When I was little, a trip to Belfast was an epic journey.  It seemed to take all day to get there and even longer to get back, but we loved it all the same.  Going around the shops was a treat in itself because they had different sweets, crisps and drinks to what was available in our local shop.  Imagine chicken or spring onion flavoured crisps – the exoticness of it all!  Continue reading »

This is a twist on one of those great potato dishes that tastes magic, is easy to cook and you keep forgetting to make until something else reminds you and then you want it!

The delicate white flowers aren’t out on the Wild Garlic in Donegal yet

I was down the garden today and the  smell of my wild garlic plants wafted over and ticked me on the nose. “Mmm”, I thought, “Oven Baked Creamy Wild Garlic & Cheese Potatoes”.  Continue reading »

It’s time for the desserts to start the battle royale. It’s no surprise, but we’ve got some heavy hitters here, so it’s time to get to the showdowns!
In our first showdown, we have the Blueberry Dump Cake going head to head against the No-Bake Oreo Cookie Treats. Not trying to sway the results here, but no-bake and chocolate are two of my favorite words for dessert.  Continue reading »

At the end of 2012, it was announced that Galway’s Aniar restaurant was to be awarded its first Michelin star, making it the second restaurant outside Dublin to win the accolade. Aniar is a terroir-based restaurant, where head chef Enda McEvoy cooks local, seasonal food, influenced by location. Inside, the restaurant is small and slightly informal.  Continue reading »

When we moved home to Galway almost five years ago  …. we could not find a beer that we loved. When in Rome – right?
Ah….. no.
Yes – there was Guinness and plenty of it. The best pints we have ever had – especially if you go here when you are in Galway. (I insist you go here when you are in Galway).
But sometimes, on a Friday night, a girl just wants a cold beer from the fridge.  Continue reading »

Ma says the plates aren’t a problem, the blue doesn’t go on the food, she gets me to rub it with my finger to see. Also the forks and knives, the metal feels weird with no white handles but it doesn’t actually hurt. There’s a syrup that’s to put on the pancakes but I don’t want mine wet. I have a bit of all the foods and everything are good except the sauce on the scrambled eggs. The chocolate one, the Easter, it’s meltedy inside.  Continue reading »

This miserable, dreary Friday evening we’ve a very simple, but utterly satisfying dish to share.
Perfect for lunch in a rush, or a tired last-minute supper, this recipe is both easy and cheap, a perfect combination in our house!  Continue reading »

What? Lots of chilli cooks compete for Chilli Con Carnival Crown. Guest judges will crown champion. People’s Choice Chilli Champ award also up for grabs. Beer and tunes on the day too. And our very own Rebecca is one of the chosen finalists. Good luck Rebecca!
Why? Billed as first annual event. All money raised goes to the excellent educational charity Fighting Words.
How much? Donations gratefully received in return for chilli sampling.
Where?  Continue reading »

Flapjacks were somewhat of a staple when I was growing up. At the end of the week, when all the biscuits and treats had been eaten, we were always able to whip up a few flapjacks.  They were simple enough for me to make, as long as I was supervised by my big sister We used to make really big trays of them, and the whole lot would be scoffed in an afternoon. There is nothing like a fresh flapjack with a cup of tea.  Continue reading »

When we were in Beijing last week we attended two stir-fry/ wok classes at Hutong Cuisine, apart from the noodle and dumpling classes I wrote about recently. While the format of these standard morning classes is broadly similar, the content varies daily. You learn 3 to 4 dishes, in each session – say 3 Canton and 1 Sichuan or 3 Sichuan and 1 Canton.  Continue reading »

This week, we’re giving away something that has appeared on our 2013 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide AND in Snack Attack: My New Favorite Snacks. Not only are Sweet Andy’s Cookies literally the best cookies we’ve ever had, the company has an awesome story too. Keep reading for more and how you can enter to win a SIX bag gift box from them!
First off, let’s talk about the company.  Continue reading »

Old Friends at the new Finn’s Table

Great to meet up with John and Julie Finn, back in their element, having just opened up Kinsale’s newest restaurant, Finn’s Table in Main Street. The talented friendly couple who made such a success of Dillon’s in Timoleague are, after a few months in the wilderness, back doing what they know best. And that is good news for restaurant customers in Kinsale and the surrounding area.  Continue reading »

Hayfield Manor Wine Society

Connoisseurs looking to expand their knowledge of wine, or enthusiasts who simply love sampling new and exciting vintages, will relish this special event on Thursday April 18th, part of a series of Wine Society evenings held in Hayfield Manor.
The evening will be hosted by Jane Boyce, Ireland’s first female Master of Wines and wine columnist for Irish Tatler.  Continue reading »

First solo art exhibition by Mealagh Valley Artist
During the month of April local artist Máire O Leary originally from the Mealagh Valley will display her work in Organico Cafe, Glengariff Road, Bantry. Máire developed her love of painting in Dromclough NS under the expert guidance of Miss Peggy O’ Sullivan. Since moving to Killarney she has attended a number of night classes in Killarney Community College where she developed her skills in oil and acrylic painting.  Continue reading »

Ballymaloe International Literary Festival of Food and Wine

Welcome to Ballymaloe from Chefs Rory O’Connell, Darina Allen and Rachel Allen 

Ballymaloe House and Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry, to host
the first Ballymaloe International Literary Festival of Food and Wine
from 3-6 May.  Continue reading »

Easter is just around the corner and for those of you who gave up something for Lent – chocolate, cursing, wine – the long wait is almost over. Well done on your self discipline and iron will (or sorry if it didn’t work out for you). But the time for feasting and gorging is back again and we have just the thing to ease you back into normal service.  Continue reading »

Crockpot recipes are among our readers’ absolute favorites on Recipe4Living, so it’s no surprise they deserve their very own category in Recipe Madness. Read on to learn about the round 1 face-offs between the best of the best crockpot recipes.
When you want Mexican for dinner without all the work, Chicken Enchiladas Crockpot is a delicious way to end up with the same flavor.  Continue reading »

***Discover the Origin invite Food Industry professionals to taste the provenance of Parma ham & Parmigiano-Reggiano***

Discover the Origin returns in 2013 with a series of masterclasses offering the delicatessen trade the chance to taste and learn more about these two historic European food products, both of which enjoy PDO status. The event is for food industry folk.  Continue reading »

Photo: The Gentleman’s Academy Disco Brunch, via Facebook

I’ve found my favourite way to spend a Sunday. It involves eggs and sweet disco tunes! The Gentleman’s Academy Disco Brunch spent 2012 establishing a name as one of the most unusual and fun events in our fair city. I’ve been to a couple at this point, once last year, where I remained sober, just enjoying the food and soaking up the lovely atmosphere.  Continue reading »

I first encountered Hook Norton’s Flagship on keg in Against the Grain and was a little surprised that this oh-so-traditional English brewery would have any truck with such a dispense method. Still, it was highly enjoyable and I was happy when I found a bottle of it in the fridge back home.
Though it’s bottle conditioned, pouring carefully gave me a pale orange beer with only a slight haze to it. And that could just as easily be hop-derived.  Continue reading »