Homegrown to Homemade - A Recipe Book - Our natural obsession.
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Homegrown
to Homem ade
ipe Book
A Rec
Our natural obsession.
Contents
04 Fun in the sun 16 Irish chicken with avocado,
05 How to choose the
tomato and green beans
perfect summer wine 18 Eat well in winter Our natural obsession.
06 Sweet potato, chorizo and Irish 19 Cooking can be a family activity
A BeCreative Editorial Production:
www.becreative.ie
20
goat’s cheese tart
08 Creamy homegrown Editor: Tara Leigh tara@becreative.ie
Fishermans salad with colcannon mash
Contributors:
22
warm Irish potatoes Mark Corcoran, Meghan O’Dowd
10 How to throw the perfect
St Valentine – in the heart
of Dublin! Photography: Angela Halpen
info@angelahalpin.com
24
Halloween party
11 How to carve the perfect
Irish sirloin steak with
salsa verde
Advertising: Eoin Healy
ehealy@independent.ie (01) 705 5403
26
pumpkin
Design: INM Design Studio
12 Easter treats studio@production.ie
28
Bonfire Irish toffee apples
14 Irish cauliflower ham and Repro: Independent Newspapers,
(Ireland) Ltd, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
All you need for a Girls Night In cheese bake
15 Shaken and stirred 30 Ireland’s picni hotspots
WWW.RRAI.IE
Chef Wine expert Cocktail mixologist
Stephen Gibson Kevin Flanagan Alan Glynn
Stephen Gibson As editor of the Irish Alan Glynn is
is one of Ireland’s Independent Fine one of Ireland’s
most experienced Wine & Food Guide most talented
chefs having worked Kevin Flanagan has mixologists with
around the world in visited some of the a string of awards
a variety of Michelin greatest vineyards and accolades to
starred restaurants. in the world. In the his name. He can be
He went on to open Tesco Home Grown found most nights
the French styled bistro Pichet (www. supplement, Kevin helps choose some manning the cocktail bar in 37 Dawson
pichetrestaurant.ie) with Nick Munier of superb wines that Tesco carry, matching Street, Dublin (www.37dawsonstreet.ie)
MasterChef fame. them with the recipes, so you can enjoy a and believes that cocktails can be just as
In the Tesco Homegrown supplement, meal to remember. good - if not a better - accompaniment to
Stephen creates recipes using food as wine.
Homegrown fresh Irish food. Turn to page 15 and 16 for Alan’s
delicious cocktail recommendations.
03
Fun in the sun
The company of family and friends, the sounds of
children playing and the smell of burgers cooking
– there is just something special about picnics and
barbecues.
When trying to work out what to cook at a
barbecue, try to make sure you are getting
a variety of foods. Not everyone likes
hamburgers and hot dogs and barbecues
are the perfect opportunity to experiment
and get creative with a variety of dishes.
If you turn to page 6 you will find a
delicious recipe for a Sweet potato,
chorizo and Irish goat’s cheese tart and
on page 9 you will find a mouth-watering
recipe for Fisherman’s salad with warm
Irish potatoes – a perfect dish for those
long summer evenings!
Picnic When dinner’s over…
Checklist Here are some great family games which can be enjoyed after the meal is finished
3 Sunscreen Toddlers will enjoy… Plate Portraits
3 Sun hat You will need some paper plates and some
Face Painting
3 Sun glasses markers, colouring pencils or crayons. Invite
Face painting is a great way to excite the
everyone to take a paper plate and draw a
kids. To create homemade face paint you
• Blanket – it should be large enough portrait of someone else on the plate with
will need (for each separate colour)
to comfortably hold all picnic-goers the art materials provided. Display the plate
and food. A light one that folds portraits later, and have a contest to see
e 1 teaspoon corn starch
small is a bonus. who can recognise the guests depicted in
e ½ teaspoon cold cream
the drawings. Give awards for the funniest,
e ½ teaspoon water
We all know that the Irish climate can most accurate and most creative attempts.
e food colouring
be unpredictable. What was once
a bright warm day can quickly turn The whole family will enjoy…
Stir together the corn starch and cold
damp and dreary. It is important to Three Legged Race
cream until well blended. Add the water
prepare for all types of weather and to Have each child find a partner, preferably
and mix well. Add food colouring one drop
keep the car close by in case you need someone with similar height. Tie the
at a time until you achieve the colour you
to run for shelter! right leg of one partner to the left of the
want. Use small paintbrushes to apply to
other. Next determine the boundaries for
the children’s faces.
3 Waterproof jacket the race. The first team to make it to the
3 Wellies finish line wins! Don’t forget to take lots of
3 Umbrella
Kids aged 6+ will enjoy … pictures, as this is a great photo moment!
3 Spare socks Scavenger Hunt
3 Towel Divide into teams. You will need to create Tug-of-War
a list of items that the teams need to All you need is a long piece of strong rope.
• If you purchase some tarp you can find – you can include picnic items, such Make a knot in the middle of the rope;
lay it under the blankets. as a plate or a plastic fork. Give each team draw a marker on the ground. Divide into 2
the list of clues and a bag. The team that teams and let the pulling begin. The team
• Alternatively, you can get blankets comes back first with the items in their that pulls the other team the furthest away
with a waterproof back. bag wins! from the marker in the middle wins.
04
How to choose
the perfect
summer wine
Summer is the time to enjoy light, (see pages 22/3) are also perfect for or sparkling varieties that will appeal to
refreshing and crisp wines while soaking celebrating long summer evenings. any taste.
up the sunshine and enjoying barbecues Pinot Grigio is a light Italian wine that During the summer, steak will most
out in the garden. White wines are a has citrus and floral notes. It has wonderful likely be on the menu during barbecues
summer classic, choose wines that are pear and melon notes and when chilled, and grilling sessions. There are plenty of
medium-bodied and clean, so it doesn’t helps to alleviate the summer heat. light and medium bodied red wines that
overwhelm those light summer dinners. Rosé wines are a summer favourite. compliment steak. (See our Tesco
Popular grape varieties for summer A rosé is a type of wine that incorporates Chianti on pages 24/5).
include pinot grigio, chardonnay, some of the colour from the grape skins Remember wine is liquid sunshine
sauvignon blanc and riesling. Bubbly and may be the oldest known type of wine. (literally)! So whatever the weather get out
drinks like Prosecco and champagne Rosé wines come in still, semi-sparkling and enjoy your favourite summer wine.
Add lemon and lime slices, or three parts wine to one part sparkling water
to make a wine spritzer that is low on alcohol but high on refreshment.
