Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Super Summer Salads


Its just fantastic that we can now enjoy some Super Summer Salads, take the time to buy really fresh local produce as it tastes amazing and needs very little work.  Also when making salads for dinner consider making a little extra popping it aside without dressing and you can have it for lunch the next day.


Take Potatoes
Baby potatoes, sliced in half popped on a baking tray  Cook @ 190 for 20mins
Simple is best so try…
Baby potatoes w Garlic, Rosemary, Seasalt, Sprinkle of olive oil

Baby potatoes & Sweet Potatoes, carmelized red onion, dash balsamic vinegar, seasalt,

Baby potatoes on a baking tray with garlic, sprinkled with olive oil cooked then tossed when still hot with roast red peppers, black olives, fresh Basil pesto dressing, Serve while still warm

Warm New Potato Salad, steam the new potatoes and dress in honey mustard dressing (Dressing recipe included)  when warm, can be eaten warm or cold.  The dressing soaks into the potatoes which gives a great flavour.


Take Pasta
Penne, Orzo pasta, cook according to instructions and combine with
Roast Red pepper, pinenuts & fresh basil
Chopped black olives, carmelized red onion, shaved parmesan cheese
Sunblushed tomatoes, goats cheese & red pepper pesto w fresh basil


Take Beetroot
 Cook your own beetroot or use the vac packed beetroot readily available for a superior taste, if you only have beetroot in a jar, rinse thoroughly before using in these salads

Cut beetroot into large cubes

Combine beetroot with soft goats cheese & sprinkle with pistachio nuts.
Combine beetroot with crème fraiche and top with toasted almonds
Beetroot, Radish & Roast Almond Salad



Take  Beans

If using fresh beans you need to soak and cook them according to pack instructions before using in salads. For Canned beans drain and rinse them before using in salads and shake off excess water.

Chickpeas, roast red pepper, spring onions & coriander with a little chilli oil dressing
Kidney Beans, Chickpeas & Cannellini Beans, with finely chopped celery, cucumber and fresh red pepper tossed with a little olive oil with torn fresh basil



Take Salad Leaves

We have access to such a variety of salad leaves it takes minutes to make interesting green salads...

With  Baby leaves, Rocket, Baby Spinach, Fresh Basil, Flat Leaf Parsley etc....

Baby spinach, finely chopped courgette & radish, with sugarsnaps & a drizzle
of lemon zezted crème fraiche

Rocket, with shaved parmesan cheese,  a sprinkle of pinenuts & a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Parisian Summer Salad, Rocket, French beans, shaved red onion, olives, & rustic croutons

Cut day old French bread into chunks drizzle with olive oil bake @ 180 for 10 ish mins – cool on a wire tray – use within 24 hours – keep stored when cool in a sealed container to keep the freshness.

Classic Caesar Salad, Cos Lettuce, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Cooked fresh bacon, Caesar Dressing

Fruity  & Nutty, Mixed baby leaves, pumpkin seeds, chopped apricots, pine nuts, sesame seeds, drizzle of olive oli & balsamic


Easy Salad Dressings…


Balsamic Garlic Dressing

2 tbls of good Balsamic Dressing
1 tbls of lemon juice
1 clove of garlic crushed
¾ cup of ex virgin olive oil

Combine all of the ingredients together in a screw top jar and shake vigorously
Add finely chopped sunblushed tomatoes for added variety..


Dijony Salad Dressing

3 tbls of extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 large tbls of lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic crushed
Seasalt & Pepper

Combine all of the ingredients together in a screw top jar and shake vigorously


Yummy Honey Mustard Dressing

350ml ex virgin olive oil                                                    130ml of white wine vinegar                       
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
1 tbls wholegrain mustard                                                    1 heaped teasp of honey


Pop the white wine vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic into a small blender/or whisk, gradually add the oil in a thin stream continually whisking.


