Original Chex® Party Mix

With the super bowl next week, as always people will gather to nosh on all kinds of food while cheering on their favorite team. Hopefully gatherings this year will be safe and limited to close family members. One great casual party food to include is this simple mix from Chex®. It is very tasty and so handy to have on hand.

Ever since a friend gave us a tub for Christmas a few years back, it has become a holiday staple for us. I make a big batch for guests or anyone dropping by. I always add a package to the holiday gift baskets I make up for friends and neighbors.

Good anytime of the year, the recipe makes a lot, is inexpensive, and is more interesting than just a bowl of nuts or chips. I have also made it gluten-free by leaving out the Wheat Chex®, upping the amount of Corn and Rice Chex® and substituting GF pretzels and GF bagel chips.

(See my Football Party Food post for other super bowl ideas.)

Original Chex® Party Mix
(Makes: 24 servings – 1/2 cup each.)

• 3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
• 3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1 cup bite-size pretzels
• 1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-sized bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Original Chex® Party Mix

Microwave Directions: In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. 

In a small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings and pour over cereal mixture. Stir until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on high 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes.  

Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

Oven Directions: Heat oven to 250°F. 

In a large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings then gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. 

 Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Now that the weather is getting colder, what's better than snuggling up to the fire with a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs ... you can even add sausage for an extra meaty comforting dish. Freeze leftovers for a quick weeknight meal.

Spaghetti and Meatballs
(Serves 8 or more depending on how much spaghetti is cooked.)

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Sauce
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (I like Tuttorosso, but use your favorite brand)
• 2 (35-ounce) cans whole tomatoes in juice (Tuttorosso or your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms or canned mushrooms, drained (optional)

Meatballs and sausage
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 cup torn day-old Italian bread
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground veal (if you prefer to not use veal, leave it out)

• 8 Italian sweet sausages (optional)
• Favorite packaged spaghetti
• Additional grated parmesan cheese for serving

Sauté Vegetables

Sauce – Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the bell pepper and onion until softened, add garlic and continue to cook for two minutes longer. Add the crushed and whole tomatoes, the tomato paste, sugar, oregano and basil. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat and simmer sauce, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the tomatoes have broken down, about an hour or so. Season with salt and pepper.

Meatballs and Sausage – Preheat oven to 400°F.

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened, add garlic and continue to cook for two minutes longer. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.

Soak bread in milk in another bowl until soft, about 5 minutes. Firmly squeeze bread to remove excess milk. Add to cooled onion mixture. Stir in eggs, tomato sauce, parmesan, parsley, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Add meats and gently mix until just combined (do not over mix).

Form meat mixture into whatever size meatballs you wish (remember the balls will shrink with cooking). Arrange meatballs on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes to brown.

Add Browned Meatballs to Sauce

While meatballs are browning, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to skillet and brown the sausage on all sides. Add to sauce.

Remove meatballs from sheet with tongs and place in sauce. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until sausage and meatballs are cooked through. If using mushrooms, add them to the sauce and heat through.

Cook spaghetti as directed. Top spaghetti with sauce, meatballs and sausages. Serve with grated parmesan cheese and some crusty garlic bread.

Great Britain - Edinburgh, Scotland

We had been to London a couple of times but had not ventured too far outside the city to other areas of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). On this trip we started in Edinburgh, Scotland then traveled down to York, England before ending our journey in London. As we usually do when in Europe, we depended on trains to get from town to town.

Edinburgh

In Great Britain all train companies operate under the National Rail, which was created in 1996 following the privatization of the British Rail network. The rail system is comprised of 25 privately operated businesses. This is unlike most European countries that have one official rail system run by the government. Fortunately, to book tickets online, one needs only to go to the National Rail web site, which handles system-wide bookings.

We found the rail prices to be more expensive in Great Britain than other countries within Europe, but for those not wishing to rent a car, it is an easy alternative. If staying in larger cities, a car is more of a hindrance than a help, but if venturing out to villages and places off the beaten path, a car is best. As always, book ahead for the best deals whether renting a car or purchasing rail tickets.

Great Britain is no longer part of the European Union, making visiting EU countries a little less easy than it used to be. Even when they were part of the EU, the Euro was never used in Great Britain, they chose to retain the pound (GBP or £) as their currency.

