Currently Browsing: Starter
Asparagus with Hollandaise
This is a simply delightful way to eat asparagus on a summers afternoon with a glass of white wine. Try it with some good quality cured ham and some sharp, salty cheese such as Parmesan, pecorino or a mature cheddar. Hollandaise sauce is a great one to master. It will impress everyone when you can […]
Tasty Turkey Bites
This is one Aine made for her family. I was lucky enough to be there the day she made them as they really are seriously good. They are a healthy family dinner and are fairly inexpensive and easy to make. You can even prepare them the night before then cook them when the next day […]
Chinese Yuk Sung Recipe
If you are on a health kick or a diet then Yuk Sung is the dish for you, it is extremely quick to make and very healthy. Of course it also tastes great. I choose to make it with turkey mince as it was on offer but you can choose minced chicken, prawns or pork […]
Crispy Peking Duck with Pancakes and Hoi Sin
I, like so many others, love this dish, the only problem is its so expensive from chinese restaurants and take aways and the supermarket versions I have tried are terrible. Most Chinese take aways buy theirs from the Asian stores which is ok but nothing as nice as making your own. If you don’t want […]
Roasted Vegetables & Giant Couscous Salad
Giant couscous comes from Israel and became popular in the 1950s when there was a shortage of rice. You’ll find it in some supermarkets and health food stores, if you can’t find it use regular couscous instead which can be found in any supermarket. Follow the instructions on the packet then follow the recipe from […]
Pork Kebab & Apple Infused Salad
These pork kebabs are very lean and tender. The spice goes so well with the cool crisp salad. You can change the pork to chicken if you prefer. Or use grilled vegetables if you want to go vegetarian.
Poached Pear & Blue Cheese Salad
Anyone who knows me knows I’m cheese mad. I love all kinds, especially the amazing selection we have here in Ireland. Cashel Blue is one of my favourite blue cheeses. The combination of flavours here match so well they have to be tried to be believed. This will make a fantastic snack with a good […]
Prawn Cocktail
Prawn cocktail is another classic salad that is really easy to throw together. It’s one you don’t see so often anymore which is such a shame as when made properly it is a great salad or starter. You can use the really small prawns which are called Boston prawns or a bigger prawn like a […]
Onion Bhajis (gluten free)
These are so expensive from Indian restaurants and takeaways. I never understood why cause in fairness it’s an onion in a few spices and some gram flour and cost so little to make. You will easily make them at home yourself for less than €1. They are really quick to make too which is great. […]
Breaded Garlic Mushrooms
A lot of people have asked me to make this dish since I started my site. It can be found on menus up and down the country though you would never find them on one of mine as I am not a big fan. However, being a chef isn’t about cooking to my own personal […]