Carton House Braised Shoulder of Lamb

Recently I made the long way to the Food Festival in Kilkenny to join a food producer tour - which was cancelled (I didn't know). I wasn't much interested in anything else, so I took the time to walk the streets of Kilkenny (and giving it some strong thought of organising a food producer tour myself - watch this space). On my way, I saw a lovely bookshop (I can never resist to pop into one) and after some browsing found the cookbook of Carton House. Never been to Carton House but after reading this book, it is on my to-do-list for 2012.

Anyway, I can never leave a lonely cookbook behind, so I adopted it nicely and last Saturday I actually tried one of the recipes which I thought looked just amazing: Caraway Braised Shoulder of Lamb - Ok, I have to stop here a bit, I didn't find any caraway seeds in the area of Blarney and Blackpool, so I basically I made braised shoulder of lamb.

The 2 best butchers in Cork are O'Flynns in Marborough Street and Bresnans in the English Market - my first stop is always O'Flynns. I called them up at the start of the week and ordered the meat with the request to debone the beauty. Picked it up on Thursday and it was as I wanted it - Thank you Mr O'Flynn.

Came home and marinated the meat in some spices (cumin, coriander, ginger, cloves and olive oil) - recipe states to marinate it for 4 hours - I am a slowcook - so it stayed in overnight. Next day I put the meat into a baking tin and poured in hot chicken stock halfway up and cooked in a a low oven for 4.5 hours (covered). Took it out and put it on a plate - layered another plate on top and put a nice weight on it. The next day, it was cut in even portions and pan-fried in olive oil and butter. The smell was amazing and the meat was tender and falling apart (no one wondered about the missing caraway). I served it with steamed baby potatoes and green beans. As I love sauce, I made a mustardy gravy that went well with the spuds and the meat - no mint needed :-) ( the original recipe calls for aubergine puree and mint emulsion).

For the wine I went to Curious Wines (Turner's Cross, Cork) and asked Matt and Julian (former of Bubble Brothers) what they thought would go nicely with the dish (I was thinking of a Bordeaux and Matt agreed - phew). We decided in the end on Chateau Bauduc 2008 Clos des Quinze. There is nothing better than professional advice of people who have actually tasted the wine - not like your supermarket clerk (yeah, dat is grand).

Aged in oak it has a lovely acidity with spicy fruit. It held up nicely to the meat and the cheese after.

My next attempt from this book will be Stuffed Filet of Pork (as much as I follow recipes LOL)

Puffball anyone???

I am never sure which mushrooms are safe to pick and which aren't. A friend from Germany (an American living in Berlin) sends me dried wild mushrooms every year and I am really lucky that he knows his mushrooms (I save a lot of money as I never have to buy dried mushrooms).

One of the most recognisable mushrooms is the puffball mushroom. It really looks like a puffed up ball. It is white with a spongy but smooth surface. Cut open it looks like a sponge. You need a sharp knife to slice it as it tends to crumble a bit.

Terence found a puffball the other day and brought it over for breakfast. I cubed it and sauteed it in olive oil and butter. Scrambled eggs and freshly baked bread completed a great Saturday breakfast - just yummmmmmm

For more recipes, try Denis Cotter's cookbook 'Wild Garlic, Gooseberries and me' as he covers the puffball nicely.

Denis Cotter - For the Love of Food

Denis Cotter's latest cookbook is finally available. It's called 'For the Love of Food' and the love here not only includes the food and cooking but also his new girlfriend. I personally believe that Denis Cotter is one of the most creative cooks and his book doesn't disappoint. His message that he is trying to bring across is 'Share the food with people you love'.

I can't wait to try some of the recipes - Lucy's breakfast sausages (Lucy is Ultan Walsh partner and an amazing cook in her own rights), cauliflower soup with hazelnut gougeres and beetroot risotto with lemon-fennel oil, goat's cheese and broad beans - so watch this space for updates on the recipes.

