Butterlicious

October 15, 2015March 18, 2018 ~ Harper220

Have you ever been late and yet still make up for lost time? I am normally a very prompt person when it comes to appointments and other day to day life commitments. But my dichotomy is that I also have my own timing when it comes to major life milestones such as marriage, motherhood, and education. And you can include social media into the milieu! Though I have joined it late, I am blasting away with tweets, Instagram posts and snapchat stories like there is no tomorrow!

What I love about social media is the ability to show some love to deserving people or products that I admire. As with the #womancrushwednesday here, here and here, I have also been sending love Kerrygold’s way! Why? Because in a world with lots of negative ‘noise and chatter’ it is nice to let authentic positive vibes be propelled above the grey clouds and shine through with genuine adulation. Besides that, I want to show that you can use more than the yummy yellow butter itself. The gorgeous gold wrapper it comes in is super helpful in the kitchen. I’ve used it for a roast chicken coat, a potato and onion blanket, and an apple cake rub!

I have been a Kerrygold customer for years. Even before I moved to Ireland I would search grocery stores in America that carried the coveted butter and cheese. Now living in London, I do the same, only shopping where I can purchase Kerrygold. I’ve told my husband don’t even think about a move to anywhere that doesn’t carry it! There is absolutely no competition in my mind for the flavor and quality of their dairy products. And particularly as a baker, I can taste the difference in the final result when using the Kerrygold Creamery Butter in my cakes and cookies. As well I have created savory dishes entirely around their cheeses, such as my Dubliner Cheese Salad (which also happens to contain baby greens, strawberries and almonds).

It is the most ethically sound dairy to purchase as it is tops in sustainability. And finally, when all the bru haha was going on about butter vs. margarine (which that has now come back full circle) I just kept saying, “I prefer to trust cows over chemists!” Kerry cows that is!

And in the privacy of my own home I even do a “Butterlicious” dance. However, since it is to the tune of Destiny’s Child’s song “Bootylicious” I will defer to one of the lines in the lyrics “I don’t think they can handle this” and I will refrain from showing you my dance! Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be asked to join the next season of Strictly Come Dancing! Though I have never met her personally, I do have a connection to Beyonce Knowles the singer from Destiny’s Child. I mentioned on here before that she and I were in the annual special edition Most Beautiful issue of People Magazine.

That is me on the inside of the magazine representing the 47 year old women out there!

But there is another Bae story. I was on a flight back to my home in L.A. from Newark, N.J after filming a television commercial for Prudential Real Estate. The ad agency kindly booked me in first class (as I normally wouldn’t do that myself). As people were boarding I noticed there was a man who was having trouble with his ticket and finding the correct seat. The flight attendants were flustered trying to help him and finally I said, “you are more than welcome to sit in this seat next to me.” When the man sat down he thanked me and said, “I appreciate that. Not many white women would offer up the seat next to them to a black man.” We had a lovely chat all the way to L.A. He said he was in the music business and lived in Houston, Texas. I mentioned that the only music I knew coming out of Houston was from Beyonce! He calmly replied, “That’s my daughter.” He gave me his card and told me to contact his office for some free cd’s to be mailed to me, which I did take him up on that offer. And that was it, I never saw him again.

So hopefully Beyonce won’t mind my secret reincarnation of her song to savor my food lover, Kerrygold butter!

Last year I had the privilege of attending the Ballymaloe Lit Fest sponsored by, you guessed it, Kerrygold! I had an amazing time attending cooking demos, food panel discussions and meeting some incredible giants in the culinary world. But my prized souvenir? My butter button!

One of my very first tweets was the pic just at the top of this post. It was a collage I made of two different Kerrygold butter wrappers, one from the U. S. and one from London. Though I miss Ireland, I still have a bit of it in my heart (and tummy) when I have some on hand in the house. And it reminds me of one of the best commercials ever to be shown on television. I only wish I had been able to be in this commercial! Make sure to have a tissue nearby for this one.

With a slather of buttery love,

YDP

Recipe: Woman Crush Wednesday

October 14, 2015November 18, 2016 ~ Harper220

Today is my favorite day of the week. Wednesday. Why? Because of this wonderful new way to get through the “hump day” to once again fascinate on a female foodie. Today we are celebrating none other than chef, author, and food writer Trish Deseine.

I had an epiphany while out on a walk with my pretty pit Stella this morning. It struck me that today is the third Woman Crush Wednesday we’ve done here on YDP. And three being a very significant number in Irish history and folklore. Ah, yes, it was our dear St. Patrick who used the beloved shamrock to illustrate the meaning of the Holy Trinity to convert the then pagan people on the Emerald Isle. Since our beautiful and amazing Ms. Deseine is in fact the third in this weekly installment and has only recently returned home to God’s Country after 25 years of living in France, I thought, how perfect! To top it off, her new cookbook is based on Irish recipes and is aptly title “Home”.

