Babaduck

Babaduck in the Bray People

2013-05-22T16:42:00.001+01:00

A lovely piece in our local paper the Bray People about my demo last week in St. Fergal's School.

The Day I Went Back to School with Innocent & GIY

2013-05-21T10:58:00.000+01:00

Going to school is an experience you generally never want to repeat. The smell of PE kit, the well intended knitting projects (it was a frog that doubled as a pincushion, honest), nature walks and generally wanting to keep moving to the next class, the next school and generally being older than you actually were. Looking back now after a few, ok a decade or three, years, I wonder why I was ever in such a rush. I went to a mixed primary school in Bray called St. Fergals which began as what would now be commonly known as a start-up in the two parochial rooms in Queen of Peace, where my Mum bribed me with a mini KitKat to get into class on time. I actually really enjoyed school when I was little, particularly my teachers Miss Maguire, Mrs. Gillespie (who rocks into The Hubs in work every so often to tell him how lovely I was... I love her lots), Ms. Maguire who always caught me messing, and Mr. Dodd who went to school with my Dad and therefore had my instant respect. School back in the days of black and white was rather fun. I always loved reading and singing, two things that make me happy to this day. Cookery, to be honest, had no interest for me. I was a child of the '70's where the most exotic thing we consumed was Vesta Risotto or Beef Curry.

Win : Relish BBQ by Rozanne Stevens

2013-05-17T16:28:00.000+01:00

Yes, I know it's been a while since I've brought you a competition but I want to make sure it's something I know you'll love. Rozanne Stevens is a South African chef who has been putting up with our atrocious weather for over 10 years (why???). She is a regular guest on the Pat Kenny show on RTE Radio 1, teaches cookery classes galore and in her spare time writes cookery books. Her latest one is fantastic : called Relish BBQ, it's all about outdoor cooking without the sausages and frozen burgers. I tell you this because I've actually eaten some of the dishes in the book, including Cheesy Chili BBQ Sweetcorn and Lee Ann's Broccoli and Bacon Salad.

Katsu Pork Curry

2013-05-14T12:13:00.000+01:00

I was browsing aimlessly in the supermarket in that Friday night, work is over, I'm knackered, won't somebody please cook the dinner for me catatonic state that is all too familiar to a lot of you. Suddenly, a white box caught my eye - it was a Japanese curry meal kit. I knew that Japan had a version of curry that included a breaded chicken or pork cutlet and this was probably it. The kit was a bit of a ripoff as it really only contained the curry sauce, some panko breadcrumbs and a portion or two of rice. I had most of that lurking in the cupboards in Maison Babaduck, so I picked up a jar of Blue Dragon Japanese Curry Sauce instead.

3 questions spotlight: Simple ways aspiring British and Irish chefs can learn to cook

2013-05-10T21:02:00.003+01:00

Whether you're new to cooking or a secret master chef just waiting to unleash your delicious recipes on the unsuspecting world of eaters, I believe that everyone should learn some basic cooking skills. If you've got a bit of time on your hands, what better way to fill it than learning to cook new and exciting recipes? There are many tools out there that will show you how to cook the perfect meal and, with no shortage of great courses in Britain and Ireland, there are so many different ways the absolute novice or the aspiring chef can learn to perfect their craft. This month, I caught up with lovemycourse to find out more about learning to cook and to get some ideas about the most popular cooking trends this year.

StinkyBurgers and Slaw

2013-05-06T18:13:00.000+01:00

The sun, it shone. All weekend. All Bank Holiday weekend. If you're not Irish, you've no idea how monumentally lifechanging this news is. Basically, we've been in hibernation since the end of October, superglued to radiators, shivering under two duvets and thinking that a winter wardrobe was basically going to be a year-round wardrobe. Nobody wants to grill burgers or make fresh crunchy slaw when you're wearing a fleece and thermals. We celebrated the start of Summer by going to the Zoo and wandering around waving at all the animals. Red Pandas are my absolute favourite and I'd kill to get a cuddle from a baby one. I know it would probably bite my face off, but that doesn't stop me hoping... Instead, we called to our friends after the zoo where I was cuddled, kissed and drooled on by nine month old baby James. He's far cuter than any red panda, believe me. Once we eventually got home, it was dinnertime and we were starving. It was a Bank Holiday Burger day and I decided to make some really tasty burgers and a crunchy, tangy cabbage & carrot slaw, inspired by a recent quick lunch in Leon in Spitalfields Market.

