Posted on Apr 25, 2011 in Brewing and beer, Do | 12 comments

Eight Degrees Brewing: the path to a pint

Eight Degrees Brewing: the path to a pint
It all began with a few pints in New Zealand. When the Husband and I lived in Christchurch there were about three brewpubs within 15 minutes walk of our house. We could stroll down to the Dux de Lux for their legandary nachos and a glass of Ginger Tom or head over the river for pizza and a Golding Bitter at...
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Posted on Apr 22, 2011 in Cookery Books, Read | 5 comments

Martin’s Fishy Fishy Cookbook by Martin Shanahan

Martin’s Fishy Fishy Cookbook by Martin Shanahan
For anyone with even a passing interest in Irish seafood, Martin Shanahan should need no introduction. Of his popular Fishy Fishy Restaurant in Kinsale, the Sister always says “arrive early and be prepared to queue or arrive late and be prepared to queue” but, for seafood lovers, it’s more than...
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Posted on Apr 21, 2011 in Bake | 0 comments

Easter baking: Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

Easter baking: Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns
When I lived in New Zealand I fell in love with Kiwi-style Hot Cross Buns. That is, HCBs with chocolate chips which, far from being an aberration as I thought at first, are Very Good for morning tea. And afternoon tea. And a post-pub, pre-bed snack for the Eight Degrees Brewing boys. They’re great when...
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Posted on Apr 20, 2011 in Do, Food Events, IFBA | 5 comments

IFBA/Bord Bia/From Plate to Page Cook-Off

IFBA/Bord Bia/From Plate to Page Cook-Off
Every time I meet up with Kristin on Irish Food Blogger Association business we seem to manage to include plenty of eating opportunities. Take last week. Before the Bord Bia/From Plate to Page cook-off at Cooks Academy on Thursday night we had already paid a visit to Murphys’ Ice Cream on Wicklow...
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Posted on Apr 13, 2011 in Cook, Storecupboard Specials | 2 comments

Moving time: Sausage and Bean Hotpot

Moving time: Sausage and Bean Hotpot
Moving house is never fun, even if it’s only for a few months while the cottage gets a long-overdue extension and insulation fit out. I know it will be worth it in the end but sometimes it’s hard to see that when surrounded by boxes and a Little Missy determined to unpack as quickly as you pack...
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Posted on Apr 2, 2011 in Bake | 2 comments

The last bake: Chocolate Sheet Cake

The last bake: Chocolate Sheet Cake
The last bit of baking in the old cottage kitchen before the big move? This regular favourite Chocolate Sheet Cake. It’s easy to make with one hand after you’ve badly sprained your wrist falling down the stairs like Someone around here did on Thursday night. Cue having to drag the Husband away...
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