August 30, 2013

Salted Caramel Squares



Cut these salted caramel squares as big or a small as you like. I restrained myself by cutting 12 squares.  I felt 9 large ones would be a bit greedy and 16 smaller ones would be too stingy! 

You might want 9 large squares and if you do, more power to you. If you want 16 smaller ones...I see the game you're playing...16 smaller ones means that you can have  2 or 3 squares. You sneaky!! We would be friends.


I love food that is layered or built. I love being able to see the many layers of deliciousness, be it in a sandwich, a burger or with these salted caramel squares. 



This is how these salted caramel squares roll: 

Chocolate
Salted Caramel
Shortbread

Does anyone have any problem with this layering scheme? Yep, didn't think so!

August 23, 2013

Rosemary + Thyme Focaccia



Bread. White bread, brown bread, french stick, soft rolls, flour baps, sourdough bread. Is there a bad type of bread? Some might say all bread is bad....I have to disagree,  bread.is.good.

Bread and butter is probably one of my biggest weaknesses, especially freshly baked bread. A fluffy soft loaf, with a golden crusty chewy exterior spread with salty soft butter is second to none. 

It's also a vessel for deliciousness in the way of a sandwich. It has so many potentials! 


This focaccia however, does not need any butter. It's perfect on its own. It's incredibly light and fluffy and has a great chewiness from the golden crust. The crust is flavoured and coated with flaky sea salt, rosemary and thyme. 

August 22, 2013

Very Berry Crumble


You can call me Holly-Berry. Some people do. My Dad does. Can I say it's my nickname? Yes..I'm going to say Holly-Berry is my nickname.  Berries, they make everything better-my name, your porridge in the morning, your yoghurt at lunch and your ice cream for dessert. 


I love fruit. I eat a lot of it. When a particular fruit is in season I love eating it as it is because it's so sweet and fresh. 

Now I'm going to completely contradict myself with this post your reading. I can do what I want!! I've mixed the last of the ripe summer berries-strawberries, blueberries, blackberries-with a little sugar, lemon and cornflour and covered it liberally with a simple crumble topping. 

Who doesn't love crumble?

August 09, 2013

Hella Spicy Chilli + Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread


We're eating chilli and cornbread in summer. It's happening. Well technically it's autumn now, but I'm holding on to summer for a little bit longer. I still have to use my popsicle mould!

The weather in Ireland is chilli appropriate-it's getting a little cooler. No surprise there. You've to wear a hoodie over your summer dress and sandles. Trying to keep a little warmer. 


Although, when it comes to eating this chilli, you'll have to shed a layer or two of clothing. You'll have to top it with sour cream, cheese and scallion too, to cool it down! 

August 02, 2013

Maple Bacon Doughnuts


You are either going to love me or hate me for this post. (Please love me). To be honest, I kind of hate myself in a loving way for it. Sometimes a fluffy, toothy, warm doughnut covered with a maple glaze and crumbled bacon is the only thing you need to get you back on the right track. You might not need to be getting back on track with something and that's super for you. I'm really happy your life is running smoothly. (Don't get me wrong here, I'm not being sarcastic; what I'm trying to say is no matter what situation you find yourself in your life, we all need to put time aside to let ourselves indulge in fried deliciousness!!! I think we need to be put more time aside for fried deliciousness, just saying.)


Don't look at this recipe, see all the steps in the pictures below and think I can't make doughnuts. OH YES YOU CAN AND YOU WILL!! I'm gonna break it down for you real quick here for a second. Essentially all you are doing is putting a few ingredients into a mixer to make a dough which you set aside to rise, roll and shape and then rise again. You don't even make the dough with your hands, the mixer does that for you, unless of course you don't have a mixer... in which case keep reading you will still be accommodated..........I got you covered!