Vote Babaduck (as featured in the Irish Times)

2013-04-28T18:51:00.002+01:00

Well, I'm well and truly on the campaign trail for votes in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging 2013 Awards. You see, I've been shortlisted in the Food category and to get me to the final, I need votes, and lots of them. This is where you, my treasured readers come in. I know time is precious and we all have a million things to do, but would you mind taking just 30 seconds to cast a vote for me in Section 4? And can I be even cheekier and get you to ask your friends, family and even your workmates? The more votes I get, the better my chance is of being a finalist.

I was thrilled beyond belief when I opened the Irish Times Weekend Magazine yesterday and saw a gorgeous article by Marie Claire Digby in Food File about me. And being shortlisted. And the day job. And a picture of one of of my cakey love creations!

So, I know you want to know how you cast a vote for me. It's actually really easy. Just click on this link and you'll come to the page above. Fill in your name, your email and tick the box beside my name in Section 4. Then scroll down to the bottom and click the "done" button.

Sandie has joined the election campaign and has created this special poster all by herself. She's a very intelligent dog you know. Well, she can smell food being cooked or the rattle of a lead at 500 yards...

Babaduck shortlisted for a BiB 2013 Award

2013-04-23T16:58:00.000+01:00

You might have noticed a new shiny badge over on the right hand side there. See it... yes, just there. That lovely badge means that me, Miss Babaduck, has been shortlisted for a BritMums Brilliance in Blogging 2013 Award. I know! I'm in very fine company indeed in my category which is, of course Food. You'd hardly put me anywhere else... apart from Waffling Too Much and there isn't a category for that. Yet.

So, now that I've calmed down from my initial shriekfit last night when I heard the news, I'm asking you all for a huge favour. Would you mind clicking on this link and giving me a vote please? I'd really appreciate it. Feel free to spread the word and gently encourage friends and family to do the same. I promise many more photos of Sandie the WonderDog by way of thanks...

Axxx

Review : Paris Bakery, Dublin 1

2013-04-21T14:57:00.000+01:00

It was the first day of Spring. The sun was shining, coats had been left in the car and we were wearing sunglasses. The main purpose of our trip into town (which is what us suburbanites call the city of Dublin) was to bring my godniece Lulu shopping for various Holy Communion fripperies. She's the image of her mother, allergic to getting up when she should be having a lie on and when I first mentioned collecting her at 10.30 on Saturday morning, I was told "listen, I'm only starting to have my breakfast then". Breakfast, eh? How about we have our breakfast in town? She soon changed her tune and told me to be there on time or else. I actually rang the doorbell 10 minutes early to discover that the hair had to be tamed into a style suitable for trying on veils (the one thing she really wanted) and Sandie the Wonderdog thought I was calling for her. Much drama ensued when said dog hopped into the back of my car and refused to leave. I had to physically carry her back into the house and she sulked for hours.

Savage Lime and Coconut Cake

2013-04-11T14:01:00.000+01:00

You know my little brother is pleased with something when he pronounces it "savage". Usually one would apply this word to something wild or untamed. Not him. It's the height of praise as far as he's concerned and another one of his pronouncements of approval is "the finest". Let me tell you that this cake was called both savage and the finest today by Little Brother. I am practically fainting away with the shock here. Anyway, back to the cake. I have been told by my Little Sis (who is also sister to Little Brother and Mammy to Lulu and Sandie the WonderDog) that this is possibly the perfect cake as it's simple and unadorned and just tastes amazing.

