There can be a lot of pressure at this time of year to get healthy or detox, and while there are times that I want to, I am also conscious that it is cold, dark and wet outside! I want comfort and cosiness and this... Read More

You may think that using three different types of flour in a shortbread recipe is a little extreme, but let me assure you, each one has earned its place. The oats add a slight ..Read More

This is a really simple autumn tart. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. The marzipan layer..Read More

This soup is a wonderful hearty bowl of goodness. If, like me, you love squash soup but hate the thought of chopping rock-hard raw squash...Read More

With the kids back to school, September mornings can be a bit hectic, especially while everyone settles into a new routine. A good breakfast is still so important...Read More

A clafoutis is a baked custard that is traditionally made with cherries. Here I have swapped them out for apricots because... Read More

The perfect lemon drizzle cake, this one is really also super easy. You just dump everything together in the bowl and bake! Then drizzle with... Read More

As we hurtle towards the end of summer holidays, my mind returns to preparing lunchboxes. These no-bake nut bars taste like... Read More

The perfect cake to have on hand in your kitchen for unexpected guests, this is deliciously moist and dense. It has a texture similar to that of a steamed pudding, hence the name, but also keeps really well and is perhaps... Read More

Blackcurrant bushes are such a great addition to your garden. In spring or early summer you can pick the leaves to make tea or infuse cream to make ice cream and then in late July they produce their dark juicy... Read More

Savoury granola is such a handy addition to your pantry. Let’s face it; we all want to eat more salad and what happens when all you have in the fridge is a couple of leaves? It’s not the most appetizing thought! But when... Read More

This savoury yoghurt is a delicious side dish. A perfect complement for falafel, burgers, chicken or anything you would eat in a pitta bread... Read More

These sweet scones are buttery and delicious. The tartness of the rhubarb combines beautifully with brown sugar and almonds to make the perfect treat. I find these... Read More

Last weekend I ate a buffet dinner that was a delight; cold meats and fish , salads and relishes. Included on the table were... Read More

Browning half the butter in these cookies gives them a rich caramel flavour. I also used my dark ginger chocolate, broken into chunks, and a little ground ginger in the cookie dough for an additional hit of flavour. These are... Read More

A hearty, earthy salad made with crunchy roast hazelnuts, the combination of textures and flavours in this salad offers a tasty lunch that is both healthy and filling. The creamy tahini dressing would also be delicious on roast vegetables as an unusual side. Read More

These “after-dinner mint” style chocolate cookies are almost like chewy brownies! The combination of fresh mint leaves and dark chocolate is deeply satisfying... Read More

Lunch on-the-go doesn't have to mean unhealthy choices. This flatbread, for example, is packed with protein and nutrients. Apart from the 10 minutes needed to roast the chickpeas... Read More

This is a really simple tart but end result is impressive. Made from my favourite tart dough, based on one I saw on David Leboritz's blog, it has the same shell as my Pecan Pie recipe... Read More

This is really a plate of food. There is no tossing and very little chopping - very little preparation at all, in fact - and you can easily scale up this recipe to serve 4, 6 or even 8. The sour cream and goats cheese combine beautifully with... Read More

It's always nice to make a special cake for Easter. Whether it's for after lunch or a late afternoon tea with friends, what better excuse to gather together and share a slice of this lemon cake? The sponge is light and fluffy and is made... Read More

Finding the perfect soda bread is an eternal quest. This Irish staple is something that every baker has in their repertoire, whether it’s a family recipe or... Read More

This is a really moist and delicious cake that keeps really well and actually improves after a day or two It is based on the now famous nigella recipe I have reduced the sugar slightly and added vanilla seeds... Read More

Hummus has become a staple part of most peoples diets You can buy some petty great ready made, but there is something satisfying about making your own Also when you make your own you can control what is going into it ! Read More

This Valentine’s Day, why not surprise your loved one with a homemade version of their favourite biscuit? The recipe I’m using is for a crumbly oat biscuit that’s perfect served with a decadent hot chocolate. To make the beverage really rich, use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, or add a touch of cayenne pepper to spice it up! Read More

Any excuse to eat a pancake is a good one, so this Pancake Tuesday why not start the day off with these thick and fluffy American-style pancakes? A perfect breakfast treat, pile them high and serve with delicious bacon, a syrup of your choice or butter. You will need a heavy-based pan for these—a cast-iron pan works well if you have one. Read More

