Dairy-free Chai Tea Recipe & Paleo Waffle Adventures

Helloodles lovelies!

It is tasty Tuesday and I am excited about this blog post because this recipe is a new family favorite. A complete cup of comfort, super easy, only 4 ingredients-yup 4, and it is followed by waffles! If you only came for the chai tea recipe, head down below.
What could be better than freshly brewed chai tea and homemade waffles that are gluten-free and delectable?

So, I have a sad but true confession to make; I have not had a real, homemade, from scratch, waffle in at least 10 years!
I know...

Truth is I am more of a crepe woman, probably the French in me.

I also adore a good blueberry pancake, like, oh yeah!

Blueberry yum-yum, gimme some. Sorry Ludacris, I actually mean pancakes.

So, my mom got a special waffle iron that she has been wanting forever.

What I really liked about this is that it is double sided, so you can make 2 waffles at once, and you can remove the plates to clean them properly.
This is going to come in super handy during the holidays.
We're supposed to be doing a brunch in your pyjamas this Christmas, as I am still in mold recovery mode, and we want something very chill. Because of that I decided to check out how her waffle maker worked and at the same time test a paleo waffle recipe, that I found on this great blog.
The original post is here if you want to check into it more:
https://nurturemygut.com/best-gluten-free-waffles-paleo.html/

It turns out the waffle recipe was quite scrumptious and used ingredients I already had plenty of.
Was a tad concerned about the almond flour base as we had made crepes with an almond flour recipe found on Pinterest, and to be quite honest, it was just horrid. This waffle recipe really exceeded expectations and we freaking went to town on them.

I followed the instructions with regards to how much to put in the waffle maker, as it had been way too long since I made them, and it wasn't my recipe. Turns out the double waffle maker was much larger because it took two tries to figure out that it needed a full cup of batter per waffle. As such, the early waffle tries were a bit lacking but tasty misses, nonetheless. I could have put more in, when I saw it seemed a bit empty but I didn't know how much it would smoosh out and I really did not want to have to clean a mess.

This waffle maker didn't drip out and the waffles, although a bit lighter in colour, came out beautifully.

I smothered them in maple syrup and fresh blueberries. As you can see, nothing was leftover.

I remadw them a sexond time with more patience and cooking each for 5 minutes gave me that golden hue you waffle want!

We had a piping hot cup of chai tea as mom has been asking for it the last 2 weeks.
That tea has become oft requested, and it was perfect on a cool fall day.
I used my absolute favorite chai tea from Kibou the. I find it is the best chai tea I have ever had.
It is not expensive, about $7.50 Canadian for 50g, & it is whole leaf black tea with real spices that are perfectly balanced.

If you would like to try it, you can purchase some here:
https://kiboutea.com/produit/chai-cochin-masala-50g/

The recipe follows, enjoy!

DAIRY-FREE CHAI TEA

Ingredients:

4 Cups unsweetened oat milk or almond milk (oat milk is creamier)
2 Cups Boiling water
3-4 tsp Chai tea (I use 3 because I don't like it too strong)
3-4 Tbsp Real maple syrup (I use 3 because I like it less sweet)

Method:
-Begin to boil the water in a tea kettle.
-In a medium sized pot, large enough to hold all the liquids, bring milk of choice to a simmer.
-Place tea in a large tea ball and put into simmering milk. If you do not have a tea ball you can throw the tea straight in the pot with the simmering milk, you will just have to strain through a fine, mesh strainer at the end.
-Pour boiling water into milk and tea mix. Continue to heat for 3-4 minutes. Remove tea ball or strain, and and return to pot.
-Keep on low heat, add maple syrup to desired sweetness, stir.
-Turn off heat and serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.

Let me know how this recipe turns out for you in the comments section below.

Take care, be well, love freely...
Chef Kiki

Still Have Time for the Fall Fun Giveaway!

               

In celebration of all the positives and this gorgeous season, Bien Confit! is giving away some yummy noms for you to try out and you will also have the opportunity to get a friend to win a little something too! I know, awesomeness abounds!!!

You will have the chance to win three different fall flavour products (Choice of a Jelly or Jam, & a Paleo Compote-all items are gluten-free & Vegan!) with a little something special to jazz up your holidays! For a friend, there will be a smaller gift package with tasty nome,those will be announced along with the names of the winner(s).

So here is how it works to Enter:

• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bienconfitglutenfree/
• Like the giveaway photo
• Make sure to mention any allergies you may have on your bienconfitgf insta post!
• As an additional entry, you may tag a friend. This will add an entry for you and for them, they will have a chance to win a smaller giveaway prize!
• For those of you who follow the blog, that will count as an additional entry as well, be sure to type in, blog follow with your Insta post, if you do.

