Hello there!

Sticky Maple Chicken

2008-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever follow recipes, but this one is a winner. The recipe in from Nigella Express and it truely is my favourite type of food: a glorious pile of sticky meat to devour with friends and family.

Sticky Maple Chicken

250ml apple juice
30ml soy sauce
60ml maple syrup
30ml vegetable oil
2 star anise
1 cinamon stick, halved
6 garlic cloves
600g chicken pieces (ribs are good too, or a mixture)

1. Put everything in a large bowl or freezer bag and squish it all around with your fingers
2. Leave to marinade for as long as possible, although tonight I used it straight away and it still tasted good
3. Cook at 200 oC for an hour and a quarter. I did mine in foil on the BBQ for a similar time tonight.

Enjoy with green salad, coleslaw and hunks of crusty bread. A cold beer goes down well, too!

Spring supper

2008-05-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

It was an evening to pull on a cardi, fire up the barbeque and prepare a lazy, tasy supper to enjoy in the warmth of the evening sun.

Gurnard with salsa verde and horseradish potato salad

4 gurnard fillets
1 tablespoon as many different green herbs as you can get your hands on: in the garden I found rosemary, parsley, mint, lemon thyme, thyme and chives
Juice 1/2 lemon
2 anchovy fillets
1 garlic clove
1 onion
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

8 potoatoes
1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
2 tablespoons mayo
Salt and pepper

1. Put everything in the food processor except the fish and olive oil. Blitz until everything is finely chopped.
2. With the processor still running, slowly add enough olive oil to emulsify and turn the whole mixture into a dropable consistancy. I used 2-3 tablespoons in total.
3. Check for seasoning
4. Season your fish, smear the salsa onto the fleshy side.
5. Wrap in foil parcels and leave to marinade for up to two hours.
6. Put the potatoes on to boil, whole and unpeeled. When boiled, drain and cool.
7. Make dressing for potato by mixing together horseradish, mayo and seasoning.
8. Mix dressing with diced, cooked potatoes. Check seasoning.
9. Cook fish parcels on BBQ or in oven at 180 degrees for 5-7 minutes, until falky and cooked.

Enjoy with a green salad, glass of Pinot Grigio and the sun setting.

Turnip Pie

2008-05-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Now, turnip pie doesn't sound very exciting, but I found a turnip rolling round the fridge last night, and this is what I created.

It was a really rich, tasty pie that I'll definately be making again come Autumn.

Turnip pie

2 onions, sliced
2 gloves garlic, minced
100ml balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp lea & perrins
1 tin choppedtomatoes
1/2 pint vegtable stock (I use Mariold powder here)
1 turnip/swede, cubed
4 bacon rashers, cut into lardons

8 potatoes
3 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
Large knob butter
Splash milk
Salt and pepper

1. In a large fryin pan, cook the onion and garlic in the balsamic vinegar on a low heat until soft, sticky and the onion is translucent
2. Add the bacon bits, and cook until the bacon is cooked through
3. Add the turnip and turn up the heat a little, fry for a few minutes.
4. Add enough stock to cover the turnip, add lea & perrins
5. Cover with lid and simmer over a low heat until the turnip cubes are soft. It took mine almost half an hour, but I was having Aga problems, so hopefully won't normally take so long.
6. While turnip is cooking, boil potatoes
7. Mash potatoes with mustard, butter, milk, salt and pepper, and set to one side
8. When your turnip is cooked, take off lid and reduce liquid. Check for seasoning.
9. Use turnip mixture to line the bottom of a pie dish
10. Top with mash and bake for half an hour, or until the top is golden

I think it would also be nice with cheese on top, and I served it with peas and french beans.

2008-04-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

I often wander how on Earth we end up with the sets of beliefs and values that define us. As a Co. Antrim Christian, I feel constantly pushed into a mould that, well, doesn't quite fit.

Yesterday in a coffee shop I overheard a couple talk about 'Christians who drink'. Its a favourite hot topic round here, and one that I personally have grown confident in ignoring. Maybe I'll do a special blog sometime all about why. They then seemed to draw up a definitive list about what a Christian was to them, with all sorts of things on that I just couldn't get my head around.

Later on, I was going to get my car, and one of these people was getting into the car beside me. They sped all the way home.

Who decides what 'rules' are good and bad? Surely I shouldn't be annoyed because all sin is equal? Is driving over the speed limit somewhat less bad than appreciation for Merlot?

Yours,

Confused of Geeksville

More memes

2008-03-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

Shot In The Arm tagged me for this!