Chicken, Chorizo & Chicory Casserole

2013-04-07T14:43:00.000+01:00

Chicken and chorizo seem to be natural partners in crime : the chicken soaks up the paprika oils of the Spanish chorizo which also gives the relatively bland meat a welcome note of saltiness. But I know most of you are thinking - chicory : are you mad? Actually I'm a lover of this cone shaped leafy vegetable, called Belgian endive in some countries, and it's really delicate and delicious when it's cooked slowly. It makes a great gratin and also works beautifully with ham in a quiche filling. My casserole started with a package of free range chicken legs from Bertram Salter who owns Carlow Foods. They produce possibly one of the best tasting Irish chickens I've ever tasted, and if you're lucky, you can sometimes find four of their chicken legs for €4 which is a complete and utter steal.

Homemade Mushroom Soup

2013-04-04T14:00:00.000+01:00

Everybody loves a bargain, especially me - it's how I justify spending money sometimes both to myself and The Hubs "but it was cheap and I saved a fortune". Sometimes I'm fooling myself but yesterday I struck a real deal - punnets of white mushrooms for an unbelievable 29c (about 22p) each. The weather may be dry but it's still unseasonally cold so I reckoned the best way to use the mushrooms was by making a giant pot of soup. All that chopping of 'shrooms can take quite a bit of time so I cheated. I wiped them, trimmed the stems and threw them into my food processor. A few pulses and the shiny sharp blade reduced them to teeny tiny pieces in seconds.

Kids - Sow & Grow with innocent and GIY

2013-04-01T13:04:00.000+01:00

Kids (and parents), let me tell you about something really great that you can do this Spring. The innocent and GIY "Sow and Grow" campaign is back again to get you all sowing and growing around the country in classrooms and youth groups. The project aims to get over 25,000 children sowing and growing through a free and fun learning experience what will show them just how easy it is to grow their own greens and eat them.

Right now, your teachers and youth group leaders can apply for one of 850 free sow & grow packs HERE. Each pack includes 30 growing pots, seeds, soil, lesson plans and growing guides which will keep you all busy and learning about the benefits of planting seeds which will grow and turn into a delicious edible plant.

Lemon and Ginger Oat Biscuits

2013-03-29T12:46:00.000Z

It may be Springtime but it's still absolutely arctic monkeys outside. Not a layer of clothing has been shed and in fact I think I'm adding more as the freezing days go by. It's hard to believe that this time last year, we were having an early summer and were out the back lighting up the barbeques and having picnics at the beach. The only thing you'd do now is look at the beach from the warmth of your car... Speaking of warmth, lemon and ginger tea always takes away my chills and I decided to use fragrant lemon zest and warming crystallised ginger in a crunchy biscuit to dip into my hot tea. This recipe makes about 24 2-inch biscuits, but if you want daintier ones, make a thinner roll (about 1 inch in diameter) and you'll get about 36 smaller biscuits.

Things I loved in March

2013-03-26T12:20:00.000Z

Where to start? March was a busy month, so much so that the delivery guys in work just made a beeline for my desk... I've been trying out lots of new products and here's the ones that really made an impression on me.

Real Italian Foodie Pasta Sauces

The brainchild of work and love partners Lorraine Fanneran and Bruno Coppola who own La Cucina in Limerick, this brand new range of pasta sauces can be bought in Superquinn outlets nationwide (if your store doesn't stock them, ask the manager to order them in). I tried the whole range when they were development samples over a year ago and I was really impressed by the simplicity of the ingredients, the taste and the quality. The Hubs gives them a massive thumbs up too.

Zaconey

A new alcoholic (35% ABV) drink combining bourbon and natural fruit flavours. It's a gorgeously retro bottle and the drink itself is great with ginger ale or Coke over lots of ice. Lots of Zaconey carnival themed nights to be found over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for those.