This delicious salad is made using citrus fruits which are currently in season. Try whatever you like, from oranges to clementines or even blood oranges if you can get your hands on them. The creaminess of the avocado in this recipe works seamlessly with the cool, fresh fennel and the zing of the fruit. A perfect salad to put a pep in your step as we head out of winter and march towards spring. Read More

Now that the festive season is over and we are all getting back into our routine, my mind always returns to the idea of a hearty soup. After all the indulgence of the last few weeks, most of us welcome something wholesome, healthy and delicious. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potato and the earthy flavour of red lentils, this soup is an easy supper or lunch. You could even make a big batch and put half in the freezer! Read More

These bite-sized seasonal tarts make perfect party nibbles. The combination of soft creamy brie and sweet and sharp cranberries all wrapped in buttery pastry is a delicious treat. They are best served warm but would also work once cooled. I like to sprinkle a few fresh rocket leaves on top to serve! Read More

Alternative Christmas Dessert Not everyone is a fan of Christmas pudding, so if you’re looking for something delicious that can be made ahead of time why not try this hazelnut chocolate Eton mess? Crunchy, chewy meringues, chopped roasted nuts mixed with mascarpone cream and chocolate syrup. Read More

This is the time of year when people drop in for a visit. That is what the festive season is all about, but unexpected guests can be stressful. These puff pastry parmesan stars are the perfect bite to give to friends with a drink, and using shop bought puff pastry makes this a really quick solution for entertaining. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes and warm, crumbly cheesy morsels can be munched on while you catch up with your loved ones. Read More

What could be easier to make than these chocolate almonds? First, simply pick your favourite flavour chocolate; I chose ginger but these would also be wonderful with bergamot or plain milk chocolate. After the chocolate is melted, stir in roasted almonds and sprinkle the top with sea salt and flaked almonds. These are perfect for pre or post dinner nibbles or for throwing in one of my food gift bags to give to a friend. Read More

This is a very easy dessert but tastes lush and rich, like a sophisticated brownie. It has a slight chew with a hint of exotic flavour and a touch of cardamom. The top will crack when you cut into it while the centre remains soft and luscious. It really is such a simple recipe, perfect for this time of year when we are all pressed for time- everything is simply dumped into one pot. Read More

Pecan pie is a staple Thanksgiving dessert and while we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here, it is the perfect excuse to eat this yummy pie. At first I was wary of this popular tradition but crumbly pastry, nuts, brown sugar and butter couldn't really add up to anything but delicious. I have made this using a tart shell that was a revelation to me. I first came across this method on the blog of American pastry chef David Lebovitz. Read More

Eclairs have to be one of my favourite treats. I usually like to add fresh whipped cream with a little vanilla and icing sugar added to it, but this time I've decided to put a bit of a seasonal spin on them by creating a pumpkin pastry cream filling. Just make sure to cook the pastry cream until it is very thick, otherwise it will run out of the middle. The word eclair comes from the French word for "lightning" a reference to how quickly these will vanish once you serve them up! Read More

This recipe is comfort food at its finest. I have made these in individual ramekins- a perfect serving size for a casual supper party- but feel free to make one big crumble by baking it for twice the time (40 mins.) You could easily make this a day in advance and refrigerate, just bring it to room temperate before baking. The addition of fresh ginger adds a lovely spicy warmth while the brown sugar, mixed with the butter and juice of the plums, creates a delicious caramel flavoured syrup. Read More

Autumn is well and truly here. The apples on my trees are smaller this year, probably from the lack of sunshine this summer, but the harvest is still abundant. These apples are called discovery and are renowned for their rosy pink tinged flesh. Great for eating, their flavour is sweet with a slight acidity. The only problem is they don't keep well, which is why they are not commercial apples. Read More

Biscotti are the perfect bite for an afternoon or else serve them with a morning coffee on the weekend. Personally, I like to make these to munch on while I prepare a large and more substantial brunch! You need to whip the sugar and eggs to incorporate a lot of air as you want the consistency to be thick and mousse-like. This is what gives the biscotti their unique, light texture and a hard snap when you bite into them. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days but they are definitely best eaten on the day they’re made. Read More

This is a really delicious dish, perfect for lunch or alongside a roast lamb or chicken. The earthy flavour of the lentils perfectly offsets the bitterness of the celery leaves and the creamy goats cheese, while the toasted pumpkin seeds enhance the texture and give a nice crunch. The celery adds an unusual note to the dish, though it can be replaced with parsley if you’d prefer. Make sure you use puy lentils as they are small and will retain their shape after cooking. Read More

