My family always called this not-too-sweet apple cake “nobby” because my mother roughly chopped the apples, a method that left the top distinctly rough and, well, nobby! While she usually made it…

It’s August, after all, so the problem of too many tomatoes is, well, a problem, especially if you grow your own. Even if you don’t, with so many varieties available —and you know you want…

I found this summery dish of cod and tomatoes at Encore Brasserie in Derry’s Millennium Forum. I love the simplicity of roasted fish combined with the sophistication of Spanish ham and two kinds of tomatoes.

PAN-SEARED COD WITH SERRANO HAM, TOMATO TAPENADE, AND ROASTED TOMATOES

SERVES…

Once June rolls into July, the strawberry season in most parts of the country comes to a halt. I can never get enough of them though, and I love this tasty combination of sliced fresh berries topped with strawberry purée. The elderflower mousse and brown sugar crumble can be used on other seasonal fruits, so keep the…

When it comes to cooking up something special on Sunday for your favorite father, a juicy steak and a fresh salad are just the ticket. For a special touch, add an Irish-inspired sauce to the steak and some yummy buttermilk dressing to the salad. A full-bodied red wine or a cold beer completes the…

If it hasn’t made its official appearance yet where you live, you can expect rhubarb to be showing up shortly. One of the earliest spring vegetables — yes, it’s a perennial vegetable — it’s generally used as a fruit in desserts and jams. Since rhubarb is almost too tart to be served on its own, it’s the perfect companion to…

With only a few days to go before we celebrate Mother’s Day, you might want to think about giving her a real treat — breakfast in bed!  Sure, you can take her out to brunch, but breakfast in bed creates a real Hallmark moment — “you care enough to cook the very best!” Rhubarb season is in full swing now, so these…

I usually try to tie my posts to seasonal recipes or ingredients — Easter chocolate, Mother’s Day, Christmas cakes, etc. — but I deviate this week with this recipe for granola. Why? Because I love it, and yesterday I made a fresh batch to keep on hand to sprinkle on fruit and yogurt or muesli, one of my new favorite foods! You can, of course, buy a bag at a supermarket…

Two weeks and counting! In the event you don’t have a traditional dessert lined up for your Easter meal, you might want to think about this delicious and versatile cream cheese pound cake that’s as tasty with or without any embellishments.

The name “pound cake” comes from the rather precise recipe for a…

While carrots have a long growing season in Ireland, I generally think of them as a springtime vegetable since they’re obligatory with a St. Patrick’s Day meal of bacon and cabbage and, of course, as the favorite food of Easter bunnies! As we welcome spring today, how about a tasty recipe for Carrot Soup, one that I…

In a land where sheep were traditionally a primary food supply, it’s not surprising that lamb is the foundation for many farmhouse dishes. Shepherd’s Pie, a long-time favorite, was originally created as an economical way to use leftover lamb and was always a favorite with farmers. The recipe for this meat and vegetable…