The contest winner(s) will be chosen randomly on the 13th of October & will be announced on the 15th. Entries end the 10th of October at midnight. Best of luck to all!
Winners are asked to take a picture of themselves with their special giveaway prize, so we can showcase them on the blog and social media pages. If you prefer to not have your picture taken, a picture of the box opening will do.

Contest is open to Canadian & U.S citizens only.

You can enter as often as you like.   

                               

                                   

Bien Confit! Sans Gluten Free Fall Fun Giveaway Reminder

                                           

Helloodles one & all,

We are still on for the #bienconfitgffallfunngiveaway everyone!
In case you missed Friday's announcement here is a quick re-cap:

In celebration of all the positives and this gorgeous season, Bien Confit! is going to giveaway some yummy noms for you to try out and you will also have the opportunity to get a friend to win a little something too! I know, awesomeness abounds!!!

You will have the chance to win three different fall flavour products (Choice of a Jelly or Jam, & a Paleo Compote-all items are gluten-free & Vegan!) with a little something special to jazz up your holidays! For a friend, there will be a smaller gift package with tasty nome,those will be announced along with the names of the winner(s).

So here is how it works to Enter:

• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bienconfitglutenfree/
• Like the giveaway photo
• Make sure to mention any allergies you may have on your bienconfitgf insta post!
• As an additional entry, you may tag a friend. This will add an entry for you and for them, they will have a chance to win a smaller giveaway prize!
• For those of you who follow the blog, that will count as an additional entry as well, be sure to type in, blog follow with your Insta post, if you do.

The contest winner(s) will be chosen randomly on the 13th of October & will be announced on the 15th. Entries end the 10th of October at midnight. Best of luck to all!
Winners are asked to take a picture of themselves with their special giveaway prize, so we can showcase them on the blog and social media pages. If you prefer to not have your picture taken, a picture of the box opening will do.

Contest is open to Canadian & U.S citizens only.

You can enter as often as you like.

So I hope you enter and spread the word, I am feeling so good about this giveaway and as I write this post, the scent and feel of cooler, crisp, and inviting fall weather is beckoning outside.

                            

 I was off to the chiro again this Friday, as I seem to have re-injured my rib that had dislocated two weeks ago. This meant a lovely drive out to the country and way less pain once I came out the docs office. I was doing so well but took the second half of a CPR course this past week and it turns out that re-animating dummies for the better part of two hours, on & off, is not a great idea, when you are not fully healed. I am humbled and once again reminded to, TAKE IT EASY KIKI!!!

Thank the Lord for Chiropractic care.

                             

I will admit that I struggle with the tremendous changes to my body that have occurred since this thyroid madness and injury yuckiness. I am growing though and every day I learn more, am encouraged, and moving forward.

                                  

     Truly, I am grateful for God's love, the wonderful support system around me, friends, family, my beloved, and practitioners that have really made a tremendous difference in my quality of life. There is still much more to do but for now, slow and steady will win this quiet but important race. I am off to do some fun stuff with my cutie son after I finish work,he is busy getting his new place all jazzed up. He's having fun with it and it is such a joy for a parent to watch your child becoming a man and having all the great life experiences that make you feel like you are finally spreading your wings.

                                          

That's my Dev and the little bitty fluffers, Rocky aka The Rockstar. Before you think that the little furry monster is tall, the long legs in the pic are deceiving. He's a tiny little thing with big horse sized dog dreams and beliefs-hence the reason he barks and thinks himself super tough around squirrels.

                                               

See? Diminutive indeed but ever so fluffy and cute. My son is pretty adorbs too. Hehheh. 

As it is thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, I am going to sign off with some thanksgiving funny love, a pic of my booboo and I, cuz I always miss him more during the holidays; and a friendly reminder about the giveaway. Take care, be well, love freely, and God Bless!

  

   

https://www.instagram.com/bienconfitglutenfree/

                                

First Official Bien Confit! Sans Gluten Free GIVEAWAY!!!

                     

Hello Sweetpea's!

It's announcement TIME!!!!!
Today is the very first Bien Confit! Sans Gluten Free Giveaway!
                  
As we are in fall-my absolute fav time of the year, and the Etsy shop is gearing up to open again in a few weeks, I wanted to do something for all of you who have been so supportive and patient.
                                    
As some of you may know, I have been struggling for the past months with serious injuries and crazy health issues which have delayed the store opening and put the biz in slow mode. I am happy to say that thanks to my wonderful chiro and doctor, much has improved!  Not perfect but waaaay better.
                                     

In celebration of all the positives and this gorgeous season, Bien Confit! is going to giveaway some yummy noms for you to try out and you will also have the opportunity to get a friend to win a little something too! I know, awesomeness abounds!!!