I'm delighted that three of my products have won awards at this year's Irish Cafe Quality Food Awards. I am so proud to say that all my food is made in Ireland by amazing artisan producers. It has been so important to me that I work with small family run businesses all over the country to bring you what I think is some of the best quality Irish produce. It was such an honour to be recognised by such prestigious awards. Read More

Flapjacks remind me of teenage visits to friends where we would sit around a large kitchen table discussing the trials and tribulations of our world. As my friend stirred melting butter and sugar on the Aga, flattening the oaty mix into a tin, we would enjoy the flapjacks with our second or third pot of tea, sometimes eating them from the tin while they were still warm. Full of oats, nuts and seeds, these bars are perfect as an after school snack. If you want to, you can leave out the nuts and seeds and add raisins or even chocolate chunks as a treat. Read More

Making your own yoghurt is incredibly easy and nothing compares to the homemade version. When I was growing up my parents always made our own yoghurt, saving the last batch to feed the next. Make sure the yoghurt you start with is the one you like because that’s what you are reproducing. It is a very simple process and really gives delicious results. There has been so much hype recently about a healthy gut and eating yoghurt is one of the simplest ways to achieve this. Read More

What is better than a toasted cheese sandwich? Well possibly this toasted cheese sandwich- melted Camembert mixed with my spicy tomato chutney, melted butter and a pinch of rosemary. This is a wonderful indulgence and one of my favourite comfort foods. Read More

This is a great summer pasta dish. It’s really quick to make and full of the scent of Sicilian lemon groves. It tastes of summer even if there isn’t much sunshine; it’s also hearty enough to fill you up after a day at the beach and really easy to prepare. Read More

We are all so busy rushing from one spot to the next that we sometimes forget to stop and appreciate the things that really matter. For me, there is nothing better to do than share food with friends, but often I put off having people over because I think I just don’t have the time, when really there is nothing stopping me. After all, whether it’s a table of antipasti or a whole chicken thrown in the oven with a little salt and olive oil, it’s all just a matter of doing it. Read More

Unfortunately we are not getting much of a summer here in Ireland. So, while I wish we were cracking out the BBQ and I was giving you recipes for some summer salads, the truth is I am sitting down to a bowl of hearty soup with one of these tasty cheese and dill scones. Read More

Sometimes you just want a little something with your mid-afternoon cup of tea or after a healthy breakfast, maybe a sweet treat. Read More

One of my favourite meals is to layer the centre of the table with lots of different dishes and have everyone help themselves. This is a tradition in many cultures: Italians have antipasti, the Moroccans have mezze and the Swedes have the smorgasbord. Read More

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Made in small batches in Skelligs, Co. Kerry, my two new flavours are available in stores and are my favourite in the range so far. The dark ginger is the perfect after dinner treat while the milk chocolate bergamot is melt-in-your-mouth heaven. Read More

This cake is so moist and full of flavour. When baking with olive oil you’ll want oil that’s light, otherwise the flavour can be overpowering. The kick of the lemon and the floral note of the olive oil, both combined with my new dark ginger chocolate, is a triumph. Read More

I am so delighted to be launching my new range of teas. By working with a master blender I have combined the finest whole leaf teas to bring you optimum antioxidants and a full fresh flavour. Read More

As a child my mother’s best friend had a huge raspberry patch. We would play hide and seek in it and I can remember long summer evenings lying on the ground eating raspberries and waiting with excited anticipation to be caught! She also had the most amazing rose garden and really this was the inspiration for my raspberry and rose jam. Read More

My fig and ricotta bruschetta is the perfect snack to offer guests when they arrive for dinner. Figs are in season at the moment and their unique flavour and texture reminds me of long sunny evenings spent in the south of Spain. I love the flavour of figs so much that I developed my own special, exclusive fig vinegar. This vinegar is ideal to add depth to a grain or green salad, or use to deglaze a pan to make a sauce for chicken. Here I lightly pickle the figs in the vinegar to really bring out the flavour. Read More

Now that we are finally having some nice weather I recommend trying my new refreshing lemonade. Made in small batches in Co. Tipperary using pure lemon juice, it is really tangy and fresh with no additives or preservatives. I like to customise mine by adding fresh mint and my Considered ginger or rose syrup. Read More