So here goes my sharing:

1. I cook. Lots. I reckon I am pretty good, but never have the motivation to maintain a foodie blog or anything. Mr Pants says he'll make me do it once we get married in August.
2. I used to be really scared of animals. then my family adopted a dog and I fell in love. I would love to try stuff like horseriding now, because when I was younger I was always too scared of the animals!
3. I'm involved in Commission Radio, and love it!
4. I love fashion, and read Vogue, fashion blogs and fashion books religiously. However, I am mostly found in jeans and cardigans.
5. I grew up in Kinsale, Co. Cork. It was idyillic, and I couldn't have asked for a better childhood.
6. I was bullied all the way through secondary school. I've gotten over it, but I now understand what long-term effects this can have on people and their lives, and whole-heartedly support all anti-bullying campaigns.
7. Nothing makes me happier than a cup of tea and a nice bun with Mr Pants. He is the best.

As with any tag, there are rules - Here they are:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

I'm not tagging anyone, because I know so few people in the blogosphere. Maybe this should spur me on to sort that out!

Random meme

2008-02-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was in 3rd year at secondary school, being bullied senseless and generally hating myself. Soon got over that, though.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Mostly having massive amounts of fun with Keith and appreciating what amazing friends I have. In first year at uni, and not particularly enjoying it

Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Fruit
2) Chocolate
3) Any kind of crisp
4) Cheese
5) Hummous

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1) Buy an actual house so Keith & I don't have to rent.
2) Buy a VW camper van and all the bits to fix it.
3) Have champagne for everyone at our wedding.
4) Send my parents on an awesome holiday.
5) Get private health care.

Five bad habits:
1) I'm a bit flaky. Should really sort that out.
2) I'm quite a jealous person, and should really be happy with my lot.
3) I'm not very good at being a Christian.
4) I get quite lazy and demotivated really easily.
5) I'm quite selfish and bad at listening.

Five things you like doing:
1) Shopping
2) Cooking and Baking
3) Going out and having cocktails with good friends
4) Tea and hugs with The Boy.
5) A long walk with a good picnic.

Five things you would never wear again:
1) Short shorts. My legs are too fat!
2) Long flowery skirts. The hippy look isn't a good one (for me).
3) An earring in my upper ear. Infection is not cool.
4) Satin pyjamas. Sparks at betime aren't good.
5) Clumpy Kicker's shoes. Just because.

Five favorite toys:
1) My Treo PDA
2) Mr Potato Head
3) My laptop
4) Twister
5) KitchenAid stuff generally.

Fajitas

2008-01-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I made my version of fajitas. With the the salsa and salad and stuff, my wee sister always says its too much faff. You would be fine with plain chicken or shop bought salsa or just 'normal' salad, but I find the extra effort (and it isn't huge amounts) is always worth it.

I use creme fraiche, because the low fat version is quite good but soured cream is good too (they are basically the same thing). 0% fat greek yoghurt does the job but you really notice the taste difference here.

Fajitas

Serves 4

Lemon & coriander chicken

Large handful coriander leaves
Zest & juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sugar
1lb chicken

Finely slice chicken. Chop the coriander, crush the garlic and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Mix with the chicken and leave to marinade for as long as you can (although its fine to use straight away if you are pushed for time).

Cook the lot in a hot griddle or heavy based frying pan for about 5 minutes.

Spicy tomato salsa

1 tbsp olive oil
2 large shallots
2 cloves garlic
2 birds eye chillis
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tsp rock salt (less if using free flowing stuff)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 lime

Chop the shallot, chilli and garlic and sweat until the shallot is translucent. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar and juice of half the lime. Boil until thickened. Taste for seasoning and add the other half of the lime juice.

Crunchy salad

2 sticks celery
1 carrot
1 red pepper
1 pack cherry tomatoes
1/2 cucumber

1 tbsp chopped coriander
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Juice 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Salt & pepper

Chop celery. Cut carrot and cucumber into sticks. Slice red pepper. Half the tomatoes.

Combine coriander, parsley, lemon juice, oil, chilli sauce, salt & pepper.

Mix the salad dressing with the vegetables.

Serve the lot with heated wraps and creme fraiche.

Chinese pork and aubergine hotpot

2008-01-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is loosely based on a dish I love ordering at a local chinese: quite spicy but with a real depth of flavour. It went down a treat tonight!

Chinese pork & aubergine hotpot

Serves 4

1 lemongrass stalk
3 garlic cloves
1 large onion
1 inch piece of ginger
2 birds eye chillis
1 red chilli
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tep cumin seeds
1 tsp tumeric

Chop all the above finely and combine. You can do this with a knife, pestle and mortar or food processor. If using a food processor, grind the spices first. I use a pestle & mortar because, in my humble opinion, it gives the best flavour. Set to the side.

