.

    Raspberry puree:

    1. In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar and water and bring to a boil.
    2. In a glass, dilute cornstarch in a little cold water and pour into the pan. Stir constantly until thickened and remove from heat.
    3. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate. This puree can be prepared the day before.
    4. Put the cake on a display tray and spread the raspberry puree on top.
    5. You can double the recipe to make a two layer cake.
  • Camelina oil

    Camelina oil

    Here is a new local product launched in 2015; camelina oil produced by Oliméga. Grown and produced in St-Édouard in Montérégie, this oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 and vitamin E. Essential fatty acids participate in several process important to the brain and cardiovascular system. With its high level of omega-3, it is a good option for those not consuming fatty fish. In cosmetic treatment, it is perfectly suitable for sensitive and dry skin.

    Cold pressed, it is similar to olive oil by its quality, taste recalls hazelnut and sesame. Is it a beautiful gold color and for my part, I find its taste recall cut hay. This plant is no GMO and cultivated according to environmentally responsible practices.

    It is native to Europe and to Central Asian areas. Little known in America, it is cultivated in Europe for over 3000 years for the production of vegetable oil. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family such as mustard, rapeseed and other sprouts.

    Camelina oil can be used in marinades , salad dressing and barbecue. Its smoke point of 475F, therefore it can be used for cooking vegetables.

    It is available in three sizes 250 ml, 500 ml and 1 liter. I bought my bottle at Aubut. For more info, visit: www.olimega.com

  • 100% Pure Concentrated Tart Cherry Juice

    100% Pure Concentrated Tart Cherry Juice

    My discovery at the 2015 Salon des métiers d’art de Montréal: 100% Pure Concentrated Tart Cherry Juice made by Croque Cerise. The 355 ml bottle is $20 and can be kept for several weeks in the refrigerator once opened. This cherries juice is delicious and ideal for adding to a sauce, smoothie, salad dressing or as juice diluted with water. Since it is very concentrated, only add 1-2 tablespoons to the recipe and it’s enough to have the taste and all properties. Indeed, the cherry is one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits. Cherry is also a food source of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. If you have insomnia, you can drink at bedtime a glass of water mixed with 2 oz of concentrated juice to help you get to sleep. Some of its components may also help to control diabetes.

    Did you try the concentrated tart cherry juice? I found other companies on the web that sell cherries juice, make sure it contains only 100% concentrated tart cherry juice. I will certainly buy this product again!

  • Dr Greger Conference

    Dr Greger Conference

    On January 15th, 2016, I attended a lecture given by Dr. Greger, organized by the Vegetarian Association of Montreal. I had high expectations because Dr. Greger is specialized to popularize all nutrition studies and to summarized them on its website: nutritionfacts.org. All information and videos on the site are free and easily accessible. Dr. Greger is convinced of the benefits of a vegan diet to overcome all chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, etc.).

    I become a bit disenchanted when he decried the harmful role of eggs to increase the cholesterol levels and I saw that the cited studies dated from 1987-1998… We can not throw the baby with the bathwater, because more recent studies specify that egg also contains nutrients such as B12, vitamin D, riboflavin and folate, found in some other foods and that are necessary to our health. Recent studies show that for most people, dietary cholesterol does not increase as much blood cholesterol. Earlier studies have tested egg cholesterol on herbivores rabbits … It does not mean to eat eggs every day, but I do not think we should demonize it.

    Sugar and sweeteners can be demonized because all the studies point in the same direction. It is very easy to say what you want to study and pick the ones that go in the desired direction. Informing people is paramount and I appreciate the good will of Dr. Greger to convince people that eating is as bad as smoking, but does a vegan diet is the solution for all? Probably for some individuals (whether for ideological or health reasons), but for my part, I think it is more important to demonize processed foods filled with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which are the leading cause of chronic disease. Yes to a diet based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, but also lean organic meat and wild fatty fish.

    I will still go buy his latest book “How not to die”, released in December 2015, as there is good to be found in everything!

    References:

     –Eggs and Heart Disease
    –Are chicken eggs good or bad for my cholesterol?
    –Why you shouldn’t worry about the massive amount of cholesterol in eggs

  • Caribbean Cruise

    Caribbean Cruise

    Following my first cruise with Holland of America that I liked, I left Fort Lauderdale on December 6 aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam for a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Inaugurated in 2010, this mid-size ships offers beautiful modern rooms and common areas, decorated with pieces of art. The service is always excellent, however, I found that the quality of the food was less than on the ms Maasdam. A 7 -day stay is too short to enjoy the islands, it gives a good overview, but you must return as soon as one gets to reach of all the Eastern Caribbean.

    Day 1: At sea
    We discover the ship, take a tour of the kitchens, and relax on the deckchair.

    _MG_3761Day 2: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
    The ship is almost docked on the beach! We walk from the ship to the dock and arrive directly on the beach ahead, under the shade of palm trees. The water is clear and the sand is very fine.

    turkswebDay 3: San Juan, Puerto Rico
    We arrive in this bustling city, the police is very present to manage traffic and tourists that invade the city. We walk a few blocks and discover a Spanish colonial historic district, very colorful. We visit the Fort San Felipe, a citadel of the sixteenth century located at the most northwest point of the islet of San Juan and a world heritage of UNESCO. We try to see everything, but the sun sets and we must return to the ship, we will come back!
    _MG_4184Day 4: St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.     After San Juan, hard to be as amazed by the small town of Charlotte Amalie. It contains tons of duty-free shops for the cruise, but with the exchange rate, bargains are hard to find. We go up the 99 steps to the castle of Blackbeard, the view is beautiful. We must return to Magens Bay which is renowned internationally as one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches.

    Charlotte Amalie

    Day 5: At sea
    Relaxing on the deckchair, cooking classes, tea at 3, walking on the promenade bridge.

    croisiere hoa


    Day 6: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
    A dream! We are moored beside the Zuiderdam and a small boat takes us in less than 10 minutes to the private island. The beach and sea await us, you can rent a mattress to float all day in this great blue bath. Small tropical fish come to greet us. A barbecue is prepared for lunch and we regret to leave this paradise.

    cayswebDay 7: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    We are back…

    fl