Parma ham, smokey mushroom and mixed bean salad

Parma-ham-smokey-mushroom- mixed-bean-salad

Parma ham, smokey mushroom and mixed bean salad

Have you ever wanted to love salad but it always tastes so bland and leafy or maybe you love salad and you want to try something new?

You need to try this taste sensation!

Ingredients:
2 Iceberg lettuce leaves (torn)
Handful of baby spinach leaves
2 Slices of parma ham
6 Red seedless grapes (halved)
6 Slices of sweet red pepper (halved)
1 Large flat cap mushroom
1 Teaspoon rapeseed oil
1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika
1/3 Tin mixed beans..dutch brown beans, chick peas and haricot beans (Sweet Harvest/Aldi)
1 Tablespoon of light french dressing (Bramwells/Aldi)

To cook:
Chop the mushroom into large pieces like you would a pizza. Heat the rapeseed oil in a small pot and add the chopped mushroom and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until golden.

To prepare:
Toss the torn iceberg lettuce leaves, baby spinach, sweet red pepper in a bowl with the light french dressing. Add the mixed beans making sure you rinse and drain them first. Rip the parma ham into pieces and scatter on top. Add the grapes next sporadically and then add the cooked smokey mushroom.

The addition of a few crumbled pieces of feta cheese adds a new dimension to this dish!

Tip: It is easy to store in a container to bring to work or for a picnic at the park. Just make sure you keep the dressing separate. I often put some kitchen roll in the container to keep the leaves dry and crunchy but please don’t eat that 😉

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Rhubarb & natural yogurt compote

Rhubarb-natura- yogurt-compote

Rhubarb & natural yogurt compote

Home-made comfort food that is good for you!

Ingredients:
Bunch of fresh rhubarb
4 Teaspoons of raw cane sugar
Splash of water
3 Tablespoons of natural live yogurt (Glenilen farm)

To cook:
Slice the rhubarb into even sized peices
Add the sugar and water and stew for about 5 minutes until soft, stir occasionally.

To serve:
When cool serve with natural yogurt

Garlic & lemon char-grilled chicken

Garlic & lemon-chargrilled-chicken

Garlic & lemon chargrilled chicken

A bit of sunshine and us Irish have lost the run of ourselves altogether!! This recipe is perfect for this time of year when your not quite sure if you should take the bikini or man-kini out quite yet. This marinade promises all of the taste and none of the belly!

Ingredients:
Free range chicken breast x 3
2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
3 cloves of fresh garlic (finely chopped)
1 Lemon
Fresh thyme

To prepare:
Slice 3 pieces of lemon and set aside.  Put your chicken breasts into a large container, add the rapeseed oil, garlic and thyme. Squeeze in the remaining lemon and coat well with all ingredients. Put the remaining lemon slices on top of each of the chicken breasts. Cover and leave in the fridge until ready to cook. Preferably over night.

To cook:
Cook on a BBQ or grill for approx 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and it is golden on the outside. Turning a few times to ensure even cooking.

To serve:
Serve with Roasted root vegetables (parsnip, sweet potato) using rapeseed oil, salt & pepper and a medley of steamed veg. This Garlic lemon char-grilled chicken would also be a great addition to a fresh salad.

Sautéed mushroom & spinach on Irish soda bread with scrambled eggs

Sautéed mushroom-spinach-on-Irish-soda-bread-with-scrambled-eggs

Sautéed mushroom & spinach on Irish soda bread with scrambled eggs

Breakfast is one of the best meals of the day and this Irish classic is sure to awaken your taste-buds.

Ingredients:
2 large free range eggs
a dash of milk
1 teaspoon of butter
Pinch of salt
A handful of spinach
1 large flat capped mushroom
1 teaspoon of rapeseed oil
2 slices of Gluten Free Home made Irish soda bread

To cook:

Crack 2 eggs into a heat proof jug, add the milk and the butter and a pinch of salt and beat with a fork until fluffy. Microwave for 1 minute, beat again and return to the microwave for another 30 seconds or until they are cooked to your liking.