The book is divided into breakfast (or brunch), salads (as always very interesting), risotto (obviously my favourite chapter), soup (some strange combination here), mash (more interesting than you might think), all wrapped up (just one springroll here), bowls (nope, not only soups but one bowl meals), oven (a type of pizza called farinata and more) and sweetness (would have wished for more recipes in this chapter)....

His previous books have a different feel to it but nevertheless, it is Denis Cotter through and through....he was never really keen on desserts (not sure if he doesn't like cooking for eating desserts) but he has included a few and I think I am going to try Lavender set Custard with honey and berries.....watch this space...

happy cooking

Denis Cotter's new book

Apologies to all my faithful readers (I'd say I dropped a few) for not updating this blog as regularly as I should. I promise, I am still in full swing when it comes to cooking and food and I also promise that I will be getting better at it again.

Just received my latest newsletter from Cafe Paradiso (most of you will know that this is my fav restaurant in the whole wide world) and guess what - Denis Cotter is publishing a new book (flipping time as well). Please see the announcement below:

This is more pre-announcement than news but I'd better mention it now in case I forget to broadcast again closer to the date. I've got a new book coming out in April that I'm really excited about. It's called 'for the love of food' and is really just a simple book of nice things to make for dinner if you like making dinner more than watching tv, and it even has some damn fine recipes for those nights when you actually want to watch tv while eating dinner. Leaving the preaching to others, this one is all about the pleasure and love of food.

Can't wait to get my hands on this and see what he has come up with this time.

A Foodie Friday

Today was just a lovely day, weather was great, I met lovely people and have lots to write about.

First of all I went to the new venture of On the Pig's Back by Isabelle Sheridan in Douglas and it was a treat. When I heard she opened her new cafe at the premises of Patrick's Woollen Mills I was a bit surprised as it is very industrial with garages and wooden flooring places around. But when I arrived I was still surprised but it was a pleasant one. High ceilings, whitewashed walls with art works hanging (which you can purchase by the way), tall timber shelving packed to the brim with yummy goodies with a great focus on French and local produce (they had even Irish music in the background). Light timber flooring and handmade wooden large tables and chairs invite you to sit down with friends and family for a delicious lunch.

The menu is short but varied. Soup of the day was carrot with basil which was oozing with freshness. Silky texture and a perfect consistency (€5.50), Quiche & Salad (€6.50) doesn't really say much but they had 5 different quiches on offer (Dianne ordered the spinach & pine nut) and the salad served with the quiche was almost bigger than the plate. I ordered Tartine which is a toasted slice of rye bread topped with melted cheese and tomatoes which was served with a lovely pesto and red onion jam. The leaf salad was organic and fresh. We then shared a slice of rhubarb pie which was just lovely and not sour at all but thanks God not too sweet either.

The place was buzzing, so my concerns about the location was completely unfounded. Isabelle has a great business head on her shoulders and I wish her great success.

Dianne and myself then headed back towards city centre as Colman Andrew launched his latest book 'The Country Cooking of Ireland' in the Farmgate restaurant. Colman is an American with a love for Irish Food. The book is quite extensive, the photographs are amazing (by Christopher Hirsheimer) and very well researched. I love especially the chapter of Irish Wine with a photograph of a pint of Guinness next to it. He talked about how it came that he wrote about Irish food and how interesting he finds it. He is a great advertiser in the States for Irish Food (not that many people seem to believe him).

While listening to Colman and enjoying the canapes of mushroom frittata, we also met a lovely girl Evin who is from California but moved to Ireland 2 years ago. A fellow food blogger, we had of course a lot to talk about. Have a look at her blog . I bet you will love the photographs as much as the recipes. I invited Evin to join us for our next wine tasting on Portuguese wine next Saturday. Hope she can make it.

So, I think that was enough excitement for one day - sitting now in front of a blazing fire, got some crackers with goat's cheese and O'Flynns mixed berry jam and a glass of Sherry and let my brain roar wild with some buzzing ideas for events. Watch this space

Forgotten Skills in Greece???

