There’s a frenzy of baking going on around the country – the revival of interest has been further whipped up by the ICA, TV series ‘The Great British Bake Off’, and Rachel’s Allen’s ‘Cake’ programme which really takes the mystery out of baking. Millions tuned into watch the ‘The Great British Bake Off’ – it’s become a national phenomenon. Baking equipment is flying off the shelves in kitchen shops as people in both islands rediscover the joy of home baking.

We have just had the irrepressible Antony-Worrall Thompson here as our guest chef at the school. Antony has a loyal Irish following who [...]

Let’s have some delicious bacon and cabbage and parsley sauce for St Patrick’s Day. All over the world Irish emigrants are celebrating. Many, particularly in the US, will be tucking into corned beef and cabbage and turning their thoughts towards Ireland. For the past few [...]

In Australia, many of the top culinary icons I met were women, Stephanie Alexander, Maggie Beer and the incorrigible, and irrepressible Cherry Ripe. Stephanie Alexander opened Stephanie’s Restaurant in Melbourne [...]

2006 produced a raft of terrific cookbooks, some truly inspirational, but for me the most exciting ‘new’ talent to burst [...]

Halloween dates from the ancient Celtic festival Samhain which was the first day of Winter on November 1st , it later became All Souls Day which was an important date in the church calendar. The night before Samhain is Hallowe’en or All Hallow’s Eve, and this [...]

I’ve always thought that every family should produce its own ‘cookbook’ so that the grown children can reproduce the much-loved comfort food of their childhood – Granny’s Apple Cake, Mammy’s Gravy or Lamb Stew, Auntie Betty’s Queen of Puddings …. Most families, even those [...]

I am so excited – Peter Gordon, chef of Sugar Club fame [...]

RecipesGreen Peas with Cumin and GingerSweet Star Fruit Preserve – karambal ka murabbaSalted lassi with ginger – adrak ki lassi Indian Rice Pudding – chaaval ki kheerSpiced Turnips – shalgam masalaCauliflower and Potatoes in spices – aloo gobiCucumber and Yogurt RaitaEvery now and then I come across a food writer who really excites me. I [...]

During all the years I’ve written for the Irish Examiner, I’ve seen innumerable diet fads come and go, but have never advocated any regime. I simply encourage readers to seek out fresh naturally produced local [...]