Vinaigrette dressing

1 tbs of balsamic vinegar                                                             1 tbls of sunflower oil
2 tbls of extra virgin olive oil                       2 tbls of chopped fresh tarragon or flat leaf parsley

Combine all of the ingredients together in a screw top jar and shake vigorously



Asiany Salad Dressing

3 tbls of sweet chilli sauce         1 lime juiced and zested
1 tbls of rice wine vinegar         2 tbls of chopped coriander

Combine all of the ingredients together in a screw top jar and shake vigorously.


Beetroot, Radish & Roast Almond Salad

4 Beets - sliced
6 Radishes – sliced
3 tbls of flaked almonds
2 tbls of crème fraiche
1 tbls of natural yoghurt


1.            Pop flaked almonds onto a baking tray and transfer to a preheated 170 oven for about 5 mins or until just beginning to turn  in colour
2.            Place the beets & radishes into a bowl
3.            Combine the crème fraiche & yoghurt until smooth
4.            Reserve a tbls of almonds & then scatter the remainder over the top of the beets & radishes and combine gently with the dressing.
5.            Transfer to a shallow bowl & decorate the top with the remaining almonds.



Red Cabbage, Sugarsnaps w Citrus Dressing


½ 1  of red cabbage
4 generous handfuls of sugar snap peas
1 large juicy orange
1 piece of ginger thumb size


1.            Remove the outer leaves from the red cabbage and using a potato peeler (or a steady hand and sharp knife) finely shred the cabbage..
2.            Slice the sugarsnaps down the centre removing any tough ends.
3.            Juice the orange
4.            Grate the ginger
5.            Combine the sugarsnaps, red cabbage and ginger in a mixing bowl
6.            Pour the orange over the salad and mix thoroughly
7.            Transfer to a serving bowl with a garnish of any green herb!!



Carmelized red onion & Sweet Potato Salad

3 Sweet potatoes
8 baby potatoes
6 cloves of garlic
1 red onion
3 tbls of balsamic vinegar
1 tbls of sticky brown sugar
Sea Salt

1.            Slice the baby potatoes in half & then chop the sweet potatoes into approx the same size pieces.
2.            Slice the red onion thinly removing tough ends etc.
3.            Pop into a bowl and 2 tbls of balsamic & the brown sugar over the onion, mix to combine then transfer onto  baking tray to a preheated oven 170 for about 5/6 mins… check to see if beginning to caramelise if not leave another few mins.  Remove when cooked and set aside
4.            Transfer to potatoes to a baking tray and add the garlic cloves unpeeled.
5.            Pour the olive oil over the potatoes & garlic ensuring they all have a coating .
6.            Pop into the oven for about 20 mins or until cooked
7.            Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the caramelised onions, balsamic & seasalt… using your hands toss gently until well combined…

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Healthy Fun food for Kids to Cook

Let’s get our kids cooking .....Healthy, Tasty Fun Food!!
Update on the Rotary Young Chef Competition...
The Rotary Young Chef Competition began last September in our secondary schools. 30 budding young chefs from Wicklow competed for the district title at various competitions over the past 5 months.

The challenge for the students was to prepare a 3 course healthy menu costing no more than 15 euro and present it to the judges in 1.5 hours.

These budding young chefs had to demonstrate their skills, as they worked under the scrutiny of the judges.
The standard was extremely high and competitive again this year with budding young chefs from the age of 13 participating . James Kneale from De La Salle Wicklow Town was the outgoing District Winner and was always going to be a hard act to follow but again this year myself and my fellow judges were absolutely amazed at the skill, imagination and ability of these budding young chefs!!