Put the rapeseed oil into a small pot and add the mushroom until golden, it takes only 2 minutes. Add the spinach until wilted.

Toast 2 slices of soda bread and spread a light coating of butter on them both. Put the mushroom and spinach mixture on top of the toast and serve the scrambled eggs on the side.

Enjoy!

Irish Soda Bread

Irish-Soda-Bread

Irish Soda Bread

My first attempt at making soda bread that was both gluten-free and low GI was undoubtedly a success! Always the skeptic I saw the ingredients and thought…mmm there is no way this will taste like or even resemble the wonderful Irish soda bread that I longed for. Much to my surprise, it did. Thanks to my wonderful auntie Maureen for sharing this recipe with me. I won’t be buying any more shop bought GF breads from now on!

Ingredients:
1 Large greek style natural yogurt (Glenisk)
Irish oats (Enough to fill 2 large containers of yogurt)
2 Teaspoons of baking soda
1/2 Teaspoon salt

Use a 9 inch square baking tray preferably, that has been coated in butter. or any flat tray you have will do.

To make:
Empty your yogurt into a large mixing bowl. Fill the empty container with oats. If you have time it is best to break up the oats a little smaller, this can be done with your hands. Add the soda and salt and mix thoroughly. Then bring the mixture together into the shape of a square with your hands. Place into the baking tray and at this point you can sprinkle more oats on top or sunflower seeds if you wish. For those who are not gluten intolerant I suggest topping with milled bran as this adds more texture and crunch.

To cook:
Preheat the oven to 180C and cook for 50 minutes
Take out of the oven and cool on a wire tray

To serve:

Poached-egg-served-on-toasted-soda-bread

Poached egg served on toasted soda bread

Protein Pancakes

Check out my friend Mauds fab new blog full of amazing recipies like these protien pancakes with mango & natural yougert #qualifiednutritionist #healthyfood #weightloss #love

à la Maude

One of my favorite things about the weekend is that I have lots of free time to make brunch, the most important meal of the day!!

I usually head to the gym on Saturday mornings so protein pancakes are exactly what I need. Most of the blogs I read use whey protein powder for their pancakes and that’s absolutely fine but you can also get a cheaper, very easily absorbed, high quality protein from your diet. If you don’t use whey protein, these pancakes are perfect for your post-gym brunch!

The protein in these pancakes comes from egg whites and cottage cheese – don’t knock them till you try them!

Ingredients:

This recipe serves 2 – Makes 5 pancakes

PP Start

3 eggs

45g rolled oats

200g cottage cheese

2 Tablespoons of reduced fat milk (or any other milk you use)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of…

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Top 5 Gluten-Free Beers in Ireland

Every good Irish person knows that the weekend means that the sober will flee the city and the drunkards will flock to the streets…and some of us normal people might have a nice lunch and a couple of social drinks and then flee before it gets tooo messy. But what about the Gluten & Wheat Free? Some might say that a night on the tiles isn’t a night out without at least one drink. Of course there are always naturally Gluten Free and Wheat Free drinks to be found such as Tequilla or French Brandy…some Gluten Free people, who can tolerate Gluten Free wheat, even venture to Whiskey but what if you like beer? Well, today I’m going to guide you to a few Dublin retailers that stock Gluten Free beers so that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home or if you decide to go out, you will have an idea of what to ask for. Why not check out the Porter House where you can drink up a storm without any side effects well, not Food Allergy related side-effects anyway!
There are also new GF beer brands becoming available in Ireland on a regular basis which is great for all you beer drinkers out there!

Estrella Daura

daura-beer

Daura Beer


Estrella Daura, now known as Daura. Its apparently the world’s best GF beer, but for some of you beer drinkers out there it’s Gluten free and often the only option out there.

Celia Organic

celia-organic

Celia Organic


Celia is a Czech lager, it’s supposed to be really light and tasty so it should be a favourite for all you bonafide lager drinkers. Celia Lager is now available in Northern Ireland and in a number of pubs and off licences. They are working on getting stocked throughout Ireland, both North and South so hopefully you’ll see them available in your local pub and off licence soon

If you’re an Ale drinker there are some good ales on the market too

Greens

greens-beer

Greens Beer


It is claimed that non-glutards like this one as well.