Try mixing orange, apple or pineapple juice with Prosecco.
Or add strawberries and mint. Delicious!
Ogio Pinot Tesco
Grigio Vinho
Country: Italy
Region: Umbria
Verde
No summer is complete without Pinot Country: Portugal
Grigio and this Ogio Pinot Grigio is a Region: Vinho Verde
medium dry white wine that shows This wine was commended in the
aromas of melon and citrus fruit. It is well Decanter World Wine Awards,
balanced with crisp lemon flavours and a which celebrates the diversity
refreshing hint of orange blossom. of wine by focussing on regional
The Podere Vaglie winery where this styles and influence.
wine is produced was founded by Vinho Verde really is the perfect
Alessandro Lumini and his family. In tipple for a hot summer’s day
1997 the company began to produce – light, slightly fizzy and low in
wines from indigenous local grape alcohol. Vinho Verde or green
varieties. The aim is to offer a high wine is so called because it is
quality product that represents the traditionally released young and
authentic taste and feel of the region. fresh. It comes from the largest of
The Podere Vaglie winery is situated in Portugal’s wine regions, running
the heart of Umbria, in the wonderful from Porto right up to the Spanish
hilly area of Orvieto, an area known border. Just what you want
throughout Italy for its excellent wine on a hot summer’s day!
production.
WWW.RRAI.IE
05
Irish
Goat’s
Cheese
It would be difficult to find anyone who
knows more about cheese than Barra
McFeely. The Irishman developed
his cheese credentials in Tibet,
Brazil, Chile and Argentina. He even
measured the size of Emmental holes
in his youth! So what cheese does
Barra recommend for a goats cheese
tartlet?
Chulchoill Goats Log - a
soft farmhouse goat log
with a hint of almond.
Barra
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Tesco Mácon
Villages Blan
Our natural obsession.
Country: France
Grape: Burgundy
We found this French Chardonnay truly outstanding. On the nose this wine makes a clean, crisp
WWW.RRAI.IE impression while the finish is creamy, clear yet complex. It complemented the sweet potato and goat’s
cheese tart perfectly, cleansing the palate of the strong goat’s cheese flavours.
06
Our natural obsession.
Sweet potato,
chorizo and Irish
goat’s cheese tart
Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook 4. While you are waiting for the pastry to cook, cut the
Serves: 4 sweet potato into small 1cm pieces. Then arrange on
the base of the tarts.
Ingredients 5. Sprinkle goats cheese and chorizo over the tarts and
e 75g plain flour place in the oven at 150°C for approximately
e 500g ready-made puff pastry 15 minutes until warmed through
e 1 free range Irish egg, lightly beaten 6. Remove and place the pastry discs on 4 plates. Sprinkle
e 100g Irish goat’s cheese, crumbled with chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil before
e 100g baked sweet potato serving.
e 50g chorizo (diced small)
e Small bunch of flat leaf Irish parsley, picked
e 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil
e Salt and pepper, to taste
Serve with:
Method A fresh leafy side salad.
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C /400°F.
2. Lightly dust a work surface with the flour, and roll out the
puff pastry until it is 4mm thick. Cut out 4 discs with an Alternative:
11.5cm round pastry cutter and then with a sharp small If you are not a fan of goat’s cheese, try a good buffalo
knife lightly score around the pastry discs 1cm away from mozzarella instead.
the edge, trying not to cut through the pastry.
3. Brush with the beaten egg, lay the pasty discs onto a non-
stick baking tray and place in the oven on the middle shelf Helpful tip:
and bake for 15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Cover the tart’s edges with foil if they start to overcook
Once cooked remove from the oven and leave to cool. and this will prevent them from over browning
Remove the inner part with a small knife. and allow the pastry base to cook through.
07
Irish
potatoes
Tesco potatoes are
watched and monitored
throughout the year. We
start by preparing the
soil so as to optimise its
nutrients, minerals and
texture which makes for a
great tasting spud.
Sarah
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Casillero del Diablo
Reserva Privada
Sauvignon Blan
Our natural obsession.
Country: Chile
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
WWW.RRAI.IE This Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Sauvignon Blanc boasts intense citrus and herbaceous aromas
and seafood dishes are an especially good match for it. We found it matched the Fisherman’s salad with
warm Irish potatoes recipe perfectly, the intensely crisp notes complementing the creamy texture and taste.
08
Our natural obsession.
Fisherman’s
salad with warm
Irish potatoes
Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 40 mins to cook
Serves: 4
Serve with:
Ingredients This dish is great on its own, or as a side dish to some baked
e 400g mixed pre-cooked seafood such as prawns, mussels, cod.
calamari, monkfish or tuna
e 200g New Season Irish Potatoes
e 1 red onion Alternative:
e ½ lemon, juiced For an added crunch, slice potatoes very thinly and fry in oil
e Small bunch flat leaf Irish parsley, finely chopped until golden brown and crispy. Set on kitchen paper to remove
e 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil excess oil and sprinkle on the seafood salad.
e Salt and pepper to taste
Method Helpful tip:
1. Wash and peel the potatoes and put in a pan of seasoned If you are using fresh seafood for this dish, cook it as close
cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 12 mins until to serving time as possible. You can use many types of
tender. Drain well and set aside. seafood such as prawns, mussels, calamari, monkfish or tuna.
2. Thinly slice red onion. Dressing the salad while the potatoes are still warm is also
3. Cut the potatoes into bite size pieces, then add the parsley recommended.
and red onion.
4. Mix with seafood.
5. Garnish with lemon and olive, then season to taste before
serving
09
How to
throw the perfect
Halloween
party
Halloween is one of the most entertaining holidays for kids and adults
alike. Throwing a Halloween party can be a lot of fun. Thankfully,
there are plenty of ideas for fun, spooky and seasonal games and
decorations that can make your party interesting for people of all ages.