Aromo Coffee Pods

These UK based guys make a range of coffee pods suitable for Nespresso, ESE and Senseo coffee machines and they are significantly less expensive than buying the branded ones. We tried the three types in the picture above, suitable for our Nespresso machine in work and the verdict was "wow". They made great coffee, and here's proof that they were good : the boss permanently borrowed a box.

Steenbergs

This small family-run company make a fantastic range of flavourings, herbs and spices for baking and cooking. I'm already a huge fan of their organic Peppermint Extract and really enjoyed experimenting with their seasoning & spice blends including Perfect Salt, Za'atar and American BBQ. You can buy a range of their products in Superquinn, selected independent stores and online at Steenbergs.

Babaduck's Belfast in Isle Magazine

2013-03-22T19:33:00.000Z

When I was little, a trip to Belfast was an epic journey. It seemed to take all day to get there and even longer to get back, but we loved it all the same. Going around the shops was a treat in itself because they had different sweets, crisps and drinks to what was available in our local shop. Imagine chicken or spring onion flavoured crisps - the exoticness of it all! As my Mum is from Belfast, I also have an unhealthy love, actually, probably an obsession with potato and soda farls. The potato farls must be fried in a drop of oil and butter so they're crunchy on the outside and meltingly soft within, and the soda farls have to be toasted. Any other way is the wrong way, as far as I'm concerned.

We still love our trips to Belfast and I was delighted when the founder of Isle magazine Lisa McGee asked me where my favourite places were to eat and drink in Belfast, for a feature in the latest edition. Some of the places we love are Cayenne, The Bar+Grill at James Street South, Molly's Yard and Little Wing Pizza. I also have a pronounced fondness for the cocktails at The Merchant Hotel. There's nothing like sitting in their elegant bar and sipping a Sicilian or Dark & Stormy cocktail.

Read more »

Review : Hotel Chocolat All About Mum

2013-03-05T20:35:00.001Z

As foster mammy to Sandie the Wonder Dog, I think that Mother's Day should be all encompassing (hint hint...) so I took the liberty of trying out some beautiful chocolates sent to me by Hotel Chocolat called All About Mum. It's a collection of seasonal recipe fillings including champagne, blueberries and lemon, caramel, chocolate mousse and pralines wrapped in very pretty coloured chocolate shells. Yes, Mother's Day is this Sunday 10th March and you need to buy a card and a gift!

Speedy Italian Tart

2013-03-02T23:07:00.001Z

There are many days in your life when you think "there's absolutely nothing to eat in this house" and to be honest, you're usually wrong. The fridge has lots of food, but you're just not in the mindframe to work out what goes with what and it's then you think a takeaway would do the job. Stop! Based on what I found lurking in my fridge this week, the contents created an absolutely delicious lunch for us.

Chocolate Orange Cake

2013-02-24T14:50:00.000Z

One of my favourite treats when I was young was a Terry's Chocolate Orange which arrived on your birthday, and we loved the tap and unwrap process of smashing the sphere of chocolate off the nearest hard surface and hoping two sections would still be stuck together, as you could claim that as one piece. I'm a big fan of chocolate and orange together so I decided that I needed to make a cake with soft chocolate sponge and a tangy orange icing.

Everybody needs a bit of cakey love now and then - it soothes the soul when you're troubled and makes the dullest day shine a little brighter. This particular episode of cakey love was also inspired by a quantity of leftover Swiss Meringue Buttercream icing from my batch of Red Velvet Cupcakes. As it freezes really well, I was going to store it for my nephew Ethan's next birthday cake, until I remembered he wanted white chocolate icing. There was nothing else for it, I had to make some Chocolate Orange Cake.

Photo by Kerrie Walsh

The Adventures of Accident-Prone Aoife

2013-02-20T15:13:00.001Z

As the Hubs would say on many an occasion, "accident prone" should be my middle name. If there's a pothole, I'll fall into it (Lanzarote 2001, torn ligaments), if there's a dip in the path, I'll go flying (December 2011, more torn ligaments). Basically, I should be just enveloped in bubble wrap and sent on my merry way...