Mongozo Pilsner

mongoza

Mongoza

Some other options for coeliacs include Crabbies Ginger Beer as well as the known options like Cider.

crabbies-original-ginger-beer

Crabbies Original Ginger Beer

For full brand listings please use your Coeliac Society handbook.
Some known stockists of Gluten-free beer
• Dunnes Stores, Molloys – Nationwide usually Daura
• Supervalu, Molloys – Nationwide, usually Greens
• Spar – Nationwide, usually Crabbies Ginger Beer
• O’Briens Off Licences – Multiple locations
• Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, Dublin – Mongozo Pilsner

Yorkshire Pudding

gluten-free-yorkshire-pudding

Yorkshire Pudding

Ingredients:
115g Doves Farm gluten-free self-raising flour
142ml milk
142ml water
1 pinch salt
1 medium egg
30g vegetable oil

How to Cook:
Heat the oven to 220°C. Place the flour and salt in a mixing bowl: make a well in the centre with a wooden spoon. Drop the egg and half the milk and water mixture into it. Gradually work the flour into the egg and milk and water mixture to form a smooth creamy texture. Slowly add the rest of the milk and water mixture and then beat well. Heat the oil in 8-10 patty tins or in a 23 x 18cm tray in the oven. When the oil begins to smoke, pour in the batter two thirds of the way as they do need room to rise. Bake in the top of the oven until well risen and brown; about 20 minutes. Serve immediately with your roast dinner.

20 Best Gluten free places to eat in Dublin

1.Sabor Brazil

sabor-brazil

Sabor

A little bit of Brazil in Dublin! One of the best dining experiences, recommended to me by my Brazilian friend. It was quiet, romantic and classy with great food great staff the staff couldn’t do enough for us nothing was too much and they gave excellent recommendations in terms of GF menu choices. Its pricy but worth every penny. We spent hours there and enjoyed every bit of the 7 Course tasting Menu which is a must if you are going to Sabor and best of all it comes with 3 complimentary drinks! So now all you need to know is where to find it: 50 Pleasants Street off Camden Street, Dublin 8.

2.Opium
3a

opium

Opium

Opium is definitely my guilty pleasure. It is a modern Thai/Vietnamese restaurant at 26 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 with a mouth-watering menu. At the heart of Opium is the open kitchen, a dramatic culinary theatre with a team of accomplished chefs. I was completely blown away by the food here. A real diamond. The staff are great, they really know gluten free. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is dark and seductive.

3.SABA

saba

SABA


saba-cooking

SABA Cooking


SABA Cooking
saba-food

SABA Food

Saba is a tasty Thai and Vietnamese Restaurant on Clarendon Street, Dublin 2. Saba, which means “Happy meeting place” and that’s what it is. I have been there many times, the last time with work, we had a large group so we waited at the bar for the late arrivals and of course it was an excuse to test out their wonderful award winning cocktails!! Their menu offers a great selection of fresh veg, fish, chicken, duck and beef options. I particularly liked the sea bass cooked in banana leaf and their monkfish green curry is absolutely scrumptious! They offer beautifully presented starter platters to share. A real dining experience and they pay really good attention to dietary requirements so no worries there.

4.Brasserie 66

brasserie66

Brasserie 66

Brasserie Sixty6 food is great a real family friendly place. Located at 66-67 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. Their menu offers you a choice of CA Coeliac adaptable options and C marks the gluten free so it allows for more choice for anyone who hates the difficult conversation with the waiting staff about your GF options, this is perfect! All their food is cooked to order and their ingredients are sourced locally. They have a vast array of spirits and do nice cocktails too!

