I have written about Shells Cafe in Strandhill, Co. Sligo before, simply because it is probably my favourite place to go to when I am home. I love being by the sea and when you pair that with great food, it’s an added bonus.
Category Archives: Bites and Delight
Cranberry and Almond Brownies
I spent a wonderful 24 hours in Dublin on Friday night and had the privilege of attending the 11th Trailblaze event held in the Grand Masonic Lodge. A stunning setting for the night of the Winter Solstice. We were welcomed into the lodge by the Christmassy smells of mulled wine and festive nibbles from The Cake Café. Such a treat. As we were led upstairs to the room where we would spend the next 3 hours, I couldn’t help but imagine what it was all like back in the 18th century. The Grand Masonic Lodge in Dublin is the second oldest lodge in the world and as you enter the main room upstairs, the walls are adorned with enourmous paintings of the Free Mason Elders. The night began with Brother Morgan telling us the history behind the Free Mason’s and where it all began. Clare and Cathy from Trailblaze then introduced each speaker. The theme of the night was ‘Secrets’, each speaker revealed a secret about themselves, other people, institutions and some even revealing the secrets about life. I was blown away by it all. At the end of the night, Clare Mulvany spoke once again and her words have stuck with me, ‘Ireland has so much potential, but it is up to us to make it happen’. Not a truer word spoken.
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Carolanne’s Christmas Cookies!
I’m writing this from my beautiful parents home in the wild’s of Sligo in the northwest of Ireland. My hometown. My hands wrapped around a steaming hot mug of Barry’s Tea and a Christmas Cookie in my paw. This morning we ventured out for a walk underneath the misty overhanging mountain of Knocknarea. It was quite eerie and a little spectacular all at the same time. It is such a nice feeling to be back in a familiar environment surrounded by friendly faces that you haven’t seen in almost a year. Hugs have been aplenty and so have the laughs.
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Chocolate Bark Bites
I’m in the process of eating my way through the contents of my pantry (yes I like to call my small cupboard of delicious food a pantry) as we are set to jet off home to Ireland this weekend for the Christmas holidays. It always amazes me the amount of food that builds up in just a short few weeks. How much food can one foodie eat? A lot, it seems! We have been kitting out our new abode with all the necessities since we moved in just 5 weeks ago and I have obviously made sure we had emergency supplies of everything. Upon opening the fridge and pantry, I discovered I have about 4 days to complete the scoffing.
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Pineapple Muffins
A recent trip to the Camdeboo Farm resulted in a purchase of some gorgeous looking fruit and veg. Particularly these two lovely mini pineapples. I could not resist the big box of pineapples on display. As our veg box was growing exceedingly over capapcity and with Tomás giving me the eye, I knew I could really only snaffle one or two of them. I just had to! We picked these up on Saturday and they were ripe then but today the flesh was so soft and juicy, I couldn’t wait to bake them.
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Chocolate Coconut Brownies
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I really don’t think I will get used to hearing the speakers all over town blast out Christmas songs when it’s a blistering 35 degrees out and I’m ducking inside for a bit of cooling air con. I am dreaming of a White Christmas…do you think we will have snow in Ireland this year? It’s cold enough for it!
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse
It’s Avocado season here in South Africa at the minute and I’m lucky enough that one of the girls at Bootcamp brings us a box of freshly picked Avo’s every fortnight. Last Friday I snagged some of the last few Avocados with dreams of making a creamy, rich and decadent chocolate mousse with them.
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Almond Chia Pudding
It’s like instant pudding that you can pull from the fridge and devour. No added nasties just wholesome, nutritious goodness!
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Say hello to The Secret Cake Club Perth
And so I say a fond farewell to the Cake Club in Perth. Since it’s inception back in April, it has been a whirlwind of cakey adventures. Organising it with Jacqui has been a blast as well as meeting some new folks who shared a common interest…eating cake in secret. Sshhh!!!
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Green Eggs & Ham
‘I like Green Eggs and Ham, I do, I like them Sam I Am’
I definitely think ‘Sam I Am’ was right in his persistence to try Green Eggs and Ham. My Green Eggs and Ham are a tribute to Dr Seuss and all his wondrous, crazy banter. These are absolutely one of the easiest dishes to assemble and will satisfy that salty craving in an instant. Plus, they are even easier to eat 
Filed under Bites and Delight
