tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54929731693531323232024-03-13T03:37:26.877-07:00We Love Cooking!and eating we love tooLiya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-20990913543794877042022-02-03T13:30:00.000-08:002022-02-03T13:30:55.351-08:00Frosting Cocktail Glasses In 3 Easy Steps!<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/03/frosting-cocktail-glasses-in-3-easy.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-58941127598480780352022-02-03T13:29:00.000-08:002022-02-03T13:29:58.666-08:00:: Food Inc<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2009/12/food-inc.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-36182520487231004362018-08-17T13:15:00.000-07:002018-08-17T13:15:59.370-07:00The Summer Salad<figure><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/_76dNkU-xbT4/Rveqb5LACSI/AAAAAAAAALI/uUw6-QXE5FY/s1600/summersalad2.jpg" /></figure><p>I would like to blame jet lag as the reason I didn't really post last week, but it was really down to pure laziness! But I'm back and that's what really counts. Saturday gave us the last sun, Ireland will probably see for the next 7 months, so we made the most of it and had a lovely salad on the balcony, which was actually the first time we have used it since we moved in!</p><p>I made a lovely salad with a dressing that I just had to share here!</p><p><u>Classic Dijon Balsamic Dressing<br /></u><ol><li>1/4 Cup of Olive Oil</li><li>3/4 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar</li><li>1 Tablespoon of Dijon Mustard</li><li>1 Clove of crushed Garlic</li><li>A good pinch of Sea Salt and Black Pepper</li></ol>I used to have a handy little plastic dressing mixer, but it's gone walking so if you don't have one like me, just place all the ingredients in a small glass cover tightly with some cling film and give it a good shake. It's ready to serve or you can store it in the fridge!</p><p>It can really bring out the flavours in a plain old salad and put a SMILE ON YOUR FACE!</p><p>I can't guarantee the smile... but maybe!</p><figure><img alt="Summer Salad" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76dNkU-xbT4/RveqcJLACTI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ltzvPX-81x0/s1600/summersalad.jpg" /></figure>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-19731560694283832622018-08-17T13:10:00.002-07:002018-08-17T13:10:30.550-07:00Koala Soup<figure><img alt="Koala" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97PMq4G4hbA/W3cq3HV4iLI/AAAAAAAAAgM/ACmkFRhPSW0L3IuQwU22DpUAGFrUPqOTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Koala.jpg" /></figure><p>I have a few winter warming dishes coming up but this recipe is actually taken from the book and was featured on Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide website. Plus I got a request in the comments section so I just couldn't resist!</p><p><a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2018/04/supersoup.html">Hearty Minestrone Soup</a><br />This is a perfect winter meal solution, full of tasty vegetables, and filling thanks to the<br />pasta. I use wholewheat spaghetti, but feel free to add other shapes like fusilli or pasta elbows instead. If you don’t have any paprika, you can get a bit of spice by adding a dash of tabasco sauce, or a good pinch of dried chilli flakes.</p><p>Serves 4<br />1 courgette, chopped into small chunks<br />1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes<br />2 x 410g tins cannellini beans<br />2 garlic cloves, finely chopped<br />1 large onion, finely chopped<br />2 stalks of celery, chopped<br />2 large carrots, chopped into small chunks<br />2 litres/4 pints homemade chicken stock<br />75g/3oz wholewheat spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />A good pinch of paprika<br />A good pinch of sea salt</p><p>In a large pot, heat the olive oil and fry the garlic cloves and onion for 2 minutes or until they become soft.<br />Stir in the celery, carrots and courgette and cook for five minutes. Add the<br />chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, and bring to the boil, then reduce the<br />heat and simmer for 20 minutes.<br />Add the wholewheat spaghetti, paprika and cannellini beans. Give the<br />soup a good stir and cover. Cook gently for a further 10 minutes or until<br />the pasta is cooked.<br />Season with a little sea salt and serve straightaway with a good chunk of wholemeal bread and enjoy!</p>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-19159380830119833032018-04-30T09:59:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:21:03.830-07:00SuperSoup<figure><a href="//josculinary.blogspot.com/2017/02/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-so-eat-soup.html"><img alt="Super Soup" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_ia_ON0Yrzf8/S4S9dFr4GwI/AAAAAAAAETY/IU3T4CnPk5o/s1600/IMG_0566.jpg"></a></figure><p>I have a few winter warming dishes coming up but this recipe is actually taken from the book and was featured on Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide website. Plus I got a request in the comments section so I just couldn't resist!</p><p>Hearty Minestrone Soup<br>This is a perfect winter meal solution, full of tasty vegetables, and filling thanks to the<br>pasta. I use wholewheat spaghetti, but feel free to add other shapes like fusilli or pasta elbows instead. If you don’t have any paprika, you can get a bit of spice by adding a dash of tabasco sauce, or a good pinch of dried chilli flakes.</p><a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2018/04/supersoup.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-43411007648011430442018-03-30T10:22:00.001-07:002018-07-03T22:14:43.066-07:00:: Farmers Market in Howth<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2009/06/farmers-market-in-howth.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-2666649863394295572018-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:04:52.517-07:00:: Peanut Butter Snicker Squares!<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2009/12/peanut-butter-snicker-squares.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-57421073962375599022011-07-15T10:04:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:18:36.287-07:00:: Garlic Mushroom and Goats Cheese Pasta<figure><a href="https://josculinary.blogspot.com/2017/07/wild-mushroom-and-crisp-leek-topped.html"><img alt="Mushrooms" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SuyVId3wnLI/AAAAAAAADxA/pSko61J41uA/s1444/mushrooms.jpg"></a></figure><a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2009/02/garlic-mushroom-and-goats-cheese-pasta.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-11383061774425404912011-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:17:53.360-07:00:: Strawberry Season 1/2<figure><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/Sjf9lDe0WeI/AAAAAAAADss/PUS02-e_qs0/s1555/b-garden+canape.JPG" alt="strawberry mint canapé eaten in situ, dirty hands and all"></figure>