5.The Fumbally

the-fumbally

The Fumbally

Enticed by images my friend put up on Instagram I just had to visit! And it didn’t disappoint. It’s real fun place to have brunch with friends, awakening the senses walking through the door with the smell of good healthy food, strong coffee and unique artwork, quirky furniture and hearing people chatting away. The food is organic, local and simply gorgeous with a choice of salads, falafel, eggs, sandwiches, soups. The staff are friendly and they have a share-a-table ethos. But it works. You order your food, pay for it, take the lettered wooden block to your table and shortly afterwards the food is brought to you. A real funky place in Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8!

6.The Farm Restaurant

the-Farm

The Farm

The Farm was one of my first favourite gluten free restaurants when I was working in town on a regular basis. The staff were so nice and the menus are clearly marked GF. They produce some yummy food, which was a welcome change to my confused ramble around town in search of something that tasted good. They have two branches, one on Dawson Street and the other on Leeson Street. I’ve eaten in both and found them to be great with the gluten free.

7.Lo-Cal Kitchen

lo-cal-kitchen

Lo-Cal Kitchen


easter-teapot

Easter Teapot


sexy-strawberry-smoothy

Sexy Strawberry Smoothy


mini-breakfast

Mini Breakfast

A hidden treasure near the Phoenix Park located at Unit 4, Phoenix Park Racecourse, Castleknock, Dublin 15. What can I say, it is such a cute girly place to go with your bestie for a chat or a mother and daughter day. The outside is very new but the inside was such a surprise I didn’t know where to look first, the cute teapots individually covered with their own knitted coats was adorable. It was Easter weekend so they were Easter themed or the fun artwork on the walls, the menu was the biggest surprise! Everything on it was home-made, low-calorie and almost all was adaptable to GF, although most of the menu clearly stated GF beside the GF options. The staff were friendly and made us feel at home. The food was yummy, their sexy strawberry smoothy went down a treat and they do wholemeal pancakes which my friend ordered, filled with spinach and smoked salmon roulade. I tried the version of the hangover breakfast or mini breakfast with spinach, turkey sausages and turkey rashers, poached eggs on a GF wholemeal bun and of course a cup of coffee, ahh Heaven!! I would have liked some tomato relish, however the hostess told me that they make everything from scratch so they don’t even allow tomato ketchup, which is wonderful to know everything is freshly made and good for you

8.Ristorante Terrazzo Italia – Powerscourt Townhouse

terrazzo-Italia

Terrazzo Italia

Situated at top of the wide stairs on the second floor balcony of Powerscourt Townhouse in South William Street, Dublin 2. The food coming from this small kitchen is of the highest standard. The menu is typically Italian with antipasti that include salads, bruschetta, vegetarian quiche and chef’s special quiche. Mains offer a range of pastas and pizzas. Terrazzo Italia is earning a reputation for its gluten-free food and most recipes can be changed to suit the customer’s dietary requirements. The service is warm and friendly and, together with flavoursome, unpretentious food and that special Italian ambience, this is a place worth climbing the stairs for. As you sit on the balcony, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the centre, particularly the hustle and bustle downstairs. You may even be lucky enough to hear and see the pianist on the ground floor, playing familiar pieces on the grand piano.

9. Mulberry Garden

mulberry-garden

Mulberry Garden


mulberry-garden

Mulberry Garden inside

A little gem hidden away in the heart of Donnybrook, Dublin 4. A modern restaurant, beautiful outside courtyard with log fire and heaters. Their tasting Menu showcased the best of Irish produce and seasonal ingredients. I love that fact you only have a choice of 2 items for each course. The chefs develop an original menu each week offering a choice of two starters, one meat or fish main course and a desert or cheese board. It’s kinda pricey but sometimes nice to explore new places for that special occasion and enjoy quality food in a beautiful atmosphere.

10.Whitefriar Grill

whitefriar-grill

Whitefriar Grill


whitefriar-grill-food

Whitefriar Grill Food

A French, Irish Brasserie/Grill conveniently located at 16 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. The service is quite good and the simple decorations with the view into the kitchen makes it a wonderful spot. I went early and ordered from the early bird menu one of the 3 course meals, it was amazing value for money. Good quality food, the servings are massive, made-to-order and delicious. The staff were courteous and personable. Who knew Ireland knew good BBQ!