This polenta cake is our most popular cake in the café. The moist texture and fragrant scent of the rose syrup make it a delicious treat with a Middle Eastern flavour. We make this fresh every morning in the café and many of you have asked me for the recipe, so here it is - happy baking! Read More

Pickled onions are a great pantry staple. They’re so easy to make and add a savoury note to a long list of dishes. You could scoop these onto a simple cheese sandwich or a burger, add to a wrap or sprinkle into a salad. The colours are so pretty. These ones are pickled in my raspberry vinegar so they’re nice and sweet, while thyme is a delicious addition. Alternatively add your favourite herb - rosemary and bay would work well. Read More

Many years ago I went for breakfast in a café on Houston Street in New York. I ate thick plain yoghurt with granola that was made on site, and for a time I became pretty obsessed with that granola. I never asked them for the recipe and when I returned several months later the restaurant had gone; as is the case in NYC, things turn around fast. Read More

Now that summer is hopefully showing its face, my mind has turned to eating outside and cooking outdoors, which are two of my favourite things. The emergence of fresh, new flavours at this time of year allows produce to shine, and this tart is full of that early summer taste. Read More

Spiralizers are all the rage right now. They’re great and a good way to add interest to your daily intake of veg. Read More

If I had to choose between chocolate and lemon, lemon would win every time. I love a lemon tart and my home is rarely without a lemon loaf cake. After all how could anyone refuse a slice of lemon drizzle cake? With this in mind I have developed a new syrup for the range – lemon! Read More

A berry fool is one of easiest desserts you can make. This classic is usually made with crushed berries but my version is even easier as I use my blackcurrant syrup. All you need is a couple of ingredients. This is a very simple dessert that you can put together at the last minute Read More

Beetroot and goats’ cheese is a wonderful combination. For my version I’ve added an orange for a summery feel and rocket for a peppery kick. This salad is light and healthy, perfect for lunch and easy to throw together and take to work. Top off this tasty salad with a drizzle of my new Acacia honey with lavender. Read More

I bake a lot and I am always testing new recipes and flavours. So, on any given weekend if you pop into my kitchen you could be presented with a variety of baked offerings- half a chocolate cake, muffins that won’t be eaten or shortbread just coming out of the oven. Read More

This is an incredibly tasty spring tart. Beautiful asparagus is the star here so just add creamy Brie or sharp Camembert for a contrasting flavour. I love the undeniable simplicity of this tart, a perfect light lunch with a side salad. Read More

Easter’s all about chocolate, isn’t it? But it’s also about spring. The clocks have gone forward, the daylight is starting to stretch our evenings, and gardens are waking up with daffodils, primroses and pansies. This cake celebrates all of that, combining a delicious chocolate cake with a cocoa buttercream and decorated with fresh and crystallised edible flowers. Read More

My creamy mushroom tagliatelle is an indulgent meal and great as a meatless option for a main course. This dish looks elegant but it’s really easy to throw together. It only has a few ingredients, all simple and full of flavour and texture. What really gives this dish a kick though is the secret ingredient- my wholegrain mustard with horseradish. Read More

Often the simplest things are the most delicious. Here are three very simple salads, each one a stand-alone meal but equally good as an accompaniment to your favourite dish. There’s a humble yet tasty tomato and basil salad, a vitamin packed beet and radish salad and super greens with a sweet honey vinaigrette. Read More

This cake is full of flavour; the yoghurt cuts through the sweetness and makes the cake really moist. The combination of lime in the cake, with the delicate hint of rose in the buttercream, makes it a very feminine cake, really delicious and unique. Decorate the top with your favourite edible flowers like lavender, rose or pansies and primroses*. It’s the perfect cake to make this Mother’s Day. Read More

A healthy and hearty soup that is perfect to warm you up on a chilly day. My kale and lentil soup is a delicious and spicy blend that is full of flavour and so easy to throw together. Lentils are really tasty but have the added bonus of being high in fiber, protein and iron. Read More

If you are pushed for time, my pound cake mix is the solution. All you’ll need is some milk, butter and an egg. Read More

The trick to making a good pancake batter is to make it in advance. This gives the gluten time to relax and makes the batter much easier to work with. Read More

This would work well with plums as well but I love the delicate flavour of apricots. The sweetness is enhanced by roasting and is a great way to bring out the flavour if the fruit is a little under ripe. Read More