1lb pork
2 tsp 5 spice
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp white/palm sugar
Zest 1 lime
2 aubergines

Chop/mince the pork finely. Combine with soy, sugar, spice and lime in a bowl.
Chop aubergines.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan (I use groudnut). Fry your spice blend for a few minutes until fragrant. Add pork.
Use chinese cooking wine to scrape off the bits stuck to the pan. Cover with 150ml stock/water, and cook for 20 minutes.

Check for seasoning, add the juice of the lime zested earlier. Garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander leaves.

I served mine with plain rice and steamed brocolli.

Butternut squash risotto

2008-01-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

I made a totally amazing Butternut Squash Risotto tonight, comforting whilst and the same time tasty really fresh and yummy:

Butternut Squash Risotto

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large shallots
3 garlic cloves
Half a butternut squash
4 stalks rosemary (should be about 2 tablespoons when chopped)
Zest 1 lemon
Knob butter
3 large handfuls risotto rice
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
Approx 1 litre hot chicken stock (fresh if poss.)
1 glass white wine

1. Heat the oil and cook the garl and onions until translucent
2. Add chopped rosemary, lemon zest and black pepper
3. Add chopped butternut squash and continue cooking for about 5 minutes
4. Add butter
5. Add rice and stir until rice well coated
6. Add wine and salt. When absorbed, add stock a ladle at a time, stirring well all the while
7. This dish take about 15-20 minutes to cook in total. You want your rice with a bit of bite yet creamy at the same time.

I served mine with bread and a green salad with the following dressing:

2 teaspoons sugar
Juice 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 garlic clove
Pinch salt

Yum yum yum!

Its Christmas!

2007-12-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

I freakin' LOVE this time of year!

Bring on the mince pies!

Happy happy

2007-11-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

The best thing EVER at the minute is unexpected midweek sleepovers at Keith's house. Drinking tea, playing with macs and talking about doing stuff on honeymoon that may not even happen but just the fact that the possibility is even there being so exciting.

When did I get so fluffy?

Flippin uni

2007-11-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

I really am not an academic. I think I'll do OK in my degree, if I have to do something postgrad to get a job, so be it, but I am no academic. The whole notion of sitting in a library really musty books and trying to sound intellectual really does repulse me.

I couldn't hand in my essay this morning because I had been sick all night and would probably have driven into a ditch or something on the way up to Coleraine. I just sent a few friends a text message to tell them, and they all think I have nothing to worry about because my essays will be great anyway.

I am now point blank terrified. I KNOW I can talk for Ireland, and love newspapers and online news stories and blogs and stuff to have a pretty good idea of what is happening around me. I can argue a black crow is white, and usually win. Why oh why, when it comes to putting stuff on paper, can I not do it?

Hectic!

2007-10-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Life has been super duper busy of late, I just can't find any spare time for anything!

In summary:

- joined gym
- am actually going to gym
- got the sample through of the fabric for my wedding dress! Hurrah!
- getting other wedding stuff sorted
- loving uni this year. People have been praying!
- having lots of fun, eating lots of nice dinners, drinking loads of tea

Need to catch up with soooooooo many people!

Sometimes life suprises us

2007-10-10T02:13:00.000-07:00

I'm still alive, I promise!

Busybusybusyyyyyyyyyy!

Bonjourno

2007-09-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Tucked up in bed hoping my cold will go away! Soon soon sooooooooon!

Registared for uni yesterday and apparently can't do French this year, which is most upseting. I think I'll have a wee argue with them and see what becomes of that! I want to wear berets again...

No other news really, apart from the compliments I got for my cookery demo. I'm doing lots more! Its exiting!

Sicky dicky

2007-09-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have a cold! Ah well, these things pass.

Did a cookery demo in work tonight, made some Balsamic Onions, which are really yum with sausages, steak and pies.

1 onion
100 ml white balsamic vinegar (normal is fine)
2 teaspoons brown sugar

Heat all the ingredients over a low heat until the vinegar had evapourated and the onions have caramelised.

Ta-daaaaaaaaaaah!

Watching Notting Hill at the minute and using the time to feel all fluffy and loved up about iminent wedding. But after spending some time browsing websites about relationships, and how they change after marriage, I'm going to ride on this wave of fluff while the going is good. I'm so super excited about what the future holds!

Career cruising....