It’s often difficult to keep little fingers Treasure hunt
busy when you’re trying to entertain This is a great way to keep the kids Halloween Guess Who
a group. However, there are some easy entertained during your party. Hide A game for the teens or adults,
ways to help keep kids engaged and objects around the house such as Halloween Guess Who can be a great
having fun. Below are some fun ideas sweets, masks, and other Halloween ice-breaker between guests. When each
and tips on how to make your party a items. Make a list of things they need to guest arrives, tape a piece of paper to
success find, and then let them at it! their back with the name of a Halloween
character or item written on it. The
Bobbing for Apples The Haunted House object of the game is for each of the
One of the most common Halloween If you’re feeling adventurous – why not guests to figure out who they are. To do
party games, bobbing for apples is great turn your entire home into a haunted this, they will have to go around to the
for both adults and children. All you house? Use candles for lighting, hang other guests and ask questions about
need is a basin of water, a bag of apples, streamers, caution tape or spooky their mystery character. Other guests
and a few towels to dry off afterwards! signs from doors, or pull apart rolls of may only answer yes or no. This can last
Empty the apples into the basin along cotton wool to create scary spider webs right through the night – and keep your
with the water. The aim of the game is across furniture. Add some decorations guests chatting for hours!
to grab an apple from the basin using such as skeletons, bats, spiders and
only your mouth. It’s not just the kids pumpkins and you have turned the Movie Master Game
who will love this game – it will keep the entire place into a truly terrifying This game is great for movie buffs and
adults laughing too! Alternatively – why haunted house. relatively simply to set up! All you’ll
not make your own tasty Bonfire Irish need is a few props and a vast amount
Toffee Apples. Turn to page 13 to see of scary movie knowledge. Set up small
the recipe.
Things to remembers scenes with props around your house,
each with a clue or homage to a scary
Fancy dress competition 3 Always keep extra food, games, film (e.g. a plate of liver and beans –
Throw a costume competition for your emergency cleanup and craft from Silence of the Lambs!). Ask your
guests. You can do separate ones for supplies handy during your party in guests, in pairs, to try and guess what
adults and children. The best costume case there is a lull. the movies are for each scene. The first
can be treated to a spooky prize, and 3 If you’re using candles, be careful of pair to guess all of them correctly wins
you might find yourself in stitches with children running around. In these a prize.
cases battery operated electric
the kind of costumes people will come
candles may be a safer option.
up with.
3 Always try to have helpers at hand;
a party is not just for your guests,
so make sure you get time to enjoy
yourself too.
10How to carve
** It is very important that
a parent or guardian is
always there to supervise
the carving
the perfect
pumpkin
Pumpkin carving is a recent tradition to
Irish Halloween celebrations. We show
you how to make the most of this creative
project which the whole family can enjoy
1. Useful tools for 2. Next, use a large spoon to scoop out Shaded designs
pumpkin carving the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin Although these designs are a little
• A metal spoon until it is completely hollow. Now that more difficult to create they are
To scrape out the interior of the this is done, it’s time to get creative! incredible to look at when lit from
pumpkin. the inside. Shaded designs create
• Serrated or small sharp knife 3. Designing your a pattern on the surface of the
• A marker pumpkin pumpkin which are illuminated by
It can be useful to draw your design or There are so many ways to show the interior light.
desired face on to the pumpkin before off your artistic skills with pumpkin • Using your tools, remove the
carving. designs. Here are three of the easiest hardened exterior skin from the
• Tracing paper and most impressive ways to carve your parts of the pumpkin you want to
Using a stencil or pattern can help as a pumpkin and turn it into a masterpiece. show up in relief.
guide to pumpkin carving. • Cut your designs into the pumpkin,
• Cookie cutters Faces but do not cut the whole way
These can be a safe and useful way for Carve a face into your pumpkin and though.
kids to cut unusual designs into their watch it develop its own character! • By cutting some areas deeper they
pumpkins • All you need are two holes for eyes, will allow more light through the
• Rubber mallet another for the nose and a banana skin of the pumpkin when lit. Only
This rubber hammer is a safe way for shape for the mouth. cutting lightly into the pumpkin
kids to break through the pumpkin • If you’re feeling more adventurous, try will create darker patterns.
• Linoleum cutter including teeth or pupils too. Experiment till you are happy with
This will help you when engraving • Draw your desired face/pattern on to the result.
and shading your pumpkin to get tracing paper with a marker and cut
a consistent result. They can be around the design. Decoration
purchased from most hardware stores. • Stick the tracing paper on the pumpkin. Decorating instead of carving can be
This is for pumpkin-carving pros! • With a sharp knife carve through the a great way to get younger children
tracing paper and cut out the relevant involved in the fun.
• Don’t forget the electric light or candle pumpkin part. All you will need is some glue and
to light your pumpkin • The great part of this is that no matter an assortment of sweets to use for
what your ability, you can be sure decorating.
2. Basic steps to to create an impressive looking • Try things like sticking on small
carving your pumpkin. Even ugly pumpkin faces are marshmallows for the mouth, and
pumpkin frightening! liquorice coils for eyes.
1. First, use a serrated knife to cut a hole • You can even make a pointed
in the top or bottom of your pumpkin. Cookie cutters witches hat from black card to
If you plan to use a candle to illuminate • Carve out the pumpkin flesh and select place on top!
your pumpkin, cutting the hole at the a few of your favourite cookie cutters. No matter which way you choose,
top will make it easier to place inside. • Position them on the pumpkin and creating your pumpkin masterpiece
If you plan on using an electric light tap lightly with a rubber mallet until will be a fun activity for all, and will
however, cutting the hole at the bottom the cookie cutter has cut all the way look fantastic as a centrepiece, in a
will help to hide the cord. through the pumpkin. window, or in your garden.
11Irish
Apples
The secret to a perfect
candy apple is in pairing
the sweetness of candy
with the right apple.
A tart, not overly sweet
apple works very well with
sweet toffee.
Elstar and Jonagold
are all firm, crunchy tasty
apples that would be
perfect for making Toffee
Apples!
Ciaran
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Spooky Cloudy Lemonade
Our natural obsession. Ingredients
e 1 cup caster sugar
e 2fl oz Water
e 150ml (5fl oz) fresh lemon juice
e sparkling water
e 1 lemon, sliced
e fresh mint, to garnish
12Our natural obsession.
Bonfire Irish
toffee apples
Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 20 mins to cook 2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the butter, vinegar,
Serves: 4 syrup and red food colouring.
3. Increase the heat to moderate and bring to the boil,
Ingredients cooking the syrup until it reaches 138°C.
e 4 Irish eating apples 4. Skewer the apples with the sticks then dip in the hot syrup,
e 225g demerara sugar trying to coat as much of the apples as possible in the
e 110ml water syrup.
e ½tsp vinegar 5. Leave the toffee apples to cool and harden on a lightly
e 1tsp red food colouring oiled baking tray.
e 2tbsp golden syrup 6. Serve once the toffee is hard.
e 25g butter
e Lollipop sticks
Method
1. Combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan and heat Serve with:
over a medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. For an added crunch roll apple in chopped nuts before it sets.
Alternative:
Try chopping bananas in to 1inch pieces and dip in to the
chocolate. This would be amazing with some ice cream!
