Canape's.

I've been working on some of my own canapes. I just want to post up some pictures and if anyone has any helpful comments please feel free to make them. 




1. Roast Beetroot & Goat's Cheese, Roast Sweet Potato & Caramelised Pecans,            Cucumber & Prawn.
2. Greek Salad- pops.
3. Herbed Goat's cheese bon-bons.
4. Chicken liver parfait bon-bons w cranberry.

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....

I'm kicking myself. I absentmindedly knocked my camera at a job and bust my macro lens..  I'm very sad as I've discovered they are mucho expensive. I'll have to wait till after Chrimbo and hope there's a sale at the camera shop. So no photo's till then. I tried taking some with my standard issue lens and they look a bit pathetic. Foolish foolish, I do now own a camera bag...! 

Another long absence and this time there's a great reason.
I'm going to be a mum....   I am totally delighted, but the baby is making sure I have the stamina for when it's around. I'm being tested to the limits. Nausea and vomiting are not the best bedfellows for someone working with food!  For a couple of weeks I couldn't cook at all. Thankfully I am now back to cooking and on the whole feel better, I just have the odd daily turn.
I assisted on Neven's latest series last month. It will be showing in the new year. We were generously treated to dinner in McNeans not once but twice and all I can say is it should be on everyones to do lists.  The food is outstanding. It is very beautifully considered in it's cooking and its plating and top it off there is an element of fun. Combine this with excellent service and the experience is hard to beat. 

More birthday cakes.

Another cake commission but this one was a little different as it was for my uncle. The brief was Victoria sponge, so I did a victoria sponge but pimped it up a little! 
Nothing like  a bit of fruit and cream to bring a touch of luxury.