Okay, now that I have a massive lump in my throat thinking about when my return to Ireland might be, I am going to give you a snippet of this famous chef’s accomplishments. Chances are, you probably already know about her. Besides her stunning television cooking shows, she has sold a whopping one million plus cookery books and has won numerous awards for them to boot. She has made French food, and in particular cooking it, obtainable for us normal folks. And she has done all of this while living in a “foreign” country and raising four gorgeous children. I use quotations around the word foreign because it might feel that way for people that don’t speak the language or understand the culture. But as Trish is fluent in French and truly immersed herself in Parisian life, she made it seem effortless when we all know it isn’t. Though no trace of an accent when she is speaking French, which is in fact her second language, it is only when she speaks English that you hear she still has that lovely Northern Irish lilt that is so endearing.

She and I have a lot in common. We were both born in 1964, we are both divorced from the fathers of our children, and we are both unabashedly and unapologetically chocoholics! Though I have never met her and don’t own any of her cookbooks (the only reason being that, I think I might have mentioned to you before, I was put on a moratorium from buying any more cookbooks) I have a major crush on her. Like seriously! I mean, infatuation city!

When my Hubby and I first moved to Dublin in 2008 we didn’t own a television for the first 8 months. I am not a big tele person anyway, I prefer to read, so I didn’t miss it quite frankly. But when we finally got a T.V. my Hubby watched Sentanta Sports (MMA Ultimate Fighting, guy stuff) and I would watch Trish’s cooking shows. To be honest, I was never one to watch cooking shows prior to that. When I lived in the U.S. the Food Network was all the rage. But I hadn’t embraced it at that point. However, Trish’s relaxed, warm, and dare I say, sensual way of presenting her French food literally had me enraptured.

Let’s also talk about her writing…she is without a doubt one of the best food writers ever published! The way she speaks of food I feel as though I am a child hearing a calming nursery rhyme before bedtime. She lulls you into an intoxicated dream like state and you can literally see with vividness what she is describing! And yet all the while her style is approachable and accessible. For instance, when I read this article she wrote for the Irish Times at Christmas it made me feel cold, warm, hungry, full, nostalgic, happy, etc. etc. etc. all in one! Talk about delighting the senses! Wowza!

I’ve read some articles comparing Trish to other chefs. They say she is the Irish equivalent of U.K.’s Nigella Lawson, and the U.S.’s Ina Garten. But I think each of these women stand on their own merits, and as all of us are unique individuals, no one can be us. We can only be a better version of ourselves! And I think that with Trish “coming home” to Ireland, the old sod, she will continue to blossom and reveal all sorts of culinary wonders! Because now she will have such amazing ingredients from which to choose. You do know that Ireland has the best raw materials and food stuffs the world has to offer don’t you?

So today, I would like to reignite your love affair with her and encourage you to go and buy her new book. I might have to get a special dispensation just this once and buy it myself. Or dig out one of her older ones from your shelf and have a crack at some of her classic recipes . And if you haven’t met her before, then I am happy to introduce you to her! This is one blind date you will never forget! As per usual with these #WCW I will be doing a snapchat tutorial so you can always follow along with me (user name: blissbakery) but it sadly disappears within 24 hours.

I have left this recipe for her Irish Apple Cake in tact, just as she has written it, because I shall not breaketh thy words of thy master (or mistress in this case)! You’ll notice I’ve put all her words in quotation marks. And you might want to see the ethereal and effortless way she has photo styled her cake on her website here.

“Irish Apple Cake

There are as many versions of this in Ireland as there are shapes of apples, it would seem. As the recipe has been handed down orally, or scribbled on the back of an old shopping list, or the margin of a cookbook, it has slowly evolved and multiplied, winding its way across the branches of many a family tree.

For 8/12

10 minutes preparation

45/50 minutes cooking

400g plain flour

2 rounded teaspoons baking powder

175g salted butter, very cold

150g sugar + 2 tablespoons for the top of the cake

4 cooking apples

150g blackberries (optional)

2 eggs

175ml fresh milk

½ teaspoon good vanilla extract

Grease and flour a round, 20cm springform cake tin. (Or use a cake tin liner.)

Pre heat the oven to 180C.

Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.

Cut the butter into small cubes and rub it through the flour with your fingers until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.

Peel, core and chop the apples into 2cm chunks. Toss them through the flour mixture.

Beat the eggs and milk in a separate bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the mixing bowl and mix it in with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined into a thick dough. Be careful not to work it too much. Add the blackberries now if you are using them.