View from Calton Hill

As mentioned, we began our trip in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. In addition to being its capital, Edinburgh is also Scotland's cultural, historical and political center. It is a busy, vibrant city with friendly people and lots to do and see.

We chose to stay at the Courtyard Edinburgh for its location and reasonable price. We stayed three nights and were pleased with the convenience, cleanliness and the pleasant staff. Our room, I believe it was a superior, was very compact. There was not much room to move about, however, the design was extremely efficient. Within the small space there was every amenity you could want including a safe, coffee maker and mini refrigerator.

A Crowded Royal Mile

We easily walked everywhere: to the train station, museums, parks, restaurants, old town and the castle. Calton Hill, with its assortment of mishmash monuments, is located right behind the hotel and provides a lovely view of the city down to the water.

Like all major towns these days, Edinburgh has its hop on and off big tour buses. These are a good option for those on a short stay to get a glimpse of all the main sights, or those wanting to get acclimated before deciding where to spend their time. It is a pleasant, easily walkable city for those preferring to get around on foot as we did.

The historic area of Edinburgh is one of the most pleasant, albeit crowded, parts of town for visitors to stroll. Starting at the castle, where the town originated, the road slopes down the Royal Mile past interesting architecture, shops, cafés and an abundance of touristy trinkets.

Edinburgh Castle

The 1300-year-old castle was home to Scotland’s kings and queens for centuries. Cobblestone paths, that zig and zag around the castle grounds, take visitors through a complex of buildings, some dating from the 12th century.

St. Margaret’s Chapel

From Napoleonic cast-iron cannons; to the little stone St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh; to the lavish Royal Apartments; to the War Memorial and War Museum; to the Scottish Crown Jewels; there is plenty of history and many sites to behold at the castle. As an extra treat, beautiful, expansive views from the esplanade provide picture postcard vistas over the city.

The spire of St. Giles Cathedral is ever-present throughout Edinburgh. The cathedral’s façade is 19th-century Neo-Gothic but the interior dates to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is the most important church in Scotland and worth a look for its grand windows, memorials, bronze statue of John Knox and a fine organ.

Ever-Present Spire of St. Giles Cathedral  

Museums abound in Edinburgh and most are free to enter. We found the National Museum to be particularly interesting. It is a large museum with two different wings. One wing contains its natural history collection and the other covers Scottish history. The smaller Scottish National Gallery has a lovely collection of paintings.

The Georgian House is a refurbished Neoclassical house that takes visitors back to 1796. It is one of the rare museums that charges an entry fee, but for those who enjoy touring period homes, it is well worth it. Of course, there are many other museums worth exploring, something for every taste.

Edinburgh is a great walking city. It’s fun to saunter down the Royal Mile, stopping by a shop to browse or a café for a bite to eat. For a relaxing time, there are miles of green spaces to explore and enjoy.

The city is full of good places to eat from pubs to fine dining. We particularly enjoyed a restaurant called Cadiz. Having been to Cadiz, Spain we were curious to see how Spanish food would be served in Scotland. So, we stopped by for lunch one day and it did not disappoint. It was so enjoyable we returned for dinner. The staff, atmosphere and food were all excellent. The à la carte menu had a great variety of offerings, making it hard to choose. The wines were all good as well.

View of Edinburgh from the Castle

We took a side trip to Glasgow by train one day. I can’t honestly say we were overly impressed with this city, which is the second largest in Great Britain. It sits on the River Clyde, but the waterfront isn’t particularly picturesque.

We wandered around town then took a long walk along the river. We came upon the Riverside Museum and were so glad we did. We thoroughly enjoyed this amazing museum, which is dedicated to everything related to transportation. Whether or not you are a fan of transport and travel, this museum has something for everyone ... bicycles, carriages, trains, boats ... it's such a fun place to spend some time, especially with the family.

Our short visit to Scotland was very pleasant. We were headed next to the town of York in England.

