Thursday was my birthday. It was a really nice day. I got my free Starbucks lol, I visited my Mom and we had a chat lol. Sadly, I lost my Aunt Lynn the night before. Auntie Lynn was a huge supporter of my blog. We had a weird relationship because she met my Uncle when I was a bit older. She also worked with my Mom and they had a personal relationship that wasn’t always, friendly lol. But, since my Mom has passed away, she has kept in close contact with both my Sis and I, by far the most out of our entire family. And I appreciate that. It was quite sudden because in late January she received her life-saving kidney that we had all been waiting for for so long. Being far away, we have no idea what led to her ultimate passing, but obviously the transplant didn’t go as we had hoped. So, I took my coffee up to visit my Mom and we had a birthday chat because honestly isn’t it her day? She did all the work lol, I feel weird celebrating my birthday without her so I always go up there to see her on my birthday and thank her. Also, I told her to give Lynn a big hug from us and to say thank you, she will be missed.
Dad and my MIL and FIL came over and surprised me with the most amazing gift, a new laptop! It takes me days to upload photos and type this blog every week! It is painfully slow! The spinning wheel of death spins the majority of my day! I haven’t been able to open my email in years lol. I was shocked, but absolutely unbelievably grateful! Then that night after cheesecake and presents, the Easter Bunny came! We woke the Kids up early, like 6:30 AM early lol with an Easter egg hunt and a surprise trip too… Vancouver!
A couple weeks ago I was looking at the calendar and realized that the Kids had a five day weekend with holidays and pro d-days so I planned and impromptu two days in Vancouver. Ninja was hesitantly on board reminding me, it’s Easter lol. So we emailed the Easter Bunny and arranged for special delivery on Good Friday and as soon as we were done, we packed up and were out of the house by 9 AM. When we got to Vancouver, it was a bright sunny afternoon and our first stop was Granville Island Market! We had not been there since 2010 when we brought HBear a few days before opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. We also stopped in and had a flight at Granville Island Brewery.
I know why people move to the Valley to retire now. Big cities are not easy for the elderly and like me, the disabled. I hate saying that about myself, but it’s true, because there were a lot of things I couldn’t do this weekend. Walking up inclines fatigues my legs to the point that they vibrate so much, I can’t feel them anymore and it is very difficult to walk when you cannot feel your legs lol.
We stayed at a beautiful hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel, that was just a few blocks from all the restaurants we picked and main things that we wanted to do. Normally, perfect walking distance. However, I had to know where to put my spoons. We could walk down to the waterfront as long as we took an Uber back up. We could go drive the Stanley Park loop and pull off at spots we had never been to, as long as they were close to handicap parking, because I’m not willing to spend my spoons walking through the parking lot. I listened to my body and Ninja took the Kids shopping on Robson St, while I napped.
We had a few glasses Haywire wine at Mahony’s Tavern while the Kids had gelato from Uno Gelato next-door and then we went on Flyover Canada! It was amazing! I would recommend this for everyone! We all thought it was incredible for the experience that showcase Canada beautifully. Then we took in the latest attraction, the Canadian Rockies and it was just as beautiful and amazing!
I was a bit slow moving the next morning so Ninja took the Kids to Palate Kitchen, that I picked because I follow them on Instagram and their menu looks beautiful and their aesthetic is so cool and interesting and I’ve always wanted to eat there. Ninja said it was absolutely NOT the best coffee he’s ever had in his life, the food was definitely NOT the most satisfying plate of food he’s had in years and the decor was absolutely revolting! Lol. Everyone said it was amazing. But, spoons. We drove through beautiful Stanley Park, and it was packed with families out, enjoying the blue sky and sunshine. We stopped at Prospect Point and the Hollow Tree, both we had never been to before. We also drove over the Lionsgate Bridge which the Kids were so excited to do (we’re from a small town lol). When we got back to the hotel, we dropped off our vehicle and because my legs were tired, we took an Uber back down to the waterfront. Spoons. We then took the Seabus across to the North Shore! We had lunch and walked around the Lonsdale Quay Market. HBear had a bubble waffle, SBean stuck to a Cobbs, cinnamon bun, and I had a cheese pastie from the Brazilian Vendor. It was amazing. When we got back to the hotel, I rested while Ninja and the Kids went shopping at a few stores around our hotel like Sephora lol Lululemon, and Lush. The Easter Bunny didn’t leave much candy this year, but left money instead! So the Kids had spending money if they wanted to try new things at the markets or in the few stores we knew were nearby. When they were done, they picked me up and we all walked a block over to the Bellagio Café for a delicious Italian dinner. I walked back to the hotel while they went to the Rec Room and played arcades! Spoons. Both nights, the Kids took advantage of the big bath to have a bubble bath and the best part of the hotel, the pool!