Tip this dough into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with the spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the sugar over the top of the cake and bake for 45/50 minutes, until it is well risen and slightly golden and cracked on top. Test the cake with a knife or a skewer, which will come out clean if the cake is baked.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes or so in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack and leaving to cool completely.

Sprinkle with a little caster sugar before serving.”

I have mentioned before, I am not a writer, I am a share-er. I am not a photographer. I only take pics on my little ol’ iPhone 6 for the purposes of showing you the before (ingredients) and the after (final result) of the recipes. As you can see from the above pic the cake is out of the oven, and cracked on top, for the hoped for final result. As well, I am not a professional food blogger. I am using this blog as a medium to share my passion for food. I am not food stylist either. Most of the time because I am so food focused I want to rush through the taking of the pic so I can eat, asap! But I AM a trained professional chef, however, there is always more to learn and explore. And learning from others like Trish Deseine is such a rewarding experience.

I do hope I get to meet her someday. She seems quite genuine. I follow her on twitter and I noticed that she engages in what I call a #mutualadorationsociety and often gushes to and about other chefs. In such a competitive world that we live in, it is refreshing to see that. Especially, as I have said before, in the food industry which is dominated by males. At times females clawing their way to the top in any business can forget to lend a hand to a “sister” but not Trish. She is not only generous but also a class act!

So thank you Trish for being your exquisite and inspiring self and sharing all of it with us, your foodie fans!

Best of luck/ ádh mór,

YDP

I’m Not the Only YDP

October 13, 2015October 14, 2015 ~ Harper220

Did you ever notice how many things in this world come in pairs? For instance, just looking at our own body we have two eyes which, hopefully, are helping you read this. And of course, two ears, two hands, we even have two lungs . Our incredible brains also have two hemispheres. Right, now hold that thought in one of those hemispheres for a moment.

I have had a love affair with Ireland for as long as I have memories. But it wasn’t until 1995 that I stepped foot on the Emerald Isle. And one of the first things I said was, “Someday I am going to live here”. I just knew it. I had no idea when or how that would happen but I just knew. It took several years, but I obtained my dual citizenship through my Galway born grandfather. Yep, and now I have two passports, one for each of my two hands. Yet, I still didn’t move to Ireland until 2008.

As much as my blood runs green like the Hill of Tara, my heart still beats red, white and blue for the good old U.S of A! And I believe the two can actually function together as do the two parts of my brain. Like the song, It Takes Two, for me it is both that make the dream so real.

And funny enough, I’m not the only one that is a Yankee Doodle Paddy. Of course around St. Patrick’s Day many people claim a bit of Irish heritage. And loads of non American people get all patriotic for the 4th of July. But there are a core group that take it the next step. That actually move to the other side of the pond. And then some indeed go through the process to become Dual Citizens.

I don’t feel as though I am forsaking one for the other. I love them both for different reasons. And knowing there are others that share this ethos is a great comfort. I have put together a list of ten just to prove my point. But I also feel that there are some people that might not actually have a passport for each hand, yet still have that feeling in their heart. I like to affectionately refer to those as YDPeeps.

I’m loving this heart collage (thanks to hubby for the tech help) of our pretty diverse group…a dancer, an actor, a comedian, an author, a rugby player, a politician etc. but what unites us is our attachment to both places. Some on this list were born in Ireland and now reside in the U.S. and some were born in the U.S. and now reside in Ireland. And me, well living over in London, true there is lots of fun and excitement, but still I am homesick for my two loves!

I do appreciate though that there is the ability to have a dual national status. The U.S. doesn’t do that with all countries. But from the beginning the U.S and Ireland have fostered good relationships between each other. A good read of this article from Irish Central seems to think the two were actually one a couple billion years ago!

Some people like to accuse America for trying to achieve world domination. I just might think the Irish are making some pretty powerful waves, albeit ancestral ones! This article seems to back up my claim. So there might be more of us yet! Let me know, are you a YDP? Do you wish you were? Can you think of any other YDPs that I need to add to the list? Send me a comment and also, let me know what you love most about Ireland and/or the U.S.A.

America + Ireland = LOVE!

YDP

Recipe: grateful.

October 12, 2015November 18, 2016 ~ Harper220 ~ 2 Comments

It’s Monday…and most of what I see on social media (the little that I see) is about the dreaded start to the week. Here we go again. Why can’t we just make the weekend last a bit longer. Can we call in a sickie and have a duvet day. My head hurts from celebrating Ireland’s win over France in rugby, blah, blah, blah.

But personally I am grateful it is Monday! Maybe because I have seen the preciousness of life before my very eyes. To me everyday is special and I am grateful for everything, the good and the bad, because it is all part of the journey. And when I put on this shirt today, I knew it was time I shared a little story and yes a foodie recipe too!