11.The Millstone

the-millstone

The Millstone


the-millstone-food

The Millstone Food

The Millstone on 39 Dame Street have been around for years doing exactly what they do best, gluten free and tasty food. It is one of my favourite places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure and ask for the gluten free menu when you get in and you’ll be delighted with the variety. Best of all they bake their own gluten free bread!

12.FAAT BAAT

faat-baat

FAAT BAAT


faat-baat-food

FAAT BAAT Food


faat-baat dining-room

FAAT BAAT Dining Room

FAAT BAAT, Pan-Asian cuisine located in the basement of 35 Dawson Street, is new to the scene as they only opened in late 2013, but they were amazing with the gluten free food. Nearly the whole menu can be made gluten free. In fact, all the mains on their current early bird menu are gluten free. On top of the food they’ve a cool, funky atmosphere and some tasty cocktails.

13.Bunsen

Bunsen GF Burger

Bunsen at 36 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 offers one of the most wonderful melt in the mouth burgers and they are gluten free! The burgers are made in house and are made with only beef, salt, and pepper. They keep stock of gluten free buns which are 50c extra, however their buns are soft and tasty and well worth it! I have it on good authority that Ely Bar also do a mean GF Burger!

14.Bach 16

bach16-wine-bar-bistro-tapas

Bach 16 Tapa’s Bar

Bach 16 is a great little tapa’s café and wine bar with an excellent location right by the river at 16 Bachelors walk. It is small and well attended by the staff, the food was fresh and well prepared. I can’t speak highly enough of it. Relaxed and laid back atmosphere and great value for money.

15.The Old Storehouse

the-old-storehouse-temple-bar-dublin

The old storehouse pub, temple bar

The Old Storehouse is lively with traditional Irish music, in Crown Alley the heart of Temple Bar. This place certainly didn’t disappoint! We went as a large group and had both drinks and food. The food was really tasty and the portion sizes were generous, great flavour, reasonably priced. Loved the mussels a real favourite of mine!

16.Beshoffs

beshoff-fish-and-chips

Beshoff Fish & Chips

They have gluten free battered fish and chips! Can you believe it!! I had to check it out when I first heard about it. When you order gluten free they prep in separate oil and there’s no flour in their batter. Definitely worth a visit for a weekend treat, or a hangover cure! Sure why not!!

17.Milano

milano-pollo-forzo-romana

Milano GF Pizza

Milanos have gluten free pizza! You heard me people, pizza, with a lovely thin base. It’s only available in one size. I’ve tried gluten free pizza in a lot of restaurants and was disappointed, but I continuously return to Milanos because it’s tasty and handy in terms of locations dotted around Dublin and the thin base means less calories..that’s what I tell myself anyway mmm.

18.Antoinettes Bakery

antoinette's-bakery

Antoinette’s Bakery


antoinette

Antoinette


antoinettes-vanilla-cupcake

Antoinette’s Vanilla Cupcake

A beautiful little café in Dublin, not far from Stephens green on 6 Kevin Street lower, Dublin 8. A real taste of heaven with her amazingly moist and delicious gluten and wheat free treats. The chocolate peanut butter brownies, vanilla cupcake and the lemon drizzle cake are to die for! Best of all, they are Gluten-Free

19.Queen of Tarts

queen-of-tarts

Queen of Tarts


menu-queen-of-tarts

Menu Queen of Tarts


A lovely place on Cow’s Lane for years, The original Queen of Tarts is just around the corner and is equally good, but smaller. It promises fresh food, great atmosphere. A really wonderful breakfast with all fresh ingredients. The original is a tiny place – maybe 8 or 10 small tables. Reasonable prices. A nice place to have a cuppa and relax.