Still can't believe that I really turned a year older (and in case you are wondering how old I turned last week - easy to remember, it is always 25. You can't go wrong if you stick to this number).

And I got some really nice pressies from lovely wine, chocolate, giftcards for my favourite cloth shop, a purse to cookbooks. Linda got me Darina Allen's Forgotten Skills and I have to say, it is a great book. The book covers really everything in Darina's own style. Short and merciless. I wished sometimes for more detailed instruction and background information. For some recipes she lists sources but have to say, not for all. But all in all a good book if you want to get back to basics.

The second book I got is a Greek Cookbook written by Theodore Kyriakou called 'A culinary voyage around the Greek Islands. Sofie knows me really well as this cookbook was still missing in my collection. Theodore Kyriakou is a well known Greek chef and food writer and runs the award winning restaurant "The Real Greek' in London. The book is lovely written with lots of photographs and little stories about his sailing tours around the Greek Islands. In my head I am already planning the next dinner party which will include Broad beans with braised lamb sweetbreads, yoghurt and herbs. Sounds just too delicious (and I am saying this as a veggie). Watch this space for updates.

New Cookbooks - and I want them all :-)

Went to Waterstones the other day and had to drag myself out as I wanted to buy them all. Waterstones in Cork changes the cookbook section each year for Christmas and they have lots more titles on offer. And this week, they have either half price or €6 off.....so, in case you are not sure what to get me from Santa....here are some ideas:

Not so sure if this is a new book but nevertheless, it is a great book. I love the relaxed atmosphere in the River Cafe and the food is what it says on the tin - simply good. And how wrong can you go with classic Italian food....






The Irish 'Duchess' of cooking was at it again. I love that Darina is trying to get kids into good local and fresh produce and to get families back at the dinner table and this book shows all there is to know how to things the right way. My own nan was a treasure chest of old traditions and most of them she passed on to me. If you want to go back to basic and really live the 'slow' way, this book is for you. €6 off at Waterstones at the moment.



Ok, this might not really be the cookbook you will have next to your cooker but it would just look perfect on your bedside table. This book is a beauty and totally impractical if you are short of time (mashed potatoes take about 3 days - just kidding).....but it is worth having (wouldn't buy it myself...but please feel free to get it for me)


Delia is back - and thanks God. She might not be the most entertaining chef on telly but if you are a novice to cooking, this lady is the best thing that can happen to you. Her recipes are simple (no cheffy tricks) and work always. She doesn't pretend to be a chef but a damn good cook. If this is the first Christmas you have to cook Christmas Lunch and you want to impress your in-laws....get this book and you will be the best daughter-in-law ever.


Thomas Keller, owner of the French Laundry in San Francisco has opened a second restaurant in 2007 called ad hoc (long story - read more about the restaurant here ). Anyway, Thomas Keller has been voted best chef in the world and you can expect great things from him. Ad hoc is not as complicated as The French Laundry Cookbook but still damn good (I really should stop saying damn at this time of the year).

There are of course lots more out there......and I can't wait to get my hands on some of them (can't get them all - I would need an extension to the house)

Above & Beyond Parsley

You might remember (and I know you read this blog viciously every day) that I had a lovely weekend with friends in Kerry a few weeks back when we went to Valentia Island. My visit in the Knightsbridge Cafe ended with the buy of 2 cookbooks. It took me a while to read them properly (yeap, I am a busy woman these days) but now I have finished the book 'Above & Beyond Parsley' and have to say, the subtitle 'Food for the Senses' is matching the photographs in the book. Did you think that pork tenderloin can look sexy...just look at the title. The book is the work of 'The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri' - an organisation committed to help the communities and all proceedings of this book that was printed first in 1992 went to projects supported by the league. Anyhow, the book is worth the buy as the photographs are really outstanding (although most recipes don't have pictures) and the recipes are plentiful. But that is not all the book offers....lots of hints and tips are scattered throughout the book, tips on how to dress a dinner table (centerpieces, how to place cutlery etc) and it covers everything from breakfast, appetizers, soups & stews to meat and fish and of course my favourite subject desserts. As the book is American, all measurements are in US metrics (just to let you know 1 stick of butter is 125g). The recipes are creative, the instructions simple and it offers something for every taste. I haven't cooked from it yet, but I might use it as inspiration for my next dinner party (the hazelnut tart sounds yummy)....happy cooking