Those of you that know me, know I say a blessing before I eat a meal. Lots of my friends and co workers are used to it and not bothered by it. I don’t do it to be showy or pious. Yes I am a Catholic Christian. But I don’t do a blessing as an edict set out by my religion, though I know that is part of its precepts. I say a blessing before I eat because there were times in my life when I had little or no food at all. Only through the generosity of strangers, the church, food banks and other places would I have food to eat.

Recently I was at a restaurant by myself and said my prayer as I always do. Just after I tucked into my delicious breakfast a lovely older man walked over to me and said, “I’m sorry to bother you but I saw you saying a blessing before you ate. That is wonderful. You don’t see that anymore.” I just thanked him for his kindness but didn’t get into my story of why, as I can at times do a bit of over sharing as you have learned. But it made me realize that we are so conditioned in more affluent Western societies that food is in such abundance and we take it for granted. It is especially surprising in Ireland as it really wasn’t long ago that many of our ancestors were affected by the Great Famine.

This is not a blog post about how you should be praying, or giving to the hungry. I am just putting a face to a phenomenon that we don’t notice because it might not look like one of us! I remember hearing kids at school say that their parents told them to clean their plates every night at dinner because there were starving children in China. I didn’t tell them, “well my mom doesn’t say that to us because actually, I am starving too, right here in the good old USA.”

And so I thought that today I would make a Chinese inspired dish. For the “Starving Children in China” that I ne’r heard my mom talk about when I was a kid. And while I might not be able to actually feed all those hungry kids, I can be grateful for the fact that I have food to eat today. This is actually a ‘go to’ recipe that I make often as it helps to clear out my fridge of all sorts of goodies. I hate wasting food (for obvious reason just mentioned above) and this quick meal is healthy and delicious. I tend to make it on a Monday since I usually have left over roasted chicken from the weekend and some veg as well. It can also be made with prawns or with just vegetables. You don’t have to wait until a Monday to make it. You can prep all the bits and pieces separately to put this together yourself any day of the week.

The Guardian Newspaper just published a list of food dishes that every person should be able to cook by the age of 30. And guess what? Fried rice was on the list. I suppose that it is quite easy to pick up a fried rice at a take way on the way home from work, but then of course it isn’t so healthy. When you make food at home you know exactly what goes into it. It is cheap, cheerful and non challenging for the beginner chef!

“Healthified” Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Brown Rice (can use white rice as well if you prefer)

2 Free Range Eggs, put into a bowl and beaten a bit

1 cup cooked Chicken (or you can use prawns or pork whatever protein you desire or none at all)

1/2 of one large Onion, chopped

Soy sauce to taste (can use a gluten free variety)

Salt/pepper to taste

1 cup mixed cooked veggies (I usually use steamed peas, carrots, and broccoli)

A bit of butter or oil

Handful of mixed seeds and one spring onion (sliced) for topping

Method:

In a frying pan/skillet cook the chopped onion until soft (about 5 mins) and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Then add the chicken, rice and veg stir around until all mixed. Move over to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side of the pan and let them cook until loosely scrambled. Then incorporate everything together and add soy sauce to taste.

Place on a plate or bowl and sprinkle with seeds and spring onion.

This recipe usually makes enough for two people. Though my Hubby thinks it is enough for an army since I usually only have one helping (with a salad on the side) and he has to eat the rest. But I love to make sure that anyone who eats at my table is fantastically full at the end of the meal!

While Pope Francis has been quoted as saying, “When you waste food you are stealing from the poor” as a person who was poor, I don’t think I would have known whether anyone was wasting or not. But I think it was a powerful statement to make as it brings attention to an ongoing issue and his words might help turn the tide. I love that some well known celebuchefs such as Jamie Oliver are bringing attention to the fact that much of the food that super markets throw away is in fact good and viable to use for feeding people.

So even if you don’t give this recipe a whirl, just know that I am grateful that you and I will have something to eat today whatever it may be. We are all very blessed indeed!

Gr 8 Full LOVE!

YDP

ps. I did a tutorial of the fried rice on snapchat today (user name blissbakery) but this will vanish in 24 hours. Subsequently I think I might do this for the youtube channel which is now semi-official. There is one demo up there at the moment. Of course, you know what is it is called right? YANKEEDOODLEPADDY! HELLOOOO! So slowly, slowly its unfolding my friends!

