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Downton Abbey Tea Party

Now that we have covered the basics, here is how to do your own Downton Abbey Tea Party.  Dine like the Dowager with elegance and style. When I watched Downtown Abbey I had serious tea set envy. Let’s start with six people. Royal Dalton tea set Table supplies 6 cups and saucers 6 small teaspoons.  Place one spoon on each saucer. Milk and sugar bowl – I prefer whole-fat milk for tea. It is a much creamier taste six sandwich plates...

Great British Baking Show Signature Chocolate Cake

I was recently asked to bake a chocolate cake for our friends birthday. I got the idea to make the GBBS signature choclate cake. I used a vanilla sponge as I did not want to overlaod on the chocolate. Not a problem for me the more chocolate the better. However, not everybody likes the intense chocolate cake ( I do not know what is wrong with them!) I used butter cream frosting and even if I say so myself I think I nailed it . The cake was a...

Lusty Beg Island – Ireland’s Best Kept Secret

Lusty Beg Island – Ireland’s Best Kept Secret We visited Ireland in 2023, and I wanted to find a place of peace and quiet after a turbulent year in my life. I asked around, and the Island of Lusty Beg in Fermanagh was recommended. After doing some research, I decided to book a three-night stay with my daughter. Lusty Beg is a small island in Kesh, County Fermanagh Northern Island. Lusty Beg is Irish for “little lodge.” Getting There...

Irish Style Shepherds Pie

Have you ever wondered how to make an authentic Shepherd’s pie?  Now is your chance to delight your family with this heartwarming comfort food.  The secret is in the sauces.  You can freeze leftovers (that is if there are any!).   If you want to make a larger batch and freeze a portion for another day it is best to leave the potato off and freeze the meat sauce by itself then defrost and add the mashed potato on day...

Doohoma Ireland – A place I call home

Growing up in Doohoma Nestled on the North West Coast of Ireland is a little village called Doohoma in County Mayo and the place I call home.  This peninsula is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and some of the most incredible natural beauty on the West coast of Ireland.  There are very few spots that do not have breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding hills. Cows with the best view around I grew up in this village in the...

Visiting Dublin Ireland

"In Dublin's fair city where the girls are so pretty, I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone. She wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow, singing cockles and mussels, alive a live O." Visiting Dublin Ireland is a must for your travel bucket list. I lived in Dublin for 8 years in my late teens and early twenties.  I had a lot of fun and it is truly a fun city.  I love to go back and visit the old haunts and have very much...

Traditional English Scones

 Recipe Makes about 8 scones 40grams of spreadable butter (1.4 ozs) 8 Ozs self-rising flour (225g) 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar Pinch of salt 110 ml of milk (1/2 Cup) A little lemon juice Dash of vanilla 2 Ozs of raisins 1 tsp of baking powder Method Heat the oven to 425F Add the lemon juice and the vanilla to the milk.  This will curdle the milk slightly help the scones to rise and give a nice flavor to the scones Add the baking...

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Recipe 4 carrots 2 parsnips 2 medium yellow turnip (ruttabago) Bok Choi 1 head 4 sticks Celery 2 yellow Squash or any squash Red and Green pepper 2 courgettes 1 large sliced onion 4 potatoes 3 liters of organic vegetable stock 2 Ozs of butter Salt and pepper ½ teaspoon of turmeric to enhance the rich yellow color Method.  Clean and prepare the vegetables.  Melt the butter and sauté the vegetables in the butter until they are...

Decadent Chocolate Coconut Brownies

These are a rich desert.  If you love chocolate and coconut you will be in heaven.  They are extraordinarily rich so even the most ardent chocolate lovers won’t be able to eat more than 1.  They taste like mounds or bounty bars.  Great for a special occasion. Recipe 6 ounces dark chocolate broken into chunks3/4 cup sugar1/2 cup unsalted butter2 large eggs¼ cup of coconut sugar (or brown sugar if you do not have...

Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin  is often forgotten as a roast, but it is delicious.  This recipe combines herbs and tender pork loin to make a tasty entree.  I buy my tenderloins at Costco great price and they have always been great. The tenderloin’s come in packs of 2 and I usually roast two together.  You can also make with one tenderloin of course just reduce the cooking time. Recipe Serves 6 Two pork loins, tied together½ cup of...