Valentine's night should be a night of indulgence. These molten lava chocolate cakes can be made ahead of time and popped in the fridge or freezer ( if you freeze or refrigerate bring to room temperature before baking). The exterior bakes to a crisp sponge while the interior stays liquid and luscious. Read More

I love butternut squash but I hated battling with them raw which, frankly, was like trying to cut through granite, until I learned this top tip. Read More

This is a one bowl chocolate cake that’s really moist and very easy to make. There is no creaming of the butter and sugar so it is simple to put together and throw in the oven and while this cake looks impressive- there is no special tin! Read More

This is chicken heaven! Sweet and sticky, the flavor combination is divine. It really couldn’t be easier, just chop an onion, throw on some balsamic vinegar, a little Considered apricot and ginger jam and stick in the oven.

This salad is completely raw so you’re getting the maximum benefit from all of its nutrient-rich ingredients. Read More

January for a lot of us is about resetting the nutrition button. After that month of excess, also known as Christmas, January is about getting back into a routine, upping your exercise and readdressing your diet. And for me, that starts with what I have for breakfast. Read More

After the excess of Christmas, I find myself craving foods that feel crisp and light and have a little crunch. This winter slaw is a great side dish and goes really well with cold meats.Read More

I love parsnips, they are such a deep winter vegetable and remind me of cold clear mornings and frosty afternoons. This is the perfect soup after a long brisk walk. The combination of earthy parsnips and sweet roasted garlic compliment each other beautifully.Read More

Perfect nuts for a party, these herbed salty spiced nuts are a lovely blend of sweet and savoury, but be warned they are highly addictive!Read More

What do you do with all those leftovers? How about make the best sandwiches of the year!Read More

Santa will be sure to stop by if you put out these florentines! Read More

These star cookies look impressive but they’re incredibly easy to bake! By trimming the warm cookies with your cutter, you’ll give them a nice professional finish (although strictly this isn’t necessary, especially if you're not concerned with how they look).Read More

I love hanging cookies on my Christmas tree. This Ginger Thins recipe lends itself to a variety of patterns as the dough really holds its shape. Read More

For me, the festive season begins with mince pies. There are so many good mince pies out there as well as great jars of mincemeat but nothing beats making your own! Read More

These cookies are based on a traditional Greek Christmas shortbread. Light and crumbly, they are scented with rose and full of toasted almonds- the flavour and texture are quite irresistible. Read More

Poached pears are a great dessert for this time of year. Firstly they shout winter, especially in this recipe which adds mandarin and cardamom. Secondly they are in abundance in the shops at the moment and thirdly because you can make them in advance. Read More

The toffee butter sauce is one of my favourite products in the range. It should be a store cupboard staple. There are so many ways to use it, not least just to eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon!Read More

I don’t know about you but I always seem to have an abundance of bananas that are past their best. Luckily I love banana cake. Did you know that bananas freeze really well, so next time you have an overripe banana, peel it, slice it and pop in it a bag in the freezer ready to pull out when you want to make this cake. I have added some spices to this cake to give it extra depth of flavour.Read More

I have been adding lavender to my food for many years. Think of this unique flavour as another herb in your kitchen.Read More

You may think of this jam as something to put on your favourite scone and indeed it is delicious, but here is another way to use it: add a teaspoon to vinegar and some olive oil for a sweet vinaigrette. Read More

Who isn’t obsessed with chocolate chip cookies? I have, over the years tested many recipes but this is my ultimate!Read More

Are you scared of yeast? I ask you this because for years I was, I was a dab hand at a meringue and my shortbread had people ring ahead before they visited to see if a batch was in the oven, but bread, yeasted bread, baffled me.Read More

It has been such a wonderful season for Pears! I have two pear trees and have never had so much fruit. In fact sadly one tree bore so many pears that the trunk has snapped! It was a lesson in planting a tree in the correct position and in this case I did not and planted it too close to a shaded wall so all the fruit was on one side of the tree and with this year's abundant crop the trunk could not take the weight. Read More

These bite-size cookies are a twist on a lemon cream. The addition of cardamom in the cookie dough gives them an earthy depth of flavour that makes them a more grown-up version of a family favourite. The mascarpone and lemon curd filing is like eating lemon clouds (it would also make a sublime cake filling).Read More

This three-tier cake is somewhat decadent; the perfect showstopper for any occasion. The buttermilk makes this cake very light and moist and the rich chocolate and toffee butter filling make it a luscious and a real treat. Read More