Recipe: Film Feastival

October 11, 2015November 18, 2016 ~ Harper220

Hubby and I had such a fun film feastival experience last night that I had to share. I totally surprised him and planned a night in London city center for an “Edible Stories Event” and the theme was James Bond 007. I admit I’m not the biggest Bond fan (I’ve only seen a few) but he is a massive fan and has seen all of them, some more than once. His favorite era is the Sean Connery Bond.

While I know going back to the city on the weekend after being there all week for work might not be his idea of fun, I knew this 007 thing would be a good hook! He loves to plan and coordinate, so to avoid him trying to investigate what I had up my sleeve, I had to give him a good line and sinker to go with the hook. But he took the bait and it was, all and all, a success. It was a murder mystery kind of an evening, with all the props, literature, food (and martinis) coordinated around this classic and beloved English spy series. Mostly it was a chance to do what we love to do most, feast on films!

We’ve gotten pretty darn good at it over the years too. Why? Because Hubby has been blessed to serve on the juries of International film festivals all over the world, and I am lucky enough to be his plus one. While I did miss a few out of the twelve festivals he has attended, the ones I have been able to go to I have literally gorged on the films. Festivals such as Karlovy Vary and Zlin (both Czech Republic), Berlin (Germany), Venice (Italy), Locarno (Switzerland), Yeravan (Armenia), Mar de Plata (Argentina), Hong Kong, and twice each at Setubal (Portugal) and San Sebastian (Spain).

Besides the films, of course there is the cultural aspect of traveling to these wonderful countries and spending a week or two getting to know the area, history, food and the people. Of course there are a plethora of stars at these festivals, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Madonna just to name a few, which brings with it the usual paparazzi. Rather than the photo call, I am more interested in watching the press conferences and hearing first hand their responses to some of the thought provoking and sometimes inane questions. For instance, at the Venice Film Festival in 2011 a journalist asked Matt Damon (who was there promoting his film Contagion) about his hair (or lack thereof) and a bald Matt’s response “Dude, why do you always ask me about my hair, at every single press conference?”

Another memorable hot button press conference interview happened to be at that same festival. Steve McQueen the director of the powerful film Shame starring Michael Fassbender was asked why the actress in the film Carey Mulligan wasn’t in attendance. He shouted, “Because F**king Baz Luhrmann wouldn’t release her from filming his movie The Great Gatsby to be here for this important premiere. It is ludicrous!” Sometimes there is more drama happening in the press room than in the theaters!

But I have to say that seeing these films from all over the world gives you a glimpse into life through another lens. Most of these films don’t get seen by the wider audience. Sure you get typical Hollywood type films premiering at these festivals. That brings the stars out and that brings publicity. However, many films that never make it to wide release because they are filmed in (for instance) South Korea, on a small budget, with no name actors. Sadly, they might only get seen by those people lucky enough to be at the festival. And yet, they are often the movies that stick with you years after you see them. Simple films about real people, with touching stories, and powerful themes.

One film that still haunts me and that I feel is one of the best films about forgiveness and redemption ever made is called “I’ve Loved You So Long.” It happens to star English actress Kristin Scott Thomas but the film is in French. I never knew until this film that she is fluent in French. The film did do fairly well, but of course not the level it might have done if it had been in English. Reading subtitles does take a bit of getting used to, and that isn’t the first thing Americans rush to the cinema to do. But once the hurdle has been jumped, you open yourself up to an abundance of amazing films from all over the world like this. I still get a lump in my throat when I think of the final scene in the movie! I’m so grateful I had the gift of seeing it and meeting the writer/director. Hubby’s jury awarded the film top prize, which I believe was well deserved. And it is always at the top of the list of the films I recommend when people ask me.

Another YDP recommendation comes by way of the Locarno Film festival, a little Irish gem “Kisses” which touched hearts with its story of love and friendship. Two kids from a rough part of Dublin decide to run away from their abusive families and their journey brings them closer together. It shows a side of Ireland not often seen in the quintessential rolling green countryside in the “Quiet Man“ type of Irish film. And these child actors were so believable and raw that you forgot you were actually watching a film.

Finally, a film that did get wide release in America but has also gotten a warm reception in this part of the world is “The Road Within” and stars Zoe Kravitz, Dev Patel and Irish actor Robert Sheehan. This poignant and challenging film about mental health beautifully written and directed by Gren Wells played at the Zlin Film Fest in Czech Republic. Sometimes films heavy on dialogue don’t translate well to other languages. Hence that is why action films tend to be more popular world wide. But this film is enhanced by its emotional through line. And no matter where in the world you go, people are affected by various mental health issues such as eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders and those human concerns translate language barriers. People can read the body language and process the feelings portrayed on screen without needing to rely on the words. This is why Ms. Wells’ direction is so delicate and on point.