We woke up on Easter Sunday and checked out of the hotel and headed out for Easter breakfast at Maxine’s Cafe. All the food we ate this weekend was delicious and this Parisian inspired cafe was so cute and the food was delicious! Parking? Not so good lol. Ninja is the best!
We then headed out to our last adventure! We stopped at Maan Farms in Abbotsford for Easter at The Farm! When we got there it was pouring rain! Thankfully we brought umbrellas because it is rare to go to Vancouver in the spring and NOT get some rain. After 15 minutes the rain cleared up and the sun came out and we enjoyed the tulip forest, feeding the baby animals, paintball and the zip line! Between the 4 of us, we took a LOT of pictures! I posted them all at the bottom of this post!
It was the perfect way to spend the weekend and we made it back for a delicious Easter dinner at my Sis’s with the whole family! My BIL’s parents are visiting from the East Coast AND he brined and smoked a pork roast to make his own ham and used a brisket to spend weeks making homemade Montreal Smoked Meat! The Kids even had their own cakes to decorate for dessert. It was a wonderful evening. Now, I will rest and recuperate until infusion time in 3 weeks!
Easter is over… Yesterday lol and I’m already thinking about my one of my favourite holidays, Cinco de Mayo! Now, we don’t actually celebrate Cinco de Mayo but it’s my favourite holiday because I love Mexican food! Any excuse to have Mexican treats is a win to me!
I have always wanted to try a Tamale Pie, so we did! I freaking love cornbread, and cornbread with Mexican filling? Yes please! This was so freaking good. I refused to share the leftovers with my family lol.
After all the chocolate from the Easter Bunny, these Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are the perfect treat! These are like cinnamon spiced shortbread cookies but so much easier! My butter was a bit warm, if you don’t want them to spread and make feet like-mine did, lol use chilled butter or chilled the dough before rolling.
Another one of my favourite Mexican foods is Mexican street corn! I love the sweetness of corn and anytime you make it creamy and spicy, I’m all in! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl was everything I wanted it to be and so much more! I freaking loved this meal.
My Sis used to work at Kelsey’s Bar and Grill and Ninja and I would study in the lounge during University spares. Every time a sizzling skillet of fajitas walked by me, I drooled lol Ninja constantly reminds me about that chargrilled steak smell so we tried to replicate it with these Steak Fajitas! So flipping good! It would’ve been better to use a flat iron steak or a skirt steak, but those cuts aren’t cheap anymore! We had sirloins in the freezer, so that’s what we used. Either way, these were damn good!
I have never been to Mexico, but if I do go, I know I’m going to eat well and drink well lol. Mexican cocktails are delicious! This Cantarito is sunshine in a glass! Tequila and citrus? Heck yeah!
I have had American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins on my shelf for a few years now. I needed to be in the right frame of mind to read it. Boy, am I glad that I waited. This book was amazing. I read it a few weeks ago and I am still thinking about it. I will probably think about this book, forever. That’s how good it is! It is a five star, must read!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoons salt
- Cornbread Topping
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup oil
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently spoon the cornbread batter over the filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the Tamale Pie to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with cilantro, cheese, or sour cream as desired.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup icing sugar, divided
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking tray.
Beat together half a cup of powdered sugar and the butter in a bowl until well combined.