Method
1. Make the sugar syrup, by heating the
caster sugar and 50ml (2fl oz) water. Helpful tip:
Stir until dissolved and leave to cool. Always keep a close eye on the sugar when it’s on the heat as it
2. Fill a jug with ice and add the lemon dissolves quickly and has a higher chance of burning.
juice and sugar syrup. Mix well, then
add the lemon slices and top up with
sparkling water. Garnish with fresh
mint to serve, if you like.
13Sometimes going out on the town feels like too
r
much hassle. A night in can be just what you need
fo
to unwind after a long week and have a giggle
with the girls. There’s plenty of ways to make
ed
your girls night in just as much – if not
e t In
more fun – than going out.
u n h
l yo Nig
l
A irl’s
aG
Including a home-cooked meal into your
girl’s night is sure to encourage some
banter around the table! Why not try
out our easy-to-make Irish Chicken with
avocado, tomato and green beans (page
17). Paired with the right cocktail this
can make the ideal recipe for that girly
gathering!
Homemade cocktails can be a lot of
fun to make – especially if you all get
together to make them. Alternatively, you
could have them pre-prepared for when
your guests arrive and show off your
perfect hostess skills.
A tasty meal, some gloriously
inventive cocktails, sweet treats and
some entertainment are all you need
to make your girly catch-up a success.
Below we take a look at some great ideas
to make your night one you’ll want to
repeat every week!
Movie night Get a makeover Beauty to go!
There’s nothing better when relaxing with A pamper-night is a classic girls’ night Why not arrange for a mobile hairdresser,
your girlfriends than putting your feet up theme. From giving each other a crazy beautician (or both!) to come to your
and having a good laugh – or a good cry! new look to having a clothes swap, you house for the evening. Many mobile
Choose some films that you can watch can create a fun night you will remember services can offer treatments from
during your little get-together but don’t for years to come. manicures, brow shaping and tanning to
worry too much if it loses your attention haircutting and dyeing. So why not treat
– sometimes it can be more fun getting
to gossip with each other with a little
Clothes Swap your guests and yourself to a night of
pampering – and a new look to go with
background noise! A clothes swap can be a really fun idea your clothes-swap outfit!
Our top 5 for your girls night in. Why not get each
1. The Notebook of your friends to bring one or two items
2. Pride and Predjudice of clothing they no longer want, to
3. A Walk to Remember swap with each other. Within just a few
4. Sex and the City minutes, everyone will find themselves
5. 50 First Dates with a brand new look – and all for free!
14Shaken and
stirred
While wine and
food have always
gone together, a
cocktail revolution
is taking place. So
ladies, for your next
girl’s night in, why
not serve up your dish
with a lively cocktail?
When you are pairing cocktails and
food you have to look at a number of
elements says Alan Glynn, award-winning
mixologist at 37 Dawson Street, Dublin.
“You have to look at the flavour patterns,
the boldness of the dish, how acidic and
Alan’s
sweet it is.
“While wine comes in the bottle
recommendations
finished, when it comes to cocktails you
can play around and tweak different
for your Girls’
flavours and aromas to match the dish.
For chicken, Alan advises to keep things Night In
light and sweet. As red meat is a heavier
flavour, for the likes of steak and beef, you Strawberry daiquiri
can go bolder. e 1/2 cup crushed ice
“I would use vodka and gins with e 5 fresh strawberries
chicken as they are quite light and not e 35ml white rum
overpowering. For red meat a bourbon or e 2 tsp sugar
brandy works well.” e 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
So why does Alan think cocktails are
becoming such a craze?
“The reality is they work really well with
food. You almost become a chef when you
are preparing a cocktail. I remember being
out for dinner and having a chilli dish and Method
I just had to create a cocktail that would Combine all of the ingredients in a
bring out the aromas of the chilli!” blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a
Alan also admits there is a certain large, chilled glass. Serve.
theatrical aspect to it.
“It’s that whole Tom Cruise in cocktail
fascination. People love to have a bit of fun
with cocktails. That’s what it’s all about.” WWW.RRAI.IE
15Irish
Chicken
Andrew has been buying poultry for
Tesco for years, so its little surprise he
knows the importance of having juicy
chicken.
It’s great to be able to offer
our customers not only
a great protein but also
a healthy one. We never
add water - so you enjoy
nothing but fresh chicken.
Andrew
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
East Coast Cooler
– Ideal with this chicken dish
Our natural obsession.
Ingredients
e 50ml Plymouth Gin
e 2 whole peaches de-stoned
e ½ lemon
WWW.RRAI.IE e 60ml Pinot Grigio
e 20 ml prosecco
16Our natural obsession.
Irish Chicken with
avocado, tomato
and green beans
Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook Method
Serves: 4 1. Marinade in olive oil and garlic for 1 hour
2. Heat the honey in a pan and add the wholegrain mustard
Ingredients 3. Slice the onion and tomato
e 4 Irish chicken breasts e ½ tbsp. wholegrain mustard 4. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans and blanch
e 2 cloves garlic e 2tbsp white wine vinegar for 3-4 minutes
e 1 red onion e 2 tbsp honey 5. Make the vinaigrette by adding the sunflower oil to the
e 1 packet of Irish rocket vinegar. Heat a griddle pan till hot.
e 200g fine Irish green beans 6. Grill chicken for 30 mins until brown. Cut into large
e 24 Irish cherry tomatoes chunks.
e 3 ripe avocados 7. Brush chicken with honey mustard sauce
e 1 large bunch Irish mint 8. Slice avocado and combine with rocket, mint, basil,
e 1 bunch Irish basil tomatoes, onion and green beans
e 6 tblsp sunflower oil 9. Place in a bowl and arrange chicken on top
Method Serve with:
1. Place Plymouth, peach, lemon & wine Great served on its own or as a main course with potatoes.
in a glass a squash down (muddle)
the lemons Alternative:
2. Add ice and shake them up. Would also work well with grilled mackerel.
Pour over ice to a wine glass
Top with prosecco to add bubbles... Helpful tip:
Prepare the avocado at the last minute and
rub a little lemon juice over the cut pieces
to stop discolouration.
17Eat well
in winter
The dark and dreary months are the
perfect time to eat well, Catherine
Matthews, Nutritionist with Tesco
Health & Wellbeing, advises.