Love Food - Love Paris

Went for some much needed retail therapy the other day in TK Maxx and next to a jacket found a lovely cookbook that is also a travel guide to Paris (Rome was also available). Since it was only €10 I thought it would fit nicely in my already overladen shelf with all the other cookbooks (I really need to find a carpenter to build another one). Anyhow, this book is an older edition (a newer one is available from Amazon - the pic is from the latest edition) but still worth a nice read.

The book is divided into the different areas of Paris starting with the Gare du Nord & Montmartre and goes up to Place d'Italie & Montparnasse. Streetmarkets are covered as well which I of course love. I have been to Paris about 16 years ago when Disney Paris was just opened and have to admit I didn't like the city much. But one reason could have been that the weather was terrible, I took the bus from Berlin (never do that to myself ever again) and I was overtired. The hotel I was staying in was out of the centre and dirty to the way that I didn't slip for 3 nights as I refused to put my head down.

Anyhow, in the meantime (I have never been back) I heard and learned so much about the city that I would love to go back but only as a culinary trip. And this book is simply the best travel guide a foodie can have. It not only shows all the landmarks of the city but also the best shops (no fashion here ladies) and best restaurants along some lovely recipes. The photographs are great and a nice mixture of landmarks and foods.

The recipes are the well known classics of Petits Pois a la Francaise, Gratin Dauphinoise & Soupe a l'Oignon Gratinee. So, most cooks will have these recipes already in their repertoire but it is the listing of the shops that makes this book so special. Angelina in Rue de Rivoli would be on my list. It is a tearoom that has been frequented by Coco Chanel and Marcel Proust and the decor seems to the same as to Ms Chanel's times.

And of course the markets. Paris is famous for it and I really have to forget this first encounter I had with the city and head back there for some more warming memories.

New Cookbooks on the market

Went to Waterstones the other day to snooper around the new releases of cookbooks (in case you haven't noticed, I love and collect them).

The following three sound interesting:

Sunday Roast by Johnny Scott & Clarissa Dickson Wright (surviving part of the 'Two Fat Ladies') have re-released their bestseller Sunday Roast but this time including a roasting tin, meat baster and an apron....so no excuse anymore. Price at Waterstones is €20.50

Clodagh McKenna - who also wrote (and re-released the "Irish Farmer's Cookbook) - has published her latest book 'Fresh from the Sea'. Lots of photos from her but she also speaks passionately about the fishermen. If you like fish and would want something different than good old Rick...this might be it. Careful tho.....hardly any new recipes but good old favourites. It is based on her TV show ...not sure if it has already aired cause I haven't seen it yet. Price at Waterstones €19.55

The Barefoot Contessa has also a new cookbook out called 'Back to Basics'...I watched her a couple of times on telly (too American for me) but I do love her kitchen ..... price at Waterstones €23.99

You can go never wrong with Clarissa Dickson Wright. her cooking is rustic, no fuss whatsoever and simply very honest. So I might go for her book - and you can never have enough roasting tins and aprons (last count of aprons in my kitchen = 6).

Glamour Cakes

My good friend Sofie came the other day to see me and gave me this amazing book called Glamour Cakes by Eric Lanlard. He has been on telly recently with his Glamour Puds and I have to say that I was actually drooling over the telly (and I normally prefer savoury). Now I have the book and I have to say, this guy got talent. The book is mostly about decorating the cakes rather than recipes for cakes. But he gives you basic recipes for granache, butter cream and chocolate fondant. Step by Step instructions helps to fulfill the task ahead.

Since I am making Caz & Jan's wedding cake....I am sure I will find plenty of inspiration in this book.