2007-09-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

I did a quiz with career crusing! Look what I should be....

.	Bank Manager
2.	Office Manager
3.	Association Manager
4.	Health Care Administrator
5.	Arts Administrator
6.	Hotel Manager
7.	Management Consultant
8.	Director of Photography
9.	Operations Research Analyst
10.	Auditor
11.	Director
12.	Personal Financial Planner
13.	Film and TV Crew
14.	Bank Teller
15.	Recreation Director
16.	Foreign Service Officer
17.	Producer
18.	Set Designer
19.	Money Manager
20.	Economic Development Officer
21.	Costume Designer
22.	Restaurant Manager
23.	Logistics Specialist
24.	Research Analyst (Financial)
25.	Caterer
26.	Certified Public Accountant
27.	Website Designer
28.	Lobbyist
29.	Actuary
30.	Economist
31.	Postal Clerk
32.	Wedding Planner
33.	Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
34.	Special Effects Technician
35.	Customs Broker
36.	Desktop Publisher
37.	Actor
38.	Medical Secretary
39.	Editor
40.	Mathematician

I reckon I should be a wedding planner!

Sunday brunch

2007-09-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

I love love LOVE Sunday brunch. If I had to choose a final supper, it would definately be pancakes, maple syrup and crispy bacon. Washed down with loads of coffee and orange juice. Heres how I make my pancakes:

1oo grams plain flour
150 ml buttermilk (or if you don't have buttermilk, normal milk left to stand with a spoon of white wine vinegar stirred in)
1 and a half teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
Pinch salt
1-2 tablespoons sugar (I like my pancakes quite sweet)
1 tablespoon melted butter

Whisk together until lump free and air bubbles are appearing.

Drop spoonfuls on a hot griddle or frying pan. Cook until lots of bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook the other side for a minute or two.

Serve with gallons of maple syrup and loads of crispy bacon.

Best eaten while still in pyjamas.

Castle Ward fun!

2007-09-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the day of the Summer Madness staff reunion BBQ. Loads of them are doing raft building and the like all afternoon but I won't be joing in the fun as I have yet to buy so much as a burger bap. Oops! Tescos will have to be used (grrrr) but shall hopefully save the day.

After all that fun and frolics I think I might need to come home and url up in a wee ball. Last night we went to a lovely restaurant but I'm still all sick so ate almost nothing (this is most unlike me!). Afterwards my sister and her boyfriend and I went to the pub and the two drinks or something that I had resulted in a world of pain last night. Have decided that tummy only like yoghurt and weetabix at the minute! Please pray that this will all get sorted soon: I want tasty dinners back!

Nose...meet grindstone

2007-09-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

Back to work after being off sick for aggggggggges. My tummy is, of course, sorer than ever, but I better gio back or I never will! Uni starts on Wednesday as well and I just hope and pray I'm well enough and don't have to take loads of time off or anything with it all.

Dinner tonight as a farewell before Sophie goes back off to uni. It will be yum yum yum. I think I might have to have chips.

Mango chilli chicken

2007-09-13T15:03:00.001-07:00

Exciting things since I last blogged:

- I ordered a wedding dress! It is looooooooooooovely. That is the only detail anyone is getting.
- Most other 'wedding' stuff is getting on my nerves. All I care about is marrying Keith and becoming Mrs Patterson. I want everybody to have good food, a drink and a dance, but no neeeeeeed for chocolate fountains or silly table decorations or anything. Fair play to those who spend hours on that kind of stuff, but I guess it just isn't my bag.
- Still no furthur on with health stuff. Likely to have IBS. Hopefully I don't, because being told I can't eat bread or chilli or whatever would tear me up inside.

On a food note, and inspired by my friend Ruth's cookery blog I made an amaaaaaaaaaaazing curry, inspired by a well past it mango:

1 ripe mango
3 spring onions
1 stick lemongrass (now available in Lidl. Woohoo!)
1 piece ginger
1 red chilli (with seeds)
3 tablespoons fresh coriander
2-4 tablespoons fish sauce
2-4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, but yum)
1 tin coconut milk
Few drops sesame oil
Juice of 1-2 limes

Bung it all in a food processor, starting with the lemongrass because it takes aggggggggges.

I made it with chicken, but pork in really fine slices would be nicer I think. If you don't like life quite so spicy then take the seeds out of the chilli first. Yumm yum yum.

Summmer Madness BBQ on Saturday! Exciting!

Hello there!

2007-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

How boring is revision?

Hence starting my wee blog here. Doubtless to be filled with random pictures and ramblings over the next wee while. Love you all....