I mainly feel blessed that I can have these film feastival get aways with my Hubby/ best friend. Though he has to be involved with the other members of the jury on film deliberation, he and I have our own banter and discuss each film at length. We often stay up well into the night analyzing the different aspects of this amazing art form. Even the commercial and fluff films have their place. Like the Bond films, being entertained is indeed an important factor. It helps people escape into another realm and sometimes is a necessary release from life’s stresses.

And I must say I am extremely proud of my Hubby and all his efforts and involvement in these juries. He takes his responsibilities seriously and spends time after the festivals writing up articles and briefs about the films and the experience. Though years ago I had the opportunity to attend two different Academy Awards shows, one Emmy Awards and one Grammy Awards shows, my experiences going to these festivals with my Hubby have far exceeded those memories. For instance, at the end of each festival there is a grand red carpet closing ceremony and celebration. And just like the 007 Bond night, being the girly girl that I am, I enjoy getting dressed up for the occasion. But mainly I love the festivals because my Hubby makes me feel included in the process. Furthermore, though I no longer work in the entertainment business I still have an affinity for this ever present and changing industry. I see how important even a small budget short film from a remote country is when it can change the heart of a single person, as well as has the potential to touch the lives of many.

So since we had our Bond night, I thought I might share a recipe for, what else, a Martini! I had my first martini a bit late in life. I was well into my 30’s before I actually started to drink any alcohol. When I tasted my first martini I have to be honest it was too strong for me. I felt like I was drinking medicine (maybe some people like that) and I didn’t care for it at all. So going to the Bond themed dinner I knew that they would be serving Martinis (shaken or stirred like in the film) and I expected to have the same reaction. However, the ones served last night were lovely! And the secret apparently is the use of both gin and vodka together. It is called a Vesper Martini and Bond fans might recall Bond requesting one in the book “Casino Royale”. However, instead of an olive which is standard in a martini, it has lemon peel. Very refreshing I must say! Thank God we were only served one! Hiccup! That was all I could manage!

The Vesper Martini recipe

INGREDIENTS

60ml gin
20ml vodka
10ml Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano (as Kina Lillet, which Bond likes in it, is no longer avail)
METHOD
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a shaker, then pour using a strainer into a chilled martini glass or – if you have one – a champagne goblet. Add a lemon twist.

And please, if you have one, don’t drink and drive! Luckily we live near the Thames River, so we didn’t have to drive. We took a river bus!

Shaken and Stirred Love Feastival,

YDP

ps. Besides all the above photos from the years at the different film festivals, I wanted to share this pic of some of the “Swag Bags’ that they give out to the jury members. Some very cool keepsakes, that’s for sure, of some great memories! Fingers crossed there will be more to come!

Foodie Fieldtrip Friday

October 9, 2015November 18, 2016 ~ Harper220

I decided to start a new ongoing weekly post called Foodie Fieldtrip Friday. Yes I know field trip is supposed to be two words, but if you go to the ABC of YDP you’ll see how I feel about Punctuation Police and Grammar Garda (the Irish name for police). But I figured since I am lucky enough to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, rich with a diverse culture and foods from all over the globe, then I should go out and explore. And what do explorers do? They bring the discoveries back home! So I will be getting out and about and bringing all I’ve learned back to YOU my YDPeeps!

I will do my best to have photos (at the moment taken with iPhone 6) and videos (at the moment only avail on snapchat*). I wish I had taste-o-rama and smell-o-rama on this blog! But hopefully my descriptions will whet your whistle and when you are over here in the “Big Smoke” you too can check out some of my foodie finds.

For my first Foodie Fieldtrip Friday (from henceforth called FFF or F cubed) I wanted to do something fantabulous! And so I booked myself on a food tour in the East End called “Eating London Food Tours“. Having been on one other food tour before (in Austin, TX) I had an idea that there would be lots, and lots of food. Hence I didn’t eat breakfast. Well, I was right. I think I ate enough for breakfast, lunch and dinner for two days in the 3 plus hour tour! But it was absolutely worth every pound (£) spent and every pound (lb.) gained.

I brought along my *snapchat friends on this journey led by our energetic guide Harry, and we literally did not stop. Even when we sat down at the food establishments there was so much to take in! And I’m not just talking about the actual food consumption. Harry was a wealth of information about the restaurants (the buildings, the proprietors and where the ingredients are sourced) and the cultural and historical context of the area. It felt like a high speed university course using all of our senses.

The group of eleven (four Americans, four Norwegians, two Brits and one Yankee Doodle Paddy) met promptly at 10:45 a.m. at the Old Spidalfields Market walking distance from the Liverpool Train Station. And walking being the key word. I believe the person who designed this tour was smart, in that we balanced out our calorie consumption with our calorie burning. But it was such a beautiful sunny autumn day that the walking was a treat!

