Brussels.

I just spent a cheeky weekend in Brussels visiting a good friend of mine. I've been before but last time was less impressed, that was mainly because we were stuck inside, outside being gloomy, drizzley and generally grey..... This time round it was bright and fresh so we got out and about, soaked up some Brussels charm. I especially loved the patisseries, we sampled a few. Check out the beautiful raspberry tarts in the photo. I'm going to try and replicate them. The pastry was sweet and crisp, the centre was filled with a light custard cream and then the raspberries on top were just the right side of tart. Mmmm. I didn't try any chocolate as it seems to be giving me migraines more's the pity. Maybe next time.

Cookie Collection

I've been working on my collection of cookie recipes. Most recently I made some Anzac cookies and these wonderful ginger cookies. Both had a lovely crunch and chewiness. I'm a sucker for oats though so I think at a push I'd vote the Anzac's no. 1. I'l have to think what to try next. So far in the collection I have Madeleines, Digestives, Custard creams, Jammie dodgers, Chocolate oatmeal, Macaroons and Bourbon creams. I think on looking at the list maybe it needs some Chocolate chip cookies. I know my little nephew, in law or once removed, I'm never sure how those relationship terms work, made some delicious ones for our family christmas do. I'll track down that recipe. 

My favourite breakfast place.

I've been meaning to spill the beans on the best breakfast place by miles in Dublin, in fact, maybe anywhere I've had the pleasure of breakfasting in. It's an added bonus that it is a short cruisey weekend stroll from where I live. It is the Lennox Cafe aptly on Lennox street a stone's throw from the Bretzel Bakery. I have been here for breakfast many times, often as a restorative cure after hectic evenings and as such have never previously managed to order anything other than the breakfast offerings. And these are mighty. But this weekend I delved into the menu, dehydrated gremlins not being a problem, I ordered their parma ham, roast pear and caramelised walnut salad, it was delicious, as well as the advertised ingredients it was packed full of interesting extra nuggets and the whole thing dressed well with a sweet mustard salad dressing. It was so good we visited again the following day, this time I tried the Huevos Rancheros, for brunch (as in miss breakfast!) this was hard to beat, chock full of avocado, salsa, salad, melted cheese, and then eggs of your choice, all siting on a crisp tortilla. This is a taste bud tingler of a dish and everything fresh as you like. I urge you to go visit but preferable not when I'm angling for a table too....