Simple and tasty food.
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.
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 …
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, …
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 …
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.
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 …