Winter can be long, cold, wet and hard an excellent source of vitamin K, important
to stomach. It’s all too easy during these for normal blood clotting.
damp months, when we are feeling a Rich in carbohydrates, potatoes are a
bit blue, to comfort eat to get ourselves great source of energy for the body and
through. Then, when New Year’s comes they really come into their own in winter.
around we are left feeling under pressure They sometimes get a bad rap for being
to visit the gym and make up for our a white starch, thrown into the same If you want to create
gorging. category as white rice or white bread. But a scrumptious
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Just unlike those other starches, which have
because it’s winter doesn’t mean you indeed been stripped of healthful nutrients, winter treat but
should skip the fruit and veg section. potatoes are a whole food that contains you’re stuck for
Root vegetables, as their name several beneficial nutrients. They are high
suggests, are plant roots largely consumed in Vitamin C and potassium. A medium ideas, turn to page
as vegetables. In Ireland they tend to be in jacket potato provides almost half the 21 where you will
season in the autumn and winter months, RDA of vitamin C in one go. An average
and their earthy flavours are perfectly potato has about 100 calories and they are find a gorgeous
suited to soups, stews, broths and other virtually fat free. recipe for creamy
warming dishes. Root vegetables grown in Get creative with soups! Using the wide
Ireland include parsnips, carrots, beetroot variety of vegetables available in Ireland Homegrown
and swede, though more unusual choices during the winter you can create a wide colcannon mash.
such as celeriac and Jerusalem artichokes variety of soups, broths and stews. These
are becoming more popular and make are highly nutritious, offering as they do
great cold-weather fare. Root vegetables a healthy, vegetarian option. Soups are a
are packed with vitamins and minerals, smart way to use up any leftover vegetables
making them a seasonal must. from yesterday’s dinner.
Let’s not forget those little vegetables Winter isn’t the best time for fruit,
that divide nations, you either love or hate but certain Bramley apples and pears
brussel sprouts. Whatever your opinion is, are readily available. Whip up delicious
it is difficult to imagine Christmas without desserts with these fruits, such as stewed
them. Other vegetables packed with apple and baked pears – perfect for
goodness include mushrooms and kale – heating you up.
You can view more of our
articles and healthy recipes at:
www.tesco.ie/healthandwellbeing
18Cooking can be
a family activity
Baking and cooking can be great activities board, this means that mum and dad will “I started to cook at a young age when
to strengthen bonds between family have to spend less time making meals. After my Mother gave me little jobs in the
members. Old recipes, passed down from all cooking should not be seen as a chore. kitchen. And I always enjoyed it. I think it
grandparents to parents and from parents Top Irish chef and co-owner of Pichet would be fairly simple to incorporate one
to children, can give families a real sense of restaurant, Stephen Gibson says that little thing into each meal that the kids can
pride and identity parents can teach their kids basic cooking be in charge of.”
Participating in the preparation of techniques. And even if they face resistance While some kids may seem reluctant at
family dishes can have benefits for each in the beginning, there are some great ways first Stephen believes that by participating
family member. While experimenting in the to get the kids involved. in baking they can, over time, develop a
kitchen, children can learn about healthy “People’s lives are very busy,” says general interest in food.
eating and nutrition and also develop their Stephen, “but many hands do make light “Baking is the gateway to getting
palate. work. It is easy to get the kids involved but kids involved with food. Because they
Having children participate in the the initiative must come from the parents. are making sweet things, the sugar, the
preparation of meals or snacks helps them If every member of the family has their own different baking smells in the kitchen and
to make better eating choices and also task to take care of, preparing the meal can the chance to dip their fingers in chocolate
encourages them to try new things – picky become a family activity. should keep most kids interested. Take
eaters are more likely to try the foods that Stephen has fond memories of rolling a cup cake for example, they are fun to
they have cooked! It also helps children to his sleeves up and helping out with the make and the child can enjoy the treat at
realise that food does not just appear on cooking when he was a youngster. the end.
the table and familiarises them with the “When I was growing up in Donegal we “After that you can move on to all sorts
cooking process. all got involved - whether it was shelling of dishes including the Sunday family
Also, when all the little helpers are on peas or actually cooking! lunch!”
Kids can help with cooking as they grow
Little chefs And, with adult supervision
Children under the age of six have not • Stir stovetop items such as gravies and
spent much time in the kitchen so sauces (children should be tall enough
everything will be new to them. There to see into pot before trying this)
are a number of ways these kids can
get involved and familiarize themselves Master chefs
with cooking such as: By their teenage years, kids will be able
• Washing fruits and vegetables and to take on some more complex tasks.
tearing lettuce for a salad Teens can get creative in the kitchen with
• Mixing with a large spoon the ingredients they use and the recipes
• Decorating cookies and cakes with they try out.
icing sprinkles • Use different kitchen appliances
• Sifting flour • Bring out your artistic side by
• Cleaning tables and worktops experimenting with different
colors and textures in meals
Novice chefs
Once a child has mastered these early
skills they can move on to some bigger While children may feel they are
tasks. Most children between the ages ready to take on any task in the
of seven and 10 should be able to: kitchen it is important to remind
• Measure ingredients them that certain tasks require
• Read recipes supervision. Be sure to remind
• Set out the correct ingredients for them of any safety guidelines
recipes before they start a task.
19Irish
Cabbage
Lisa Rowan is passionate about
vegetables. She has three
requirements – that they be fresh, leafy
and good value for money!
When choosing green
sweetheart cabbage, look
for a full, leafy head with
a strong green leaf and no
yellow .
Lisa
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Tesco
Vina Mara Rioja
Reserva
Our natural obsession.
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
WWW.RRAI.IE This great wine that boasts the colour of sycamore leaves, deep and purplish with the exquisite
taste of saddle leather and old tobacco. We could not imagine a finer wine to complement the robust
flavours of the Irish beef stew and colcannon. A masterpiece.
20Our natural obsession.
Creamy
Homegrown
colcannon mash
Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook
Serves: 4
Serve with:
Ingredients Irish beef stew. Is there anything better than cabbage and Irish
e 4 New Season Irish potatoes, peeled and chopped stew on a dark winter evening?
e 1 large onion, finely chopped
e ½ small Irish green cabbage, shredded
e 50ml whole Irish milk, warm Alternative:
e 50ml double cream, warm Why not try Irish cabbage and potato croquettes? Mix the
e 1tsp Dijon mustard potatoes with the cabbage and eggs. Roll into 1 cm balls and
toss in flour. Fry in a pan until golden brown. Yum!
