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The Okanagan

Okanagan Apples Recipe
Nov20

Spice up your cooking with Okanagan Apples

Blog, Recipes 0 comments

Spice up your cooking with Okanagan Apples

 

There are so many varieties of apples grown in the Okanagan, we thought we would look at interesting ways to use them in your home-cooking. Apples are harvested in September – late October in the Okanagan, but we all know that apples are a fruit that’s available all year round! Here is the perfect menu to satisfy all your apple-loving needs.

1. Appetizer: Apple Chutney.

Melt butter, add some onions or shallots, throw in some spices and/or vinegar, and stew those apples. Simmer everything, leave in the fridge until it’s cooled down and you’ll get a nice chunky chutney! Tip: you can add sugar or chili to adjust whether the dish is sweet or spicy. We’ve found this yummy recipe for Apple Chutney Stuffed Pork Chops  to start you off – we absolutely love it!

2. Entrée: Apple & Prosciutto Pizza.

Why not add apple to your pizza for a sweet taste? Get your favourite pizza base then add green onions, sour cream, thin apple slices and sliced prosciutto! Check out this mouthwatering recipe from thekitchn.com: Spelt Crust Pizza with Fennel, Prosciutto, and Apple – it even talks you through how to make your own spelt crust, if you’ve got the time to experiment with the dough!

3. Dessert: Baked Apples with Oatmeal.

Baking apples is one of the easiest, tastiest desserts to make! Though it does take a while for the apples to bake in the oven, it involves little preparation. All you need to do is core the apple so that there is a big hole in the middle. Fill this with your favourite oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter and bake until apples are soft! The filling will bubble over the edges. Have fun and read this Baked Apples with Oatmeal Filling for some inspiration!

What do you think? Will you be making any of these fabulous recipes? Got a favourite that we haven’t listed here- let us know! We are always on the lookout for our guests’ recommendations! Check out our other recipe suggestions here. 

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Rainy Day West Kelowna
Nov06

Rainy day activities in West Kelowna

Blog, British Columbia, Kelowna, La Casa Cottage Resort, The Okanagan 0 comments

Rainy day activities in West Kelowna

So you’re planning your vacation at La Casa Cottage Resort and it occurs to you -what is there to do if it rains?  The Okanagan is known for its sunny skies and scorching temperatures, so it is not surprising that most activities are outdoors.  Well do not worry! There are plenty of other activities around West Kelowna that will still get you out and about for a few hours – beats being stuck in the cottage all day (especially if the kids are nagging to go outside!).  Here are our favourites:

Catch a movie at West Kelowna, Landmark 8 Xtreme Cinemas

Everyone loves hitting up their local picture house, so why not take the family out to West Kelowna’s Landmark 8 Xtreme Cinema? This move theatre has Xtreme wrap-around screens and wide rocker seats, as well as RealD 3D (the newest digital 3D technology). Offering several promotions, including special prices during certain days of the week, this cinema is perfect for catching the latest releases.

Get some indoor exercise at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre

Practice your lengths in the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquaric Centre in their 25-metre swimming pool.  This centre also features a warm soaking pool, hot tub and steam room.  If you’re so inclined, hit the fitness centre to get those endorphins flowing!

Rejuvenate at Spa at the Cove

Are you looking for some pampering?  Head to Spa at the Cove for a whole range of treatments including facials, hydrotherapy, massages, waxing and manicures.  You could spend a whole afternoon relaxing here; leave the Okanagan feeling glamorous!

Get arty at the New Moon Gallery

New Moon Gallery is a beautiful gem of a gallery that acts as a working studio as well as a gallery full of original art work!  Art classes are offered year round so this is definitely to check out if you’re looking to try something new.  Artist in residence and owner Linda Loves is sure to teach you new techniques or offer an enlightening perspective on her series of artworks.

Learn something new at Westbank Museum or Sncewips Heritage Museum

These two local museums are sure to catch you up on your history of the region. Explore old artefacts  from the local area. Check out Sncewips Heritage Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of the Westbank First Nation’s culture, history and artworks.