You will have the chance to win three different fall flavour products (Choice of a Jelly or Jam, & a Paleo Compote-all items are gluten-free & Vegan!) with a little something special to jazz up your holidays! For a friend, there will be a smaller gift package with tasty nome,those will be announced along with the names of the winner(s).

So here is how it works to Enter:

• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bienconfitglutenfree/
• Like the giveaway photo
• Repost the giveaway photo on your Instagram with the hashtag #bcgffallfungiveaway (this will be checked so no cheating please.)
• Make sure to mention any allergies you may have on your bienconfitgf insta post!
• As an additional entry, you may tag a friend. This will add an entry for you and for them, they will have a chance to win a smaller giveaway prize!
• For those of you who follow the blog, that will count as an additional entry as well, be sure to type in, blog follow with your Insta post, if you do.

The contest winner(s) will be chosen randomly on the 13th of October & will be announced on the 15th. Entries end the 10th of October at midnight. Best of luck to all!
Winners are asked to take a picture of themselves with their special giveaway prize, so we can showcase them on the blog and social media pages. If you prefer to not have your picture taken, a picture of the box opening will do.

Contest is open to Canadian & U.S citizens only.

You can enter as often as you like.

                             

Looking forward to all the fun to come, happy & blessed fall everyone!

                     

Announcement Coming This Friday!!!!

                                                 

Helloodles!

Just a quick little post to announce something very fun and special happening tomorrow on my Insta page and here on the blog. Check in tomorrow to find out all about a very special and exciting first for Bien Confit! Sans Gluten Free!
 
                                     

Lilac & Pineapple Jelly Processing & Small Shop Update!

                               

Bonjour!

 Yup, it is definitely a house full of lilac smell. We have been in serious work mode. Pooped but sincerely grateful and satisfied!            

As you can see above, there is finally some movement happening with regards to Lilac & Pineapple jelly making! I was a bit concerned at first because lilacs were latethis year and with working, plus a tail-bone injury, I thought this best seller might be shelved for this year. Never been so happy to be wrong!

                         

The pics do not do it all justice but you can get a feel for it. It has been a long 2 weeks, there has been so much to do. 

It is such slow, painstaking work because every delicate bunch of flowers, must slowly be removed. and that means one little flower at a time is picked off, which made up the larger cluster. I feel that it makes a huge difference to the final jam or jelly product though.

                             

 

As you can see we managed to score loads of lilacs out in Hemmingford, Quebec. There was the mother load of lilac bushes in this place we dubbed, "Lilac lane". They were big, beautifully coloured, healthy, and full, fragrant bushes. Some were so tall, we could not reach the tops.

                                         

                                 

In the end we had over a hundred cups of processed lilacs that allowed me to make a full dozen,large ziploc bags of lilac steeping liquid. That is way more than my paltry 4 bags of last year- happy dance moment for me, as it will allow me to make loads more jam and jelly!

                               

Now that I finally have my desperately needed new freezer, (thanks Poppa Bear for the awesome sauce birthday gift!) I actually had a place to put all of these baggies. We got such a great deal on it, we had gone in for a much smaller model that was 45% off but there was a problem with delivery, so, for $25 more we got a freezer 2 sizes up, that should have been an additional $200+. Score!!!

This freezer came just in time, there was loads of packaged lilac juice in need of a place to hibernate, until ready for use. 

As you can see, I had to sit them up, I protected them by doing the initial freeze in a box; when they were set, I was able to remove them and lay them on top of one another.

                                         

So, next steps are to start the long process of canning and then the fun part of adding labels, decorative covers, and making them pretty. 

                                       

We are also making a run out to Dunham very soon, as they have some wonderful berries and honey on hold for me. I cannot get enough of this delectable, healing, not pasteurized, organic honey!

                             

I can start making some more products and finally re-open the Etsy shop, Yipeeeeee!!!!! I have had people asking me about when it will be opened again, and where can they buy what they have had before, or tasted, but the BCGF line is really seasonal. I have to wait and work with what is available, and I am a very small start-up still. This means better taste and quality, but also that small batches come and go quickly. Please bear with me. This year, I am aiming to increase my stores for better availability.

                                    

If you want to read a blog post all about Paradis Des Fruits out in Dunham, and how you can go berry picking with you and the fam this summer, click the link that follows. 

I highly recommend it as an outing because it is gorgeous, the produce is local, tastes amazing, and it is an enviro farm with the most amazing bunch of people, who will welcome you very warmly. You will definitely be making memories and you can taste what they have to offer before you pick or buy.

http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/09/paradis-des-fruits-local-produce.html

                           

This is the work in my near future!

Will write more on those adventure's very soon and will keep all posted as to shop status, giveaway (see pic below for a sneak peek!) finally coming soon, and any places BCGF will be seen and heard in the near future!

                                 

Keep checking in, thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to subscribe!

Take care, be well, love freely.