20.Lemon Crepe and Coffee Co.

lemon-crepe-coffee-dublin

Lemon


lemon-mixed-berry-ricotta-cheese

Lemon mixed berry and ricotta cheese


beef-chilli-buckwheat-crepe

Beef Chilli Buckwheat Crepe


A modern and funky French Cafe and Creperie. Ideally located on 66 South William Street & 61 Dawson Street so handy when you’re out shopping and you just fancy a treat to keep you going! A place I have been many times, their gluten free crepe is incredible, I’ve always found staff to be very generous with the fillings and the staff was very knowledgeable about working with allergies. They offer both sweet and savoury options but I always order the same, a traditional with Maple syrup and lemon and a coffee and my friend who is a vegetarian ordered a vegetarian crepe. You can see them making them fresh on the spot and have a nose as to what other people are ordering like this girl who ordered a southwest-style crepe, a strawberry/Belgian chocolate yummy creation and a guy who ordered bacon and maple syrup, an odd combo but some people love it! It is all packed in a little pouch you can hold and you can sit in, or outside if there is a table free. If the sun is shining I bring it with me and lay out on the grass in Stephens green.

to--go

To Go

There are lots of great restaurants to choose from in Dublin but I couldn’t choose them all so I just chose the ones I like to go to. Blue in Skerries & The Bloody Stream in Howth and the Ely Bar were my three of my favourite restaurants to go to before I became Gluten Intolerant…so they are next on my list for review, let’s hope they offer a good GF service!

Other restaurants that offer Gluten Free which I have yet to sample their GF offerings include: Fire, DAX Douglas and Kaldi Fallon & Byrne, Carluccio’s, Jaipur Manifesto, Manifestino, Pitt Bro’s, Red Torch, Ginger Roly’s in Ballsbridge, Rustic Stone, The Kitchen, The Port House, Yamamori, The Vintage Kitchen, Corfu Greek Restaurant, Chameleon Restaurant, Brother Hubbard and Nando’s. I’m sure the list will get longer as restaurants are starting to become more allergy aware. Donnybrook Fair is a good place to go for a on the go bite to take out, I particularly like their salmon salad and it’s reasonably priced too! I hope that I have given you guys enough food for thought and I hope you enjoy checking out some of my favourite places!

Spicy marinated BBQ Chicken

spicy-marinated-BBQ-Chicken

Spicy marinated BBQ Chicken

Its official, the sun is out and time to take that BBQ out for a test drive! This marinade is so special because you made it with love yourself. It is so easy to make, the chicken is so full of flavour, crispy on the outside and delicious and succulent on the inside that you will be converted for life!

For the Marinade:
Half a lemon squeezed
1 teaspoon of rapeseed oil
2 garlic cloves crushed
1 red chilli finely chopped
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
2 Tablespoons of gluten-free organic Greek yoghurt or natural yoghurt
A handful of fresh thyme

marinade -for-bbq-chicken

Marinade for BBQ Chicken

To prepare:
Put your chicken pieces, (skin and bone left on) into a large container and put all the ingredients on top and with clean hands rub the mixture into the chicken pieces. I have used a whole chicken which I cut into parts, 2 breasts, two legs. Leave in the fridge for at least 20 minutes but it is also ideal for leaving overnight in the fridge, in fact the flavours will be more intense.

To Cook:
Prepare your BBQ by putting the grill up to a high heat and coating with either vegetable or rapeseed oil. Then reduce the head to a low to medium heat and place the chicken on the grill. Cook on one side until golden and then turn over to cook the other side. Baste with the remaining marinade during cooking to keep moist. Repeat the procedure until the chicken is cooked through and has a charred appearance. The slower you cook the chicken the better as it will prevent the outside from burning.

To Serve:
I have served this with a large side salad consisting of sweet red peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and some of the lovely Cooleeney Handmade Irish Cheese my friend brought me back from cork, drizzled with a balsamic dressing. For more information on Irish Cheese producers please see: Irish Farmhouse Cheese Association

cooleeney-handmade-soft-irish-cheese

Cooleeney Handmade Soft Irish Cheese

I made some of my Potato Salad to accompany it and large mushroom which I coated in rapeseed oil and placed on the BBQ grill during the last 10 minutes of cooking but a baked potato would be ideal also.