Hit the Wineries for wine tasting & shopping 

Wine tastings are not just for sunny days!  Head down to your favourite winery and while away the hours sipping on their new vintage flavours. If you’d rather pick up some wine to take home, then many of the vineyards have small stores that can help you out with this also!

We guarantee that if you follow this list, your rainy days in West Kelowna will never be boring! So what’s your favourite thing to do when it’s wet and cold outside? We would love to hear how our guests spend their time!

For when the weather conditions are happier, check out our 5 things to do in the Okanagan blog post.

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Okanagan Mountain Goat
Oct30

Day trip to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Blog, British Columbia, Hikes, The Okanagan 0 comments

Day trip to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

 

Now that the weather is starting to cool down and Lake Okanagan is getting almost too cold to swim in, why not embark on a hike? Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is open year-round and is the ideal place to warm up your muscles.

The Park spans over 10,580 hectares and is the only part of Lake Okanagan’s shoreline that remains undeveloped, making it perfect for hikers.  As you explore higher levels of the mountain, you will be treated to superb views of the lake.  You can enjoy a range of ecosystems and micro-climates because of the park’s large size.   This means you might be in partial-desert wilderness when you are at lower levels, then as you climb further you can expect to see beautiful green forests.  Also watch out for wildlife in the area – if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to see deer, elk and black bears! Why not sit tight and see if you can find a mountain goat?  There are also several reptiles to keep your eyes peeled for, including the Western Rattlesnake.

Go camping, hiking & boating!

For keen campers or boaters, this park offers six marine campgrounds as well as sheltered beaches – an excellent opportunity to explore the lake from a different location!

There are several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, so be sure to check out the BC Parks map to see what ones are most suitable for you.  It’s also important to note that the area is prone to wildfires – watch out for unexpected hazards and expect some unstable conditions.  Travel carefully and always let someone know where you are going.  The park has limited facilities so make sure that you take plenty of water with you, especially in the summer.

 

For more activities in the Okanagan, check out our previous blog posts here.  Happy hiking!

Written by Hannah Poaros

Cheap Eats Kelowna
Sep18

The Best Cheap Eats in Kelowna

Blog, Kelowna, The Okanagan 0 comments

The Best Cheap Eats in Kelowna

 

Ever wondered where you should grab lunch in Kelowna?  Perhaps you’re passing through town and need to satisfy your hunger.   Or maybe you need to pick up some takeaway items for a picnic. From turkey sandwiches to laksa soups,  Kelowna has some hidden gems when it comes to casual eateries.  Check out our recommendations below.

 

  1. Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop

You only have to read the reviews on Tripadvisor to realise that this little soup and sandwich shop is a winner.  Known for its customer service as well as its freshly made meals, Little Hobo sits up there as the Number 1 recommended cheap eat in Kelowna.  Try their tasty perogies, homemade signature soup or holiday turkey sandwich –  you won’t be disappointed.

 

  1. Dosa Crepe Café

How does Indian Dosa paired with French crepes, sound to you?  This little South Indian eatery offers savoury Indian Dosa all day long and is the perfect place for a late lunch or afternoon snack.  If you fancy something sweet, try their French crepes.   There are so many delicious options on the menu, we wouldn’t even know where to start…

 

  1. Mad Mango Café

If you fancy some casual Asian treats then you should head down to Mad Mango Café.  With a menu full of Vietnamese Pho, Thai spring rolls and an All-day breakfast, there is definitely something here for everyone.  We’ve even heard that customers regularly go back for seconds of Mad Mango’s Laksa Soup!

 

  1. Woodfire Bakery

This little German bakery is no place to go for sweet pastries.  However if you’re looking for a hearty meal that will warm you up when it’s chilly outside, then by all means this should be your first pick.  Choose your meat –  Roast Beef, Smoked Beef or Veloute Chicken – and they’ll stick it on a beautiful Kaiser roll.  Some of the sandwiches sell out by lunch time, so be sure to get there early if you want first pick!

