March 28, 2014

Blackberry and Almond Slice


Spring has sprung and I'm all for it. Even though anytime I leave the house I still need my coat and gloves. It's cold in Ireland. It's beautifully bright though, relatively dry and you can feel, and see Spring around. Daffodils are everywhere. They're such a happy flower. 

When I think of Spring: fresh berries, lemon, basil, bright evenings, sunglasses and exposed ankles come to mind. The freshest and juiciest of foods, too. I am absolutely OBSESSED with watermelon at the moment. I cannot get enough of the stuff...it's so refreshing.

 What are your favourite things about Spring? 


This blackberry and almond slice is a take on a Bakewell Tart-it has the backbone of the classic cake but with a personal twist. 

I've used fresh blackberries instead jam and shop bought puff pastry instead of homemade shortcrust pastry. It is assembled differently too. Ok maybe it's nothing like it!!


My friend Hilary is a really cool lady. She is the chef at 3FE . Robyn, the pastry chef, has been taking the 'throw back thursday' hashtag (#tbt) to a whole new level. Every week Robyn bakes an old school classic treat and sells them in 3FE on Lower Grand Canal Street. They go on sale and they sell fast. 

March 23, 2014

Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse


On YouTube you will find a cooking series called Raw. Vegan. Not Gross, hosted by the endearing Laura Miller. I am not a vegan and yet return every week to watch her videos because she is such a chill and care free lady with the funnest instagram. She also has such an infectious laugh. Totally crushing right now! Her vegan recipes are lovely, super easy to follow, really tasty, fun and approachable. There is a playlist on YouTube where you can watch all the videos back to back. I CANNOT wait for the new season to start.


I saw a video for avocado chocolate mousse and knew I had to try it. I have already put avocados in and on top of brownies, so I knew that this mousse would be a good one to try. 

Side note: the avocado brownies I speak of above are so goooood. They are incredibly fudgy and have a delicious sweet bright green icing. If you'd like to try them....you'll find the recipe here.



So, back to this mousse. It seems almost crazy that you can eat a dessert that is 100% delicious and good for you. It's a fab source of fibre, vitamin c, vitamin k and it boosts your metabolism from healthy fats. Avocado for the win! 

March 15, 2014

Old School Cream Buns


What a pretty sight, if I do say so myself. Golden soft buns spread with tart raspberry jam and filled with sweet vanilla scented cream. God damn, these are some good buns. 

It's St. Patrick's Day weekend this weekend, meaning that the internet will be filled with all sorts of delicious boozy and green coloured treats. How fun! This post is a little different in terms of what may be considered a St. Patrick's Day treat but I will explain... 


Cream Buns are a blast from the past for me. I remember being collected from school and every so often coming home to find cream buns neatly lined up in the fridge. The feeling of pure joy at seeing them in the fridge and massive love towards the person that bought them. 

These Old School Cream Buns are a homage to my Irish childhood. 


It's really hard to find a quality cream bun where I live. I was trying to think of where to buy one the other day and came up with nothing. There are no bakeries near to where I live. Even off the top of my head I cannot think of somewhere in Dublin that is known for a cream bun. Can you point me in the right direction??

March 09, 2014

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Rosemary Pita Chips


How much hummus can you eat? Be honest. I know that for me, once a tub of hummus is opened it's gone before the day is out. My preferred vehicles for hummus: pita chips, toasted pita bread, bread sticks, bagels, snap peas, carrot sticks, a sweet apple and a spoon. 


I have made hummus and pita chips before here on Holly's Pantry. Here's Hummus with Salt and Pepper Pita Chips from last year, have a look. 

I might do a 'Hummus and Pita Chips Series' on the blog! There are so many version to make.

March 03, 2014

Cheesey Ham and Sweet Potato Pancakes


Is everybody watching House of Cards? It appears the entire universe it watching it. I'm still on Season 4 of Breaking Bad and I REALLY want to finish that before getting hooked on something else. I'm also on Season 3 of The Walking Dead. Have you watched that? It's crazy good. Rick has gone off the deep end-absolute bat shit crazy. The poor guy is seeing dead people. I love Daryl by the way. Just thought I'd let you know that. IF HE DIES, I WILL DIE WITH HIM. 


Other things I'm watching: New Girl, Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, any and every David Attenborough Documentary, Ross Kemp Extreme World, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and True Detective-Matthew McConaughey is stellar! A solid mix of drama, comedy and reality.