Our first of eight stops was St.John Bread and Wine for their famous bacon sandwich. I was a bit skeptical about all the excitement over a BLT minus the L and the T, but truth be told this was the best “B” Sambo I have ever eaten. The freshly baked and chargrilled bread was a carbo lovers dream! And the bacon, while making a popular worldwide resurgence, hit a home run with its flavor. It was served with a side of homemade ketchup that contained a secret ingredient, apples, and the sweet and tart taste was a bright surprise winner compared to the ordinary Heinz variety.

Our second stop, The English Restaurant, served us some lovely bread and butter pudding with gorgeous vanilla bean custard. Some on the tour had never had bread and butter pudding before, and were delighted with it. Let’s just say all the little ceramic ramekins were emptied!

While the food digested a bit we were gifted with more historical tidbits as we did our walk about the area, which is literally built on top of Roman Ruins. And not because it is Halloween in a few weeks, but some of the stories were a bit ghostly. Such as the infamous Jack the Ripper related unearthing of the body of his final victim.

As we carried on to spot three, we needn’t look no further than our nose. As the House of Androuet Cheese scent was wafting through the East End. And rightly so. Londoners line up (or Que as they say) around the block before Christmas for their famous Stilton Cheese which was delicious indeed. We also tasted some beautiful Cheddar (which is the number one variety of cheese sold in the UK). The stack of “A Year in Cheese” books (pic on the left) to look like an “A” for the family name Androuet, is really the basis of their ethos. They only carry cheese that is in season. And because of their adherence to seasonality guidelines along with their knowledge and passion for cheese they are regarded as masters of their craft.

There were two massive highlight for me on the tour and one of them was a trip to the award winner Poppies Fish and Chips. When done properly like these are, there is nothing better except a side of mushy peas and all wrapped up in newspaper. Though newspaper was outlawed as a means to traditionally wrap the “chipper take away” Poppie’s owner devised a way around it by printing up his own newspaper looking packaging. Clever and tasty! After all that salt and vinegar we headed to the quaint pub Pride of Spitalfields for a taste of Truman’s Ale and Orchard Cider. And we got to meet its famous feline resident, Lenny!

At this point in the tour I was personally starting to feel filled to the brim! But we still had three more stops to make so we soldiered on and saw some beautiful street art along the way. I am not a fan of graffiti but I have to say that street art fascinates me as it is more than just gang tagging with spray paint. Creativity and thought is put into this form of visual expression. This area of London is known for this public guerrilla art form and its most famous representative is non other than Banksy himself.

Our trip to Curry Mile was definelty beneficial for my sinuses! Aladin curry house served us lamb, chicken and vegetable curries, which were all great, but the tender and a slightly sweet lamb was my favorite. The chicken madras was piping hot, and I didn’t need an oven mitt for it, I needed a glass of water or two. But in a good way! I know the medicinal benefits of all those spices so I didn’t mind. Considering there are approximately 16,000 curry restaurants in the UK and this one is rated one of the best, I felt very privileged to dine in such an esteemed restaurant. However, I did think the naan bread left a little to be desired. But then again I’m a carb aficionado and have high standards. And since that was the only nit picky thing on the entire tour then I’m not complaining.

With the double chin now becoming a triple, I felt like I was reaching a tipping point. But when we stopped in front of Beigel Bake what could I say? Hellooo, get in my belly! This shop is open 24/7 and now that I know that I might be back again when a late night craving hits. I don’t think I have had a bagel that nice since I lived in NYC. And when I saw it came with lovely Salt Beef (called Corned Beef in the U. S. ) I tucked away a little bit to take home to my pretty Pit Stella! I just made sure she didn’t get any of that hot English mustard!

At long last we reached my second highlight of the tour! The coveted Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart (on Time Out’s list of top 100 foods in London) at Pizza East, and it was worth the wait. Number 8 has always been my lucky number so I should have known our eighth and final stop would be my fav! We were also served a pot of perfectly brewed English tea and had a moment to catch our breaths (after we let our belts out a few notches).

Our schamazing tour guide extraordinaire Mr. Harry was oh so merry. He made us feel like we were all one big happy family having a moveable meal. And he was the quintessential patriarch of the bunch that kept everyone on task, on time and in tune!

Before we departed to go back to our respective homes, Harry asked us to choose one food on the tour that we fancied most. Three folks chose the bacon sandwich, three chose the bagel sandwich, three chose the cheese, and one chose the fish and chip. Me? Well, my sweet tooth always gives me away. And that was one decadent chocolate salted caramel tart!