 

Yum – don’t they all sound scrumptious?  Let us know where you end up or if you have a different local favourite!  We would love to hear what your go-to lunch spot is.

 

Cheap Eats Kelowna

Written by Hannah Poaros

 

 

 

september events okanagan wine
Aug28

Events in the Okanagan – September

Blog, British Columbia, Kelowna, La Casa Cottage Resort, The Okanagan 0 comments

Events in the Okanagan – September

Feeling blue about the end of summer?  Don’t worry, the Okanagan is still lively throughout autumn. There’s plenty of events to get you excited this September, perfect for an end-of-summer holiday.

Wine Festivals

Most of the vineyards and wineries are participating in Wine Festivals this month, so why not add an evening of fine dining to your calendar?

  • For starters, we have Mission Hill Family Estate who have the last night of their Long Table Dinner  event on September 2nd.  This event starts at 6 pm  and provides you with a three course dinner, a selection of wines and a stroll through the rolling hills of the estate.  For $129 a person, this evening is sure to be an elegant affair – don’t miss out on tickets, purchase them now!
  • If that doesn’t take your fancy, then how about attending Under the Half Barrel Dinner series at Cedar Creek Winery on September 8th.   From $95 you can treat yourself to a wonderful meal paired with some beautiful wines whilst looking over at Lake Okanagan.  What’s more picturesque than that?
  • The end of September brings about another couple of vineyard events such as St Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery Lunch.  This long table lunch aims to celebrate the start of the harvest and is set to be a lovely afternoon on September 30th.  Also on this date, is the Starry Plates Winemakers Dinner  – another Okanagan Wine Festival! Do you see a trend here?  This one is also at Cedar Creek Winery and they welcome you to a starlight sky and delicious canapes.  We recommend checking out these events to get the most out of your Okanagan stay – these are one-off occasions that you can’t experience on a wine tour!

Get Active

  • Besides the wine, the Okanagan has a range of other activities happening during this month.  Celebrate the beginning of the fall by participating or attending the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon on September 3rd. There’s nothing like team spirit, and a pair of running shoes!
  • Maybe you’re not a fan of running, in which case why not look into the Okanagan Grape Escape – MS Bike event.  This is a two-day bike riding event on the 9th and 10th of September.  This event is one of the biggest fundraising biking events in North America and has been happening since 1989! Join other cyclists and participate in this exciting opportunity to explore the Okanagan region.  If it’s too late for you to sign up, then follow the route (which takes you around a LOT of vineyards) and wave to the riders as they pass you.

The Quirky ones 

We’ve rounded up the random, the weird and the one-off’s in the below list of events.  Whatever you choose to do in September, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

  • Ever wanted to try out five different types of ribs?  Attend Ribfest Kelowna between September 15th & 17th for your chance to taste some mouth-watering meats.
  • On the subject of meat, why not pop along to the Great Canadian Bacon Chase on September 24th. Somewhat contradictory, this event is all about eating unlimited bacon but also participating in a 5km run! There’s also a way to get out of the running, if you’re more interested in the bacon… Check out their website for more details!
  • For those of you into reading tarot cards and natural health care, then we suggest you check out the Holistic Market and Psychic Fair on September 17th at the Laurel Packinghouse.  With over 50 exhibitors, this is sure to be a wonderful day and you’ll likely come home with some new knowledge of naturopath techniques.
  • And lastly for the art wizards, take a look at the Art in the Park – Vineyard Trails series.  On September 24th, Quail’s Gate Winery is hosting this presentation of local artwork.  This will be the closing day of this travelling art series, so we hope you’ll make an effort to attend.  Let us know your favourite artist or art piece!

september events okanagan wine

That’s all for now.  We hope you enjoy the beginning of Autumn – let’s hope it’s a bright and colourful one.

Written by Hannah Poaros