Beef and Guiness pie

This is so tasty. I don't even use salt so that the baby can eat it. Ingredients: stewing beef, black pepper, a can of Guiness, an onion, one clove of garlic, two bay leaves, two carrots, three mushrooms, one stick of celery and some ready made puff pastry.

I brown the meat in a cast iron pot and then add the Guiness. I let that cook on a medium high heat for half an hour. I then add everything else and cook on a medium low heat for an hour or two (depending on how much time you have). Then I roll out the pastry and place it on top. Make sure to pierce it with a knife to allow steam to escape. I put it in a heated oven at 220 degrees for half an hour. It tastes rich and beautiful. My dad explained it to me and I couldn't believe how easy it was!

Lemon and ginger tea

When I feel under the weather lemon and ginger tea really helps. It's great for headcolds and nausea. It's great as a pick-me-up at anytime. The lemon invigorates and the ginger helps to clear sinuses and settle your stomach. I chop up fresh ginger and a few slices of lemon and put them in a favourite mug with boiling water. I let it sit until it has cooled enough to drink. At this point it had infused. You can keep refreshing your cup all day by simply pouring more boiling water on top.

When I'm working and I feel sick I pack a freezer bag with slices of lemon and ginger into my handbag. It has kept me going during many a tough, groggy day.

Sourdough success!!!

My second attempt at sourdough has made me so happy. I got the book Nourished Traditions for Christmas and there were some really good tips in there. I also joined a Facebook group for starters and cultures in Ireland and I got lots of advice there. I used rye flour for my starter and strong flour for the bread. I also allowed the dough to be wet when I put it in the oven.

I got more of a rise and more air bubbles through the crumb. It is so tasty that I can't stop eating it and I am already preparing another loaf for tomorrow.

Jamie Oliver's rye soda bread

Given that one of my resolutions is to bake more bread I tried this today. It turned out great! It's from Jamie's Everyday Superfood and it was so easy to make.

I used Greek yogurt to make it rather than natural yogurt and it made no difference whatsoever. I also left out the porridge oats (as I didn't have any) and it didn't seem to have any impact on the bread.

It only took me five minutes to prepare and 43 minutes in the oven. It also wasn't as crumbly as other soda breads. This meant it was easy to cut and I didn't choke on a crumb like I usually do.

New Year's Resolutions

1. Restore my front garden to its former glory. 2. Bake more bread. 3. Eat more fish.

Shatshuka

Today is Brian's birthday so I wanted to make him a new breakfast that he's never had before. I've been reading a good bit about shatshuka online so I decided to try it out.

This is a middle Eastern dish and is a bit similar to huevos rancheros. My ingredients were: 5 tomatoes, 2 eggs, half an onion (diced), half a clove of garlic (minced), half a green pepper, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, half a teaspoon of chilli powder, half a teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of Cayenne pepper. Salt and pepper to taste.

I used my cast iron pan to make it. I fried the onion in some rapeseed oil until soft. Then I added the garlic and then the green pepper. When the pepper has softened add the tomato paste and the tomatoes (chopped into cubes).

Then add all the spices, stir in and let the tomatoes cook down into a sauce. Be careful not to burn them!

Crack the eggs on top of the tomato sauce.

Put a lid on top and let them cook for ten to fifteen minutes (depending on how you like your eggs).

I served it with pitta bread. The portion was quite large so I think this would work well for two people. Just add two more eggs.

Brian's verdict is that it was delicious!

Guacamole and homemade tortilla chips

The day after I roast a chicken I use the leftovers to make fajitas. Today in addition to this I made guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. The guacamole is really zingy and fresh. Into a blender I put: half a chilli, a handful of cherry tomatoes, the juice of a lime and an avocado. I blend it for a few moments. I like it chunky so I find the pulse button great for that. So easy!

For the tortilla chips you are basically using tortilla wraps. You cut them into triangles. Then you fry them on a high heat for a few moments on each side.

A tongs is very useful for turning them. Them you put them on a baking sheet and season.

Today I sprinkled them with smoked paprika and a smaller amount of cumin and Cayenne pepper and salt. I put them in the oven at 200 degrees for 5 minutes and serve them warm.

They are so delicious!