Method
1. Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling water. Turn down the
heat to medium and simmer for 15 mins or until tender. Helpful tip:
2. Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a sauté pan over a Try baking your potatoes as opposed to boiling. Simply
medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 3-4 mins or until remove the skins when cooked and mash. This will allow you
softened but not browned. Add the Irish cabbage and a to add just a little more butter.
splash of water, season, cover and cook for 6-8 minutes,
until softened.
3. Drain the cooked potatoes and tip back into the saucepan.
Add the rest of the butter, warm milk, double cream, Dijon
mustard, season well and mash until smooth.
4. Then drain the cooked cabbage of any excess water
and stir into the mashed potato, reserving a little of the
cabbage mix to garnish the top of the colcannon
21St Valentine
St Valentine – in St Valentine’s Day has steak for breakfast! And to prove that
good quality steak is one of the great
the heart of Dublin! - the food of love celebratory foods, Micheál is serving Irish
Angus steaks at his own wedding. Micheál
Did you know that Dublin is the final There are a number of traditional foods also believes that Tesco home grown Irish
resting place for St Valentine? And that that have appeared over the years with Sirloin steak is one of the best in Ireland.
lovers travel from around the world to claims that they can help lovers. Asparagus ‘We only produce steaks from the heart
visit his shrine in the Whitefriar Street was served to 19th century bridegrooms of the rump. It’s the best part of the rump
Church? because of its reputed aphrodisiac powers. to cut a steak from. There is less fat so it’s
It is a true story that in many ways is Banana became popular after studies better value for money and it’s easy to
stranger than fiction. It all started in 1836 showed the enzyme bromelain helped prepare and delicious.’
when an Irish priest, Fr. John Spratt, was enhance male performance! Chocolate is If you want to follow Micheál’s example
given a remarkable gift by Pope Gregory ever popular with lovers, it was even said and cook a steak for your true love turn to
XVI. The gift included the bones of St. to have been banned from some monastic page 25. There you will find our mouth-
Valentine. institutions in the distant past. watering Irish steak recipe, matched with a
Valentine’s reputation for marrying Figs were used by the ancient Greeks in full bodied Chianti Riserva.
Christian couples who were being fertility rituals, while in the Orient ginseng,
persecuted during the reign of Claudius
II quickly spread and he rapidly became
almond and vanilla were all said to come
to a lover’s assistance. The deadly Puffer St Valentine’s Day
the patron saint of lovers worldwide. Fish is considered a powerful aphrodisiac
in Japan, while even the lowly radish was
wines!
favoured by the ancient Egyptians! Bubbles have always been associated
Micheál Donohoe, part of the Tesco with St Valentine’s Day. It seems that
Ireland fresh food team, suggests that no Valentine celebration is complete
love struck males should serve up steak without it. To honour this we have selected
for their true love next Valentine’s Day. three different bottles of bubbly that
Micheál has always been passionate will appeal to just about every taste (and
about meat; he loves it so much he even wallet)!
22Tesco
Bisol Prosecco di
Valdobbiadene 75cl
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Grape: Prosecco
Producer : Bisol
Winemaker: Desiderio Bisol
This Prosecco was the International Wine
and Spirit Competition Silver Medal
Winner - 2012.
Prosecco, Italy’s famed sparkling
wine, hails from the Veneto region,
in the northeast and it’s typically a
fantastic value wine - as versatile as it
is economical. The dominant Prosecco
producing towns are Valdobbiadene and
Conegliano and they produce a wine
that offers delicate fruit and enticing
aromatics, lots of bubbles (spumante) or
Tesco Premier Cr lightly-bubbled (frizzante). Tesco Cava Rosé
Champagne 75cl This award winning Bisol Prosecco
di Valdobbiadene is Medium Dry with
75cl
Country: France aromas of wildflowers that are balanced Country: Spain
Region: Champagne on the palate by notes of pear, and a Region: Cava
This is the same Champagne that refreshingly crisp acidity. Grape: Monastrell/Pinot Noir
beat the likes of Cristal, Bollinger and Producer : Bodegas Marques de
Dom Perignon at the International Valentine Tip: Prosecco has another Monistrol
Wine Challenge in 2005, seeing off claim to fame, as Venice’s popular Bellini Winemaker: Antonio Olive
competition from 160 other labels in cocktail. It was created using Prosecco The roots of the Cava industry can
one of the largest and most prestigious at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1930’s. To be traced back to Josep Raventós’s
blind wine tastings in the world! This create a romantic Bellini simply take a travels through Europe in the 1860s,
Tesco Premier Cru first caused a stir in peach that has been in the fridge for a where he was promoting the wines
2002 when it was rated the best bubbly couple of hours and peel, de-stone and of the Codorníu Winery. His visits to
in a blind testing by Which? magazine. blend it. Fill a cocktail glass a third full Champagne sparked an interest in the
So what makes this Tesco Champagne with cool peach puree and top up with potential of a Spanish wine made using
so great? chilled Prosecco. (You can use peach the traditional Champagne method. He
One, it is affordable coming in at juice as well).You will have created a created his first Cava in 1872 and it has
a fraction of the price of the other cocktail that will woo any heart! been a success ever since.
marque champagnes. Secondly it is To make the rosé version of the cava
truly stunning champagne, soft and we have here, small quantities of still
caressing on the palate, avoiding that red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon,
limestone “bitterness” that can afflict Garnacha or Monastrell are added to
even the great champagnes. It has an the wine.
elegant quality with a delicate mousse, The Tesco Cava Rosé is soft creamy
hints of citrus aromas and a creamy, style with a fine and well integrated
lingering texture. This wine really is a mousse. It is very elegant on the
celebration and will compliment any palate and has intense red berry fruit
occasion. flavours. It is also brilliant value making
an affordable celebration out of any
Valentine Tip: Serve this exotic bubbly occasion.
in two long stemmed glasses that have
been chilled in the freezer. This will give Valentine Tip: Why not present your
the glasses a frosted effect and keep Valentine with a glass of the pink bubbly
the champagne cooler for longer. And Cava, a single stemmed pink rose and a
while sipping let your lover know that box of dark chocolates. This simple (and
they are sampling champagne voted economic) combination will make a
the best tasting in the world! romantic impression that will last!
WWW.RRAI.IE
23Irish
steak
When preparing steak
you want it to be as tender
and flavoursome as
possible. Choose a steak
such as Tesco’s Finest
Irish Angus Sirloin Steak,
which is matured for 21
days for extra flavour and
tenderness. Angus beef
is world famous for its
marbling which means
your steak will be juicy and
succulent every time
Micheál
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Tesco
Chianti Riserva
Our natural obsession.
