Mocktails that will make people jealous
Gone are the days when it was impossible to taste mocktails as high as alcoholic cocktails. But it’s not easy to improvise as a mixologist. To simplify the task, the new brand of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink Encanette, established in Mauricie, offers a really successful product. A master distiller, an oenologist and a roaster (because the range also includes nitrogen cold brew coffees, which we loved) have come together to concoct delicious sparkling mocktails. Both adults and children can enjoy it, with flavors like Sangria Rosée, Tom Collins, Gin Tonic and Watermelon Mojito.
Vegan and gluten-free
Price: $13 for a pack of 4 cans, available online and at points of sale
Exceptional vinegars inspired by the terroir
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VILLA VINAIGRES ET JARDINS
Artisanal vinegars inspired by the terroir are in the spotlight at La Villa Vinaigres et Jardins
Former representative in the wine industry, Jean-François Pelchat gave himself the mission, by launching his company La Villa vinegars & gardens, to create exceptional artisanal vinegars whose flavors express all the richness of the Quebec terroir. To do this, he uses the fruits of his gardens and orchards and also ingredients from wild harvesting, in a spirit of self-sufficiency, with a holistic vision of agriculture that promotes biodiversity. These premium aromatics are used to create truly stunning vinegars, handcrafted in small batches that take about three years to make. Examples ? Rose vinegar, dune pepper and elderberry or even carrot, ginger and turmeric or our favourite, the balsamic of Nordic berries. No wonder so many chefs use them!
Unpasteurized and preservative free
Price: from $10.50 for 250ml, available online and at points of sale
Back to basics
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PREMIÈRE MOISSON
The Marquis wheat pavé from Première Moisson
A very crispy crust, a dense and honeycombed crumb, an irregular shape shaped by hand… The new Marquis wheat pavé, launched by Première Moisson this year to celebrate its 30th anniversary, has everything to please those looking for an artisanal bread, rustic, tasty. To achieve this, the company uses Marquis wheat, an ancient wheat that is said to have made Canada’s cereal reputation, made from two ancient grains, Red Fife (recognized for its baking qualities) and Hard Red Calcutta (more quick). It is grown ethically in Sainte-Eulalie, in the Centre-du-Québec region, then ground under the care of the Moulin Charlevoix, on a stone millstone. Cut it into big thick slices to concoct incredible sandwiches or simply serve it with butter and cheese to your guests during the holidays, it will be a success every time!
Available for a limited time in three sizes
Price: $4.35 (quarter), $8.45 (half) or $15.95 (whole loaf), available in stores and online
The necessary for gluten-free pastries
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LULUBELLE & CO
The product range of Lulubelle & Co
Although the number of certified gluten-free products is constantly increasing, it is still preferable to cook them yourself. The Quebec company Lulubelle & Co is there to give us a boost with its varied preparations. It offers different cake, waffle, pancake, muffin, pizza and bread mixes. A few are organic. Flour, food coloring and edible decorations are also sold. The pizza dough and pancakes we made at home tasted great, but the cakes particularly stood out. Both the chocolate and vanilla ones were moist, flavorful and not too sweet. Note that Lulubelle & Co is a proudly feminine company.
Gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, no artificial flavors
Price: most mixes sell for $8.49