One place where I am extremely careful about safety though, is in my kitchen. My even more accident prone Dad has cut himself with knives more times than I care to remember, resulting in the trusty first aid box being left permanently open, just in case. I'm sure half of the housekeeping was spent on bandages and plasters!

Double Pear and Almond Cake

2013-02-16T14:23:00.002Z

I've made a rod for my own back. As you can tell from the blog, I bake the odd few cakes and biscuits and I like to share them with my work colleagues. The Hubs brings some into his work too, so I am usually very popular of a Monday morning. Beady eyes follow my every movement when I walk through the door and over to my desk, and some people come over on the pretense of saying hello, but actually trying to see if I have any food with me. Last Friday, I was even asked what I was going to make at the weekend for Monday. Ah, give a girl a chance...

I had a basket of pears in the fruit bowl which I had forgotten to bring to work for breakfast, so it was fitting that they would end up in the office anyway, as part of a cake. Almonds are the perfect match for pears and I was thinking about a Frangipane all morning but I wasn't in the humour to make pastry. A bottle of Pear Liqueur in the drinks cabinet caught my eye and a plan was hatched. This was going to be a grown-up cake but it can easily be adapted to suit a family by replacing the liqueur with milk.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2013-02-11T22:13:00.000Z

Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda. The perfect combination for cleaning the house and ridding clothes of unwanted marks. But in a cake? You must be mad! Actually no, because using these fizzy, foaming ingredients gives my Red Velvet Cupcakes a lovely acidic edge which works beautifully with my sweet Swiss Meringue Buttercream Icing.

These are the perfect sweet treat for your Valentine as they bake in just 15 minutes and the contrast between the cocoa rich red sponge and the delicate vanilla icing is very pretty indeed. I've already delivered a batch to work, where most of them ended up being a very cheery breakfast because we don't have the willpower to wait until lunch. Mammy in Law also had no willpower and couldn't wait until her birthday on Valentines Day (yes really, together with my Mum) to eat hers. Some people have no stamina!

Photo by Kerrie Walsh

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

2013-02-11T22:06:00.000Z

There's nothing worse than a shabby dry cupcake flooded with tooth-rottingly sweet icing trying to pass itself off as a fine example of cake. And believe me, I have eaten some pretty horrendous cupcakes in my time - two of which were in very well known bakeries in New York. They were so bad, we chucked them in the bin, which goes against my waste not, want not philosophy, and left a really bad taste in our mouths.

So, what do you do when faced with something pretty on the outside but mediocre within? Well, you go and make a much nicer version yourself!. This sweet but light Swiss Meringue Buttercream icing on top of my Red Velvet Cupcakes combines the best of glossy meringue and the richness of buttercream to create a really stable, delicious icing to grace any cupcake with elegance and grace. Two things you need to bear in mind though : it takes ages to make, so clear your afternoon and use a food mixer unless you want biceps like a WWF contestant!

Photo by Kerrie Walsh

Fabulous Fridays at Bridge Bar and Bistro

2013-02-01T11:35:00.000Z

Usually, work Christmas parties are tedious affairs. You get all dressed up to spend more time with the people you look at all day, you eat some very mediocre food, drown the taste of it with as much booze as you can and generally begrudge the waste of an evening. Yes, that's usually what happens. Not for our work Christmas party last year - it was probably the best party I've been to in my working career.

Fennel and Mushroom Ragu

2013-01-26T22:27:00.002Z

The temperature has dropped again so it's time to delve into the freezer to see what delights await us for dinner. There's just one problem. In order to make room for all the food over Christmas, we ate all the delights so I have to start batch cooking again. This is a perfect base meal to make - it tastes delicious, freezes brilliantly and is incredibly versatile. Because I've used a mixture of beef and pork, the flavours are more intense than a regular bolognese sauce and the fennel is a perfect match for the sausage.