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
WWW.RRAI.IE This outstanding Tesco Finest Chianti Riserva won the International Wine and Spirit Competition
Silver Medal in 2012. It is an intense ruby red wine with aromas of plum and cherry. Its well-structured
flavour and long finish compliment the robust taste of a good steak perfectly. Try it and see!
24Our natural obsession.
Irish Sirloin steak
with salsa verde
Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 5 mins to cook Method
Serves: 2 1. To make the salsa verde whizz the garlic, capers, lemon
zest and anchovies in a food processor. Add the herbs and
Salsa Verde is a rustic Italian herb-based sauce, which is chilli flakes, then whizz until roughly chopped. Add the
served cold. It is often used as a condiment in Mediterranean lemon juice, then gradually pour in the olive oil and then
countries and is subtle yet flavoursome accompaniment to a pulse to combine.
delicious Irish steak. 2. Transfer the salsa mixture to a bowl and stir in the cherry
tomatoes. Season and set aside.
Ingredients 3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan until smoking hot. Add
For the salsa verde the steaks and cook each side 2-3 mins (Rare), 3-4 mins
e 2 garlic cloves (Medium), 4-5 mins (Well Done) or until done to your liking.
e 1 tsp capers 4. Serve the steaks with the salsa verde spooned over the top.
e ½ lemon, zested and juiced
e 2-3 anchovy fillets, chopped
e small bunch Irish parsley, roughly chopped
e small bunch Irish basil, roughly chopped
e small bunch Irish mint, roughly chopped Serve with:
e 1 tsp chilli flakes Fine green beans smothered in garlic butter and good
e 7 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil homemade potato wedges. Par boil your potatoes, cut into
wedges and roast in oven with garlic.
For the steaks
e 150g (5oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
e ½tbsp olive oil Alternative:
e 2 Irish sirloin steaks For a vegetarian alternative make it without the capers and
anchovy. Delicious stirred through fresh linguine!
Helpful tip:
Always allow your steak to rest for 5 mins after
cooking. This ensures it stays juicy and tender.
25Easter treats
Easter egg hunts are fun for young and old alike
Far more than just a time for chocolate,
chocolate and more chocolate, Easter
Draw a map Alternatively,
is a time to bring family members closer Give each child a map to show them make a piñata
together. This is why it is a good idea to where the eggs are. Then be a bit sneaky For an international twist why not
shift the focus from the chocolate to by hiding another map at one of the abandon a hunt in favour of a piñata?
family activities. clues. A lot of kids enjoy riddles and You can make your own easy egg-
Games, parades, hikes and hunts all wordy clues that get their brain ticking shaped piñata from balloons and paper.
allow for family members, young and and lead them to more difficult places, Have the children take turns hitting it
old, to interact and enjoy spending time such as a specific novel on the book shelf with a plastic bat while blindfolded.
together. or a certain herb growing in the garden. The one who finally bursts it open wins
something special. Hint, if you use
There are many variations of the classic Leave tell tale sweets as the prize, make sure they
Easter egg hunt. are wrapped sweets so they can still be
bunny prints eaten if they fall to the floor.
Add letters to each egg Make bunny footprints near each hidden
Easter egg to give the kids some easy
so kids can make words hints as to where the eggs are hidden.
Buy some alphabet stickers or write a You can make the footprints out of
different letter on the outside of each colourful paper.
egg. Set the kids loose on their egg hunt
and then offer extra Easter prizes to the
kid who makes the longest word from
their egg stash.
26How to make an 1. Make the Papier-mâché paste
In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of
water and a tablespoon of salt. Stir the
Easter Egg piñata
mixture until it starts to thicken like a
batter.
2. Make the Papier-mâché strips
Tear some newspaper into strips that are
Before you begin make sure you give about 1 to 2 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches
long. Prepare a large
yourself plenty of room to work number of these, because you will be
applying several layers.
and cover your work surface
3. Form the piñata base
with newspaper for protection Inflate your balloon. This will form the
body of your piñata, so make sure
and easy clean-up. you make it nice and big. Next, dip the
newspaper strips in the paste. Lay the strips
Things could get messy! down all over the balloon in a crisscross
pattern, until covered, but leave the knot
of the balloon uncovered. Allow the first
layer to dry. Complete this step 3 to 4 times,
allowing each layer to dry before adding
What you’ll need: another. You can then paint the piñata if
e 1 bowl you wish.
e 2 cups
e 1 tablespoon of salt 4. Filling the piñata
e Newspaper Cut a hole for the sweets. If the balloon has
e 1 balloon not yet popped, go ahead and pop it and
e Scissors remove it. Since you didn’t cover the knot
e Glue of the balloon with your papier-mâché, you
e Crepe paper should have a small hole already. Use this
e Sweets hole to fill with sweets. To cover the hole
e String to hang the piñata glue down some crepe paper on top. Hang
the piñata and swing away!
27Irish
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can get
bruised and dry out easily.
So how do you select the
best cauliflower for your
dish? Select a cauliflower
with more leaves on it as it
protects the quality of the
product. We also ensure
our packaging allows the
cauliflower to breathe and
ensures it dosen’t dry out.
Lisa
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team
Montes Reserva
Merlot
Our natural obsession.
Country: Chile
Region: Colchagua Valley
WWW.RRAI.IE
Merlot is often the wine of choice to go with lamb and we found this reserva lived up to its reputation.
The wine never competed with the delicacy of Irish lamb, rather it complemented it perfectly.
28Our natural obsession.
Irish Cauliflower
ham and
cheese bake
Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 15 mins to cook
Serves: 4
Ingredients
e 1 large Irish cauliflower (broken into florets)
e 40g Irish butter
e 20g flour
e 425ml Irish milk
e 150g cooked Irish ham (diced)
e 150g mature Irish cheddar (grated)
e 50g bread crumbs
e Salt and pepper
Serve with:
Method Roast leg of Irish lamb.
1. Melt butter in a thick based saucepan. Add flour, mix and
cook together to form a roux.
2. Heat milk separately and slowly whisk it into the roux. Alternative:
Cook for approximately 10 mins before seasoning and For a vegetarian option you can replace the ham with the little
adding the cheddar and ham. blue cheese instead.
3. Blanch the cauliflower in salted water for approximately
4 mins until tender.
4. Add cauliflower to sauce and season. Helpful tip:
5. Place in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs When making the sauce, add the warm milk very slowly
and bake until golden brown. whisking all the time. If the sauce is lumpy you
6. Serve can strain it before adding the cheese.
29Ireland’s
picnic hotspots
When it comes to locations for a picnic,
we are spoiled for choice
A picnic is a great way for a family to spend
the day. Parents can relax and enjoy some
food while the kids run around and enjoy
themselves. Ireland has such a beautiful
landscape and there are hundreds of
wonderful spots for a lovely picnic. So if 1
you are looking for the perfect spot for
your family picnic you are sure to find it
in Ireland.
