Cherries for me are the essence of summer. Whatever the weather in Ireland, one bite of a deep red, juicy cherry makes me think of sweet warm sunshine and brightens my whole day. Amazing how the small things can change your mood. Continue Reading…
This week it’s all about celebrating the summer. We’ve been having a pretty miserable summer here in Ireland so far; but I decided to celebrate the fact that it is getting a bit brighter with a sumptuous summer salad. This salad is so refreshing with ripe juicy orange segments, peppery leaves, a hint of nuttiness and a well balanced dressing. It’s my new favourite summertime snack. This dish is inspired by a salad that we ate in Rustic Stone on a rare sunny evening in Dublin. I didn’t use all the components in their recipe so I kind of formulated my own version.
This week I am still dreaming about the past and cooking from my lovely old antiquated cookery books. The latest grand dame of the kitchen is Maura Laverty and her book ‘Full and Plenty’, which was fondly known as a doorstopper due to it’s hefty size and weight. This book was first published in 1960 and was the first ‘real’ Irish cookbook. Before that, the only cookbook Irish people owned, was the one you got free with the cooker! Maura was quite the character and her cook book is filled with funny little anecdotes. She was something of a Renaissance lady with a talent for writing and broadcasting as well as cookery. She was a woman before her time and if she was still around today she would most likely be a millionaire. Maura initially started writing pieces for the paper, and then progressed to writing novels (some of which were banned) and plays. Her cookbook came about from her love of food which was shaped by the time she spent in Spain working as a governess. Her first cookbook was commissioned by the government and its intention was to show Irish housewives how to make do with what little food they had at their disposal. Continue Reading…
So, I finally dusted down the old recipe book, donned my 1950’s style apron, put on some Frank Sinatra and began my journey back in time. Wouldn’t this dish look very impressive at a dinner party in the 1950’s? I chose this particular recipe for Chocolate Meringue Tart, because it looked so decadent and delicious. I was also kind of intrigued by the concept. Chocolate, meringue and pastry, I wasn’t too sure if it would turn out to be yucky or yummy. As I read the recipe I realised I would have to change a few little things. I just couldn’t bring myself to use margarine, so I used lovely Irish butter instead. And that chocolate filling looked a little bland, so I jazzed it up with some Cointreau. I also used real cherries on top instead of sticky glace ones and garnished with some fresh fragrant mint. The rest of the recipe is pretty much as is and I even used Bourneville chocolate.
The idea of the gastro pub always interested me and I really enjoy going to them. However gastro pubs in Ireland are a rare breed. Some are called gastro pubs but are essentially pubs serving reasonably edible food. The Exchequer on the other hand, is for me, a genuine gastro pub that serves delectable drinks and above all, knows its food. Continue Reading…
Don’t worry, I’m still cooking! However, I do make it out of the kitchen from time to time. Last Saturday I was lured away by a fabulous food and gardening festival called Bloom. The festival has been an annual event for the last 5 years, but this was the very first time I had ever been. Bloom happens in the beautiful Phoenix Park in Dublin and is basically a showcase of the best of Irish produce. It’s also about gardening and crafts, so plenty to keep me entertained. I felt very proud of our tiny little island as we walked around and I’m hopeful that this mini food revolution in Ireland continues. Continue Reading…