<p>My mom called me last week to tell me she'd eaten the first of the berries from her newly planted patch. "It was amazing," she sighed, "like they used to be when you were young." While I can't say for sure how good store-bought strawberries were when I was a kid, I do know that 20-some years of agribusiness hasn't done the strawberry any favors. Typically, they are as big as they are bland, streaked with white inside and dry as a sun-baked bone. They contain only the barest hint of what they could be were they ripened to a bright red by the sun, picked in season and eaten immediately.</p><a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2011/07/strawberry.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-72040605825340023492011-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:19:20.259-07:00:: Strawberry Season 2/2<figure><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/Sjf9wTknB3I/AAAAAAAADs0/dL0I-hSqQ14/s1555/b-grand+marnier.JPG" alt="Grand Marnier">
<figcaption>Grand Marnier: blended cognacs with orange essence</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Speaking of tradition, it's as good as written law around here that when there are fresh, local strawberries on hand there must also be strawberry shortcake. So, we had back to back shortcake. The second time 'round though I needed it to be an easily transported dessert to bring to a party. Cake form seemed like the perfect way to go, all assembled and easy to head out with. Playing on the orange tones of my first orange-rosemary shortcake, I incorporated some Grand Marnier to lend a sweet citrus flavor to the whipped cream. Also, instead of a plain vanilla bean cake, I made a rustic cornmeal cake to add pleasant texture and sweetness from the fresh milled corn.</p><a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2011/07/strawberry-season.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-59635508488063742942010-12-10T01:26:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:14:43.274-07:00:: Cranberry and White Chocolate Muffins<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/12/cranberry-and-white-chocolate-muffins.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-22678032063212320972010-12-08T07:02:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:14:42.715-07:00:: Roast Garlic Shepherd's Pie<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/12/roast-garlic-shepherd-pie.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-36039316128416632452010-12-05T13:33:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:14:42.948-07:00:: Janssons Temptation<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/12/janssons-temptation.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-18719166281595435112010-12-02T01:59:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:20:19.210-07:00:: Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies!<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/12/deep-dish-chocolate-chip-cookies.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-59056238437708800452010-12-01T08:54:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:14:43.228-07:00:: Mozzarella, tomato and gnocchi bake!<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/12/mozzarella-tomato-and-gnocchi-bake.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-83287041942538265292010-11-30T03:26:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:14:43.576-07:00:: Stop Food Waste: Leftover Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/11/stop-food-waste-leftover-chicken.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-3233087852702622552010-11-19T00:50:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:20:19.307-07:00:: Swedish Cinnamon Buns<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/11/swedish-cinnamon-buns.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-48893337634632612162010-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:002018-07-03T22:17:53.844-07:00:: Mushy Roast Garlic and Cherry Tomato Pasta<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/11/mushy-roast-garlic-and-cherry-tomato.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-7528816919239006532010-11-04T11:40:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:04:53.186-07:00:: Caramel Apple Granola Pots<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/11/caramel-apple-granola-pots.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-2029302307178148362010-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:21:03.854-07:00:: Halloween Barmbrack<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-barmbrack.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-63021834828820510142010-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:14:43.297-07:00:: Lamb Shanks with Colcannon Mash<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/lamb-shanks-with-colcannon-mash.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-81395436799246595092010-10-12T13:46:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:14:43.529-07:00:: Rustic Apple and Blackberry Galettes<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/rustic-apple-and-blackberry-galettes.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-31251895414923522982010-10-10T12:37:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:21:03.902-07:00:: Mussels in Irish Cider<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/mussels-in-irish-cider.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-7640674233676112372010-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:17:54.284-07:00:: Zingy Quick and Tasty Stir-Fry<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/zingy-quick-and-tasty-stir-fry.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492973169353132323.post-35104931110617622832010-10-04T03:03:00.000-07:002018-07-03T22:14:42.901-07:00:: Whoohaa Chorizo Bean Pasta and a 60th Wedding Anniversary Dinner!<a href="https://mattanddanicka.blogspot.com/2010/10/whoohaa-chorizo-bean-pasta-and-60th.html#more">Read more »</a>Liya Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300102758856776255noreply@blogger.com