Camaderry, Glendalough,
1
Co Wicklow
Glendalough has always been
known for its stunning landscapes,
n 1
natural beauty and its history. It
n
is one of the most visited places n
in Ireland. On a lovely summer’s
day hikers, families and tourists
1
travel from far and wide to visit this
stunning, scenic area.
The Burren,
Co Clare
The Burren is an area of majestic
mountains and picturesque
valleys and streams. The area is
internationally famous for the array
of flora and fauna, as well as the
megalithic tombs. This is one
spot that every family must
visit at least once. n
Killarney National Park,
Co Kerry n Lough Boora Parklands, Co Offaly
Killarney National Park is These parklands are made up of stunning
surrounded by lakes and lakes, woodlands and wetland areas as well
mountains, including the as 50km of walkways and pastureland. It is
McGillycuddy Reeks. Muckross Glencarr Waterfall, Co Leitrim also the home of some beautiful flora and
House and Gardens are located Located outside Manorhamilton, Glencar fauna. The area is cloaked with raised bogs
in the centre of the park. You can Waterfall is a stunning location for a making it a very unique outdoor park.
explore the 26,000 acres of the park peaceful picnic. This waterfall is located
to find the perfect on Glencar Lake and although small, is Visit www.discoverireland.ie for more of
location for your picnic. enchanting nonetheless. Ireland’s picnic hotspots
30Packing
the perfect
picnic
Festival Fun
We are fortunate in Ireland to have such a 1 A Taste of Donegal Food Festival
wide range of food festivals to delight and 23rd - 25th August
Did you know that almost one inspire. Whether North, South, East or West This year’s Taste of Donegal Food Festival
third of Irish food is thrown out as you foodies will be able to find the perfect will be held over a three day period. All
waste? Not only are the recipes festival for their taste. Below, we preview exhibitors will be present showcasing their
in this supplement home-grown, four of the best. food. There will be cookery classes for
the ingredients can also be used children and teenagers, as well as artisan
to create delicious picnic basket 1 Westport Festival of Food and Music food producers and other exhibitors
options or on-the-move snacks 29th - 30th June showcasing their food and products. There
– meaning nothing has to go to Set amidst a stunning 400 acre site in the will also be Masterclasses by celebrity
waste. The Fisherman’s salad with heart of Westport town in Mayo, Westport chefs, food workshops and displays by
warm potatoes (page 9) and the Festival of Music and Food is an annual Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland as well
Chicken with avocado, tomato two-day celebration of music and food. The as competitions and food trails.
and green beans (page 17) make event promises a relaxed and friendly vibe, You’ll find more information at www.
for perfect additions to any picnic first class festival facilities and the finest atasteofdonegal.com
baskets.. local food and refreshments. Music acts
confirmed to perform include Elvis Costello 1 Galway Oyster Festival
And to ensure you don’t forget and Imelda May. 27th - 29th September
any essentials check our the picnic Visit www.westportfestival.com for more Each year, on the last weekend of
checklist on page 4! September, Galway City comes alive with
1 Ballina Salmon Festival seafood and oysters as it celebrates the
13th - 14th July Galway International Oyster & Seafood
For one week in July, the bustling town of Festival - the world’s longest running Oyster
Ballina, set on the idyllic banks of the River Festival. Throughout the Irish food festival,
A Walker’s Moy, comes alive with the Ballina Salmon
Festival. Every year some 200,000 people
there will lots of tantalising events for all to
enjoy including the Oyster ‘Olympics’ or
Paradise
descend on the Salmon Capital of Ireland World Oyster Opening Championship and
to enjoy the seven day festival, which foodie talks and tasting events in some of
boasts a jam-packed calendar of events! Galway’s best restaurants.
With roughly 2,796km of coastline and www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie is where you can Check out www.galwayoysterfest.com for
more than 30 inhabited off shore islands, find further information more details
Ireland boasts an incredible array of
coastal and island walks. The following
walks are amongst the most stunning views towards neighbouring Inishark Island n Cunnigar/ An Coinigéar Walk,
Ireland has to offer. and mainland Galway. Ring, Co Waterford
For bird lovers, An Coinigéar in Waterford
n Beara Peninsula, Cork n Inishturk, Co Mayo is awalk is worthy of note. Follow the curve
In the Southwest, the Beara Peninsula is Meanwhile Inishturk in Co Mayo provides of the shore out to the long sandy spit that
a magnet for walkers. While the 196km tranquillity for the visitor who will love the sticks out into Dungarvan Bay. Try to walk
Beara Way takes around eight days to Mountain Common loop walk. This is a chance as far as the highest sand dunes to capture
complete, there are other delightful to take in panoramic views and the sandy the full flavour of the walk. The Cunnigar
but less time-consuming walks in the beaches bordering on crystal clear Atlantic is one of the best winter bird watching
area. The Western Loop on the sublime waters. Keep your eyes open for the ruins of the locations in Dungarvan Bay in terms of
Bere Island or the remote Dursey Island old Napoleonic signal tower, the penal church diversity and numbers. It is the top site in
Loop are great choices. On Bere Island and the endangered spotted rock-rose. Waterford for rare waders such as little
you’ll be rewarded with 360º panoramic www.mayowalks.ie is where more information Ringed and Americian Golden Plover.
views over Bantry Bay and the Beara can be found For more great Irish walks visit
and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas. And don’t www.discoverireland.com
miss the striking tower of the Ardnakinna n Boyne Ramparts Walk, Navan, Co Meath
Lighthouse. In Meath, the Boyne Ramparts walk takes Before setting off it is vital to bring:
the visitor a distance of 8 km from Navan 3 Footwear suitable for the walk
n Inishbofin, Co Galway towards Slane along the banks of the River 3 Clothing which is suitable for all weather
The West Quarter Loop on Inishbofin, Boyne, parallel with the old canal. The walk 3 Plenty of water
Co Galway is another treasure. A great will take you to Stackallen Bridge. Beautiful 3 Your mobile phone charger in case of
introduction to the island, it takes you wooded scenery and wildlife can be seen emergency
along the shore, past an amazing sea cave on this path. Ifyou are having any doubts about doing the
and along a ‘green road’ with stunning Learn more at www.meathtourism.ie walk, be sure to contact your GP.
31You can also read