Have I mentioned that Sofie gave it to me :-)

Govind Armstrong

I am hardly ever following US chefs (okay okay, Thomas Keller being the exception). First of all, most if the ingredients you can't get here and they are sooooo far away. Anyhow, my good friend Caz gave me a new cookbook today as a gift (thanks hun.....great) and I might have to change my mind about US chefs. The book is called 'Small bites, big nights' and it is all about entertaining your friends and how to cook and enjoy the time with them.

I love the idea of Scotch Quail eggs with Chorizo or the Truffled Gruyere Fondue (you can never have enough cheese) or the Oxtail Ravioli....

The book is divided into basics (pantry: with pesto etc), Cocktails & Hors d'Oeuvres, From Grill to Plate, Dinner for 8, Secrets of the Kitchen, Comfort Food, Sexy Savories (a bit late for Valentines), and Lounge Food for Late Nights.

Govind Armstrong is executive chef and owner of Table 8 in L.A. Govind began his culinary training at age 13 working for Wolfgang Puck at the original Spago's. Govind has also trained under Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton at Campanile, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at City Restaurant, and Joachim Splichal at Patina and Pinot Hollywood.

Cooking DVD's

I love cook books (I actually read them like other people read novels) but the other day I went to the library and saw a DVD set called 'The Perfect Dinner Party'. The set consisted of 3 DVDs (only 2 were available) and I took the Starter and Main Course ones. I believe cooking is a joy and should be exciting but if I had never cooked before and watched these DVDs I bet I'd never started. It was boring, the two women had no chemistry together. The clips were divided by recipe but to be honest, I stopped watching after a few moments on each clip. I almost collapsed when they actually added cream to the risotto - and yes I know that restaurants are doing it but I still believe that this should be against the law.

If you have no imagination and you want to have some people over, these DVDs might be for you. But if you are like me and want some excitement .....stay clear of them.

Have you a cooking DVD that ticks all the good boxes??? Let me know about it.

The Master of Pastry...

...is called Michel Roux and I couldn't resist when I saw that the master himself published a book dedicated to pastry....the book is sorted into chapters covering one pastry at the time. Each pastry chapter has sweet as well as savoury recipes to use the basic pastry recipe. There is even a recipe for filo pastry.....and as much as I love making pastry, tarts and desserts......never ever will I make filo pastry from scratch. Puff pastry is hard and time consuming enough. Anyhow it is a great read as Mr Roux loves pastry and I believe there is nothing he doesn't know. I will definitely make the semi confit cherry tomato tart....the photo to this recipe looks just amazing and it makes me hungry

Santa has been nice to me

...cause he brought me the new cookbook of one of my favourite cookbook authors (okay it was Linda). Tessa Kiros latest book is called Venezia and as her previous books, simply amazing. The photographs and the little stories set you in the mood for hopping on the next plane and discover all these little gems Tessa watch this space for some updates on the recipes.

An Irish Adventure with Food

An Irish Adventure with Food is the re-release of Paul Flynn's cookbook. As you remember from a previous post, he was in Vibes & Scribes last Sunday to sign his book. I haven't been to his restaurant, The Tannery' yet. Caz & Jan love the restaurant and the food, while Simone doesn't like it at all. Since I value both opinions highly in regard to food, I will have to go soon to find out for myself.

Anyway, I have been to see the man last Friday and tome he seemed more like the author of a bestselling novel than a chef but looks can be deceiving. He signed the book I bought and was actually very approachable. I was busy tasting the wine, which was a Shiraz and the usual suspects of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Nothing to write home about.

Back to the cookbook... it is divided in ingredients rather than courses which seems to be the latest trend as Sky Gyngell and Marcus Waering did the same earlier. The photographs are stunning (compliment to the artist) and the book is filled with little stories. I think I will be trying the banoffi ice cream soon as it sounds delicious. He even has 2 pages of lemon recipes (and I do love lemon and lime), the lemon and basis tartare cream sounds an interesting change to the normal tartar sauce and I will give it a try next time I am cooking fish.