I can’t recommend this tour highly enough. If you decide to go yourself, defo request Happy Harry! The experience will bring out the foodie in anyone! And the company is very mindful of anyone with food allergies or restrictions. Though it appeared on our particular group everyone was game for the whole lot. I am hoping to go on some of the tours they do in other cities next time I travel to Rome, Amsterdam or Prague. But I better start my training now!

Food Coma Love,

YDP

*if you want to watch the video story on snapchat my user name is bliss bakery but fair warning the story disappears after 24 hours.

ps. I am always looking out for love in the world. While on the tour we passed this literally heart warming sign near Poppies. I get a tingle when I see confirmations like this out there….

Tail Between the Legs

October 8, 2015October 9, 2015 ~ Harper220

No the title isn’t indicative of a new fashionable foodie dish taking over from the current hottie “Pulled Pork”. But this is literally how we felt last night after leaving the miserable US loss at the Rugby World Cup. Helllloooo like 64-0! I mean at some juncture I thought South Africa would be polite and not continue to run up the score, but nooooo they just kept hammering away! Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile outing for us Yankee Doodle Paddies! It’s not every day that a major international sporting event is in your back yard! As the saying goes, “When in Rome!” And though we have been following the World Cup since it began a few weeks ago, as I shared here before, it just isn’t the same as seeing it in person.

Of course the tickets to see Ireland play are more than a pretty ha’penny! So that’s why we opted for the USA match. But I thought, gauged on their performance in the previous matches, that they might have at least scored one try (for non rugby fans a try=points). Instead we had to listen to the announcer keep saying “USA ,Nil!” For non rugby fans nil=zero/nada/nothing/zippo/sooo sad!

But thanks to hubby we had the most incredible seats! Literally three rows up from the pitch (for non rugby fans pitch=field). The press photographers were nearly within touching distance, and since hubby brought one of his cameras, he was like my own paparazzi!

I expected to see the Americans go all out with their gear and get ups, they usually do that kinda crazy stuff. And I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that I love that! haha! My own look was pretty tame. However, some of the garb worn by the American revelers was hilarious.

But what surprised me most was the fact that the South Africans were way more dressed up! In fact they had a face painting brigade outside the Olympic Stadium giving away free South African Cheek Flags. As well, there were tons of these “Flame Heads” floating around, and they were rooting for, well just to have a good time I suppose.

South Africa is such a rugby nation. They live, breath, and eat it! They most recently hosted the World Cup in 1995. And who can forget the powerful true story film Inviticus about President Nelson Mandela’s involvement in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup win that year? To say that the USA fans were outnumbered by South African fans is one thing, but they were definitely outgunned by the team. One player in particular stood out for me and that is Bryan Habana, who scored a hat trick (for non rugby fans hat trick=3 tries). And what I liked about this guy most, was every time he scored he looked up to heaven and pointed. That is why humility is a virtue!

But the most awe inspiring and heart stopping part of the whole match was when two players collided jumping up for the ball. They were both knocked out for a bit and went off for head injury checks, but eventually went back in to play. Thank God they were okay. I was so shook up I had to take a break from the match and decided to go check out the food scene..okay now we’re talking. I mean this is a mostly food blog, so even if it is a rugby post I can toss some tasty crumbs into the mix! And speak of mix, the English love their pick and mix candy selections! I had never seen a display such as this at a sporting event!

I did find it fascinating, from a purely social scientific standpoint, the orderly way in which the spectators left the stadium. Nearly 56,000 people exited in herds, but not too bunched up and with a disciplined demeanor. Of course it helped that they had ‘people patrol’ or ‘crowd corralers” that held up signage.

So thankfully, being the Yankee Doodle Paddies that we are, even though the U.S. doesn’t have a chance to win it, our boys in green still do! So we are hoping the Irish go all the way! Just outside the stadium there were jerseys of every nation competing. And as luck would have it the only one I had my pic taken with was the one from Ireland! I was trying to make a heart symbol with my hands, but not sure you can tell. But I hope will all my heart the Emerald Isle gets to take home the Webb Ellis Cup (for the non rugby fans Webb Ellis=Championship trophy).

We still love our red, white and blue and are proud they have given it their best shot this World Cup. As someone teased us, “Hey America can’t dominate everything!” And my response, “Why not?” Just kidding guys! I literally had tears in my eyes at the National Anthem Star Spangled Banner. Who knows how the sport will grow in the U.S. over the coming decades. I for one never thought I would have become such a fan, but it truly is an awesome sport. It really is a nice way to set aside all the conflicts and troubles of the world for 80 minutes and just watch two nations engage in a thrilling sporting match. And even for the non rugby fans, if you have read this far, there is actually hope for you yet! Next you’ll know all about props, hookers, flankers and scrums!

Line Out,

YDP