Examples of menus included:
Roast Asparagus, Parma ham & parmesan,
Smoked Salmon pasta w Philadelphia
Pancakes with fresh fruit & coulis
This menu costs 7.95 euro to make for 2 people

Homemade Veggie Soup
Stuffed chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham w
Roast veggies & steamed potatoes
Apple Crumble
This menu costs 12.60 to make for 2 people

Bruschetta w tomatoes & fresh basil
Chicken stir fry w cashew nuts & veggies
Strawberry Banana Cream
This menu costs 11.75 to make for 2 people

Many of the students had not taken HE as a subject but decided to participate (and learn on the job) this is what really amazed myself and my fellow judges the most is the ability of these young people to very quickly pick up culinary skills and really enjoy it!

Rebecca Cullen from Avondale Community College in Rathdrum was the District Winner and Rebecca will be representing us in The Final of the Rotary Young Chef Competition takes place at the Failte Ireland head office in Dublin this Saturday. There will be 9 competitors from all over Ireland taking part in the competition...

Well done Rebecca...

So I urge you to get cooking with your kids at home, it can be very rewarding and a lot of fun!! Its never too early or too late to start ...

If you have young kids why not get them involved now in cooking, especially during holiday times when you have a little more time to spare around meal times, the earlier they start the more natural it is and the more adventurous they become....

If you have older kids and they do not cook get them started this week!! You will be surprised how much they really do know when thrown in the deep end and also if they are hungry and are shown how to cook food they will enjoy then it makes it much easier.

Cooking is of life’s essential skills, and could end up saving you a fortune especially if your kids head away to college.

So get Cooking..... and I hope you enjoy the following recipes as much as we have!!!

Sticky Chicken Drumsticks
Meatballs with penne & tomato, basil sauce
Homemade Chicken Fajitas
Asiany Turkey Lettuce Roll Ups
Beef Tacos
Easy Peasy Carbonara
Homemade potato wedges
Cheesy Potato Wedges
Rocky Road Bites
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

12 chicken drumsticks

Marinade

4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 lemon juiced
1 tbsp of sesame seeds

Preheat the oven to 180c/350F/G 4
In a large bowl combine the honey, wholegrain mustard soy & lemon and stir well to evenly mix all of the ingredients.
Pop the drumsticks into the bowl and leave in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and transfer the drumsticks onto the tray.
Spoon a little extra marinade over the drumsticks
Sprinkle with sesame seeds & cook for 30 mins
Transfer to a plate and serve immediately

They can also be cooked and served cold.
You could also use chicken wings, thighs or chicken fillets.

Homemade potato wedges

6 rooster potatoes
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Preheat the oven to 180c/350F/G 4
Slice the potatoes in wedges
Place a clean dry tea towel over the wedges to remove excess moisture.
Pop into a bowl and drizzle with oilve oil , salt & pepper
Transfer to a flat baking tray & cook for 20 mins or test by inserting a sharp knife to ensure cooked.

Cheesy Potato Wedges
6 cooked wedges
1 handful of mozzarella cheese
3 pieces of cooked bacon chopped
1 tbsp chopped red onion
1 tbsp of chilli mayo

Preheat the oven to 180c/350F/G 4
Slice potato wedges into 3 pieces
Pop into a small heat-proof bowl
Chop the bacon and place over the wedges
Scatter the onion over the bacon
Drizzle the sweet chilli mayo over the dish
Top with grated mozzarella
Pop into the oven for 7 mins until bubbly and slightly golden.


Meatballs w Penne &Tomato, Basil Sauce

½ kilo beef minced
Or ½ kilo turkey mince
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 red onion chopped finely
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
Sprinkle of chilli flakes (if you like spicy food)
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1 carrot grated
2 eggs beaten
Olive oil
2 tbsp of warm water

500g Penne Pasta

Tomato & Basil Sauce
2 cans of tomatoes or 12 fresh tomatoes
1 glass of red wine or chicken stock
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 red onion finely chopped
1 tablespoon of sugar
Sprinkle of chilli flakes (only if you like spicy food)
1 handful of chopped basil