The instructions are not overly long but I feel that novices in cooking might feel overwhelmed.

You can buy the cookbook at Vibes & Scribes and it costs (gosh, I forgot actually but I think it was about €30).

Wine Tasting in Vibes & Scribes

I got this information through a friend. Paul Flynn from the Tannery in Waterford will be re-launching his cookbook at Vibes & Scribes on Sunday at 4pm in the branch in Lavitt's Quay. Wine is offered and Paul will be there to sign his book and talk about his restaurant and I bet you can catch one or two tips from him.

The Tannery is Caz & Jan's favourite restaurant, I haven't been there yet so I think I will start with the wine tasting on Sunday.

Got a new cookbook....

..and it is called 'The Vegeterranean' and was written by Malu Simoes and Alberto Musacchio who are the creators of 'The Country House Montali'. It's all about Italian vegetarian cooking and what cooking it is. Country House Montali has been voted as one of the ten best vegetarian hotels. The best next thing is to cook the recipes yourself :-)

The book is divided into Ingredients & techniques, Basics, Breakfast, Starters, First Courses, Second Courses, Breads and Desserts. I have already written a shopping list as the book is packed with scrummy recipes. Recipes are clearly written with little notes and alternatives for vegans. Little stories are placed throughout the book and I can't wait to start cooking.

As Malu Simoes is originally from Brazil, a lot of her native influence comes through as with the Empadinhas, little pies filled with palm hearts and olives, Quiche di Porri - leeks quiche, Strudel di Zucchine..I could go on and on and on..I might even make the strudel for Christmas dinner as Sofie will be joining us for X-mas dinner this year and just like me, she is vegetarian. So far it was too much effort to cook a complete dinner plus a veggie option...but this time I will push out the boat ;-)

The book can be bought in Waterstones for €37.

Happy cooking to me

I am back...

...and I hope you are all still out there....

Went to town for a lovely lunch with Linda in Liberty Grill and it was good comfort food as you want it. I had a falafel burger (in a pitabread) and Linda opted for the Clasic burger...we both were not able to squeeze a dessert in....it was filling....

And of course I paid Waterstone a visit and checked what new cookbooks are out there....the Christmas stock came already in so there are some fine books out there which hopefully find their way under my Christmas tree....:-)


A day at El Bullis (€40.99) The chef who is training the top chefs is opening up his recipe repertoire...

• Rachel Allen Bake.....wouldn't buy it as most of the recipes she shown on telly are well known even with sporadic bakers



• The Clatter of Forks & Spoons by Richard Corrigan (€27.99). I am not the greatest fan of good old Richard but I bet it is a lovely read



• Venezia by Tessa Kiros (€27.99) One of my favourite food writers of all times. I have already 3 books of her but can there be too much of a good thing....nope..I flipped through the book and again, the photos are outstanding and her little stories put always a smile on my face.

Delia Smith re-published her book 'Frugal Food' and Mark Hix published 'Seasonal British Food'...he is in my eyes a very good chef without the need to have a spotlight on him...

So ....what cookbooks are you all looking out for this year???

River Cottage Handbook No. 2

I love the River Cottage Series. Not only is it great to watch and I learn every time something new but HFW is a very witty writer and it is always fun to listen to him and watch him on his adventures....saying all that, I never bought a book from the series until now.

As I am madly into making preserves, I am always on the lookout for some cookbook specialised in this subject (not as many out there as you might think - at least not in Eason's and Waterstones) so my face sported a big smile when I saw that the second of the River Cottage Handbooks covered my favourite subject. So off I went and got it. It is a book that fits neatly into a handbag (no need to take the dishwasher out first) but it is packed with information and recipes. And as we speak I have raspberries steeping up my vinegar for the - hopefully - most amazing raspberry vinegar ever. My next project will be the spicy apple chutney..... and I am planning to harvest all the elderberries around the island to make Pontack Sauce...

This book is not written by Mr River Cottage himself but by Pam Corbin and you can order a signed copy here .