Add the vanilla and mix in.
In a bowl, sift the flour, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and the salt together.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a stiff dough forms.
Take teaspoonfuls of the dough and shape them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining powdered sugar with the remaining cinnamon.
Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Place the cookies on the prepared tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes1/2-4
hoursIngredients
3-4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Street Corn
2 cups corn
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup feta, crumbled
- Cilantro-Lime Rice
2 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions
In a small bowl, combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour over chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
Heat corn in a skillet until warmed and charred.
In a bowl, mix the charred corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, feta cheese, and cilantro.
Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Combine the cooked rice, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, mixing until evenly flavoured.
Divide the cilantro-lime rice among serving bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of street corn, and any additional toppings like cherry tomatoes and extra feta cheese.
Steak Fajitas
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1.5 pound steak * we used sirloin
1/4 cup oil
1/3 cup lime juice
zest of 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
tortillas of your choice, warmed
- Fajita Veggies
2–3 tablespoons chicken broth, more if needed
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1/2 yellow onion, sliced
2-3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced
2–3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
salt & ground black pepper, to taste
- Cilantro Lime Sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Add Cilantro Lime Sauce ingredients to a small food processor. Blend until smooth. Cover and place in the refrigerator until serving.
Pat steak dry with clean paper towels. Season with salt and pepper – pressing the salt and pepper into the meat. Place steak in a large Ziplock bag or tupperware dish and set aside.
Add oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic, soy sauce, salt and cilantro into a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more.
Bring a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add oil, remove steak from marinade letting excess marinade drip off the steak and discard marinade. Sear steak in the pan for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let the meat rest while you cook the veggies.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, use a spatula to scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan. Add garlic and move around pan until it becomes fragrant, approx. 1 minute. Add onion, bell peppers and the fajita seasoning. Stir to combine. Add additional broth or oil to pan if you feel it is getting a bit dry.
Sauté for approx. 10-15 minutes or until the peppers have reached your desired doneness.
Slice the steak against the grain into thin slices and serve on warm tortillas with the fajita veggies, Cilantro Lime Sauce and any other toppings you desire!
Ingredients
2 oz blanco tequila
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh orange juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
4 oz Fresca, or more to taste
Directions
Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice, to a shaker filled with ice and shake to combine.
Pour over glasses filled with ice and top with Fresca.
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, lime, and or orange.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins About an Immigrant.
Wow. I could tell after reading the first chapter how intense, descriptive, and gut wrenching this book was going to be. This is the story of Lydia and her young son, Luca and their journey towards safety and freedom. My heart broke for them and all that they lost. I felt the terror that Lydia felt just getting out of the Neighbourhood and then escaping her city. What a mother will do for her child despite grief, fear and anger is amazing and in full display in this story. We all hear about people escaping awful situations in southern countries but I didn’t think about roadblocks, snitches, and the life threatening risks of how it actually works. Lydia’s story is all the stories of people that find themselves is dire circumstances with only one extremely dangerous way out. My stomach was clenched with fear hearing about La Bestia and I just could not imagine that so I’m grateful that Cummins is such a good writer that now I can. I will always remember this book.
No new How Was Your Week, Honey? This week, we were on vacation! See you next week with a brand new episode!
Thank you to A Pinch of Joy for featuring my Birthday Gift Guide and Easter Dinner post at last week’s Busy Monday Link Party.
2 thoughts on “Easter in Vancouver & Cinco de Mayo Treats”
That sounds like such a fabulous birthday surprise and a really lovely Easter getaway! I read American Dirt a few years ago and I feel like I am still telling people to read it; it’s definitely one of those books that really sticks with you. It gained quite a lot of controversy here in the states though as it was not written by someone who lived it… I mean I kind of got the argument but isn’t that sort of what fiction is all about? It definitely seems like the author put in lots of time to thoroughly research it.
Wow – remind me not to read your post on an empty stomach – lol. Great recipes to try for Cinco de Mayo – thank you for sharing at #WednesdayLinkUp Party.