1. Sprinkle a medium non stick pot with a little olive oil, onion (from both the sauce recipe & the meatball recipe) cook for 5 mins on medium heat, stirring all the time, then add the garlic for a further 2/3 mins until infused.
2. Reserve half the onion and garlic mixture in the non stick pot and add the remainder to the ingredients below.
3. Place the mince, tomato ketchup, egg, half the onion mixture breadcrumbs, carrot and warm water into a large bowl and mix well with your hands.
4. Using your hands shape the meat into bit sized meatballs, roll in flour and place on a tray while you finish rolling all the shapes.
5. Meanwhile make the tomato sauce, add the tomatoes sugar, and wine/stock to the reserved onion mixture, bring to the up to the boil add half the basil and continue to simmer for 15 mins until thickened and reduced.
6. Brown the meatballs in batches in non stick pan which is hot with a sprinkle of olive oil. Remove when browned and add to the tomato and basil sauce.
7. Simmer the meatballs in the tomato & basil sauce simmer for a further 20 mins.
8. Served on a bed of cooked penne pasta with the remainder of the fresh basil sprinkled over the top.

Asiany mined turkey lettuce roll ups

½ kilo beef minced
Or
½ kilo or turkey mince
4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 carrot finely chopped into thin sticks
6 baby corn sliced in 4 pieces
1 clove of garlic bashed & chopped finely w salt
½ red onion finely chopped
Olive oil
2 tbsp of warm water

To serve
1 good quality iceberg lettuce
1 pack of beansprouts
½ cucumber finely chopped into thin sticks
1 carrot grated

1. Place the mince & 2 tbsp sweet chilli into a bowl and mix well to bring the flavours together
Heat a little oil in a medium non stick saucepan and cook off the onion, 2 mins later add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 min then add the carrot and corn cook for a further 2 mins.
Add the beef or turkey and continue, stir well and cook for 5 mins.
Add the soy sauce & remainder of the sweet chilli (you may add the water at this stage) cook with the lid off for a further 10 mins stirring every few mins.
Meanwhile separate the iceberg lettuce into individual leaves.
Grate the carrot & chop the cucumber.
Wash the beansprouts.
Assemble the lettuce cups on a tray, pop in a little beansprouts, grated carrot and cucumber into the bottom of the lettuce cup, top with the Asiany Mince.
Pop in the centre of the table and let people help themselves – simply roll and eat.

Homemade chicken fajitas
Spice Ingredients
1 tsp of chilil powder
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of sugar
½ tsp of ground coriander
½ tsp of turmeric

2 tbls of lemon juice

Veggies & Chicken
1 onion diced
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 red pepper – small bite sized chunks
1 carrot – small bite sized chunks
4 Chicken breasts sliced into cubes
Sprinkle of Olive Oil


Bite Sized Rocky Road

500g chocolate
150g marshmallows
45g crushed peanuts
90g of dried cherries, apricots or cranberries

Melt the chocolate in a large bowl over low heat
Chop the marshmallows in half or 1/3 use a scissors
Chop the cherries, apricots or cranberries
Crush the peanuts with a rolling pin
When the chocolate has melted combine the mallows, cherries & peanuts through the mixture.
Spoon the mixture into fairy cake cases and leave to chill for at least 50 minutes in a fridge.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

300g/12oz good quality milk chocolate
200g/8oz softened butter
100g/40z caster sugar
150g/60z soft light brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
300g/120z plain flour
1 tsp vanilla essence
1tsp of bicarb soda

Preheat the oven to 180c/350F/GM4
Lightly grease a baking sheet
Break the chocolate into small chunks, then pop into a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to hammer into small pieces…
Beat the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until light in colour and smooth. Beat in the eggs stirring through.
Add the flour, bicarb of soda & vanilla, stir in the chocolate chunks.
Spoon small mounds of the mixture on the your greased baking sheet, Make sure you leave space around each one as they expand and spread!!!!
Bake for 10/12 mins until golden brown. Be careful not to overcook as they set while cooling, leave on the tray for a few mins until set.