Cooking Through My Cookbook Collection – Williams-Sonoma Chicken

So back to my cookbook obsession. As mentioned in a previous musing, I have found that I don’t use my multitude of cookbooks as much as I should, and some not at all. When it’s time to make dinner, I find it easier to whip up one of my familiar standbys, or go to the Web for a quick search.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to make at least one dish out of every cookbook that I have yet to use. If the book is truly not one that I’ll make meals from, it’s time to either donate it to the library or add it to my “someday I’m going to have a garage sale” pile.

With chicken in the fridge, I headed to a Williams-Sonoma cookbook titled, appropriately enough, Chicken. I was surprised to realize that I hadn’t made anything out of this book, as we eat chicken at least once a week.

Wanting to prepare something I don’t often make, I chose Risotto with Chicken, Parmesan and Peas. Risotto is comfort food … and we’ve already established my love of comfort food. Creamy, yet al dente, warm and satisfying; risotto is a treat to the mouth as well as the tummy.

And what is more versatile? Just about anything can be thrown into a pot of bubbling risotto and, shazam!, dinner is served. Unfortunately, it does take a little time to prepare … time spent constantly stirring over a hot stove … but it really is worth it.

The first time I had risotto was in culinary school. Until then I had never heard of the Italian short-grained rice, known as Arborio, used in the making of risotto. It is the starchy Arborio that gives the risotto its creamy consistency.

The process for making risotto is always the same. A pot of liquid, usually stock or broth, is kept hot on a nearby burner. Rice is lightly sautéed in some fat, white wine is added and cooked until it evaporates … then starts the laborious process of adding the hot liquid a ladleful at a time.

Aromatic vegetables are added for flavor. Shellfish, poultry or more vegetables are added to create a meal. Parmesan cheese often finishes the dish. It’s all good.

Risotto with Chicken, Parmesan and Peas

Back to the recipe. It followed the traditional risotto cooking method as mentioned above. Onions were sautéed in the fat prior to the addition of the rice. The cooked chicken and peas were added at the end. I followed this recipe pretty well, except I used olive oil for the fat rather than butter. I also sautéed some mushrooms when I cooked the chicken and threw them in the pot as well … after all, mushrooms go real well with both peas and chicken.

The dish was good. There was nothing especially unique about it, but it was a good, basic risotto recipe to use as is or as a building block from which to create more robust dishes. I have posted it on this blog with the changes I made. Looking through this book, I’ll be keeping it and trying some of the other chicken recipes. Perhaps I'll find another one good enough to muse about.

Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots & Peas

Don’t you just love “one pot” meals? I’m talking about the kind of meal that has everything in it … the protein, the vegetable, the starch … all wrapped up in a tidy bowl.

When I think of these kinds of meals, I harken back to my childhood and my Mother’s beef stew … a simple stew with potatoes and peas. My Mother was an Irish "meat and potatoes" kind of cook. Her stew was one of the best things she made. She always served it with pumpernickel bread and I do the same … I just can’t eat that stew without that bread!.

I often think about those things I do only because I grew up watching my Mother, it was the way she did it, so I do it too.

Ask any woman and she will tell you the same thing. No matter what her relationship is with her Mother, she is a powerful influence. Sometimes the habits and lifestyle we adopt are a reflection on the way we were raised ... such as whether we are kind and considerate to others, the religion we follow, what newspapers or magazines we read, how we honor holiday and family traditions, etc. Other things are silly like going out of the way to buy a particular brand of sausage.

The only thing I do differently than my Mother when making stew is that I add carrots and mushrooms. Otherwise, it is the same recipe that she, and her Mother before her, made for years. In honor of my Irish heritage and my postings of our trip to Ireland, here is my recipe for a hearty and very tasty beef stew.

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Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Peas

(Serves 6.)

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 pounds chuck eye roast, excess fat and connective tissue removed, cubed into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 2 cups low-salt beef broth
• 1 teaspoon gravy master (optional)
• 2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into a large dice
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into a large dice
• 1 8-ounce package of mushrooms (button, portobella or a mix), cleaned and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Peas

In a large, oven-proof pot heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown lightly on all sides. Add the onion, garlic and thyme and cook a few minutes to lightly soften the onions. 

Add the tomato paste and stir to blend. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook until the flour has been absorbed.

Slowly pour in a cup of broth, stirring constantly. Add more broth as needed until the consistency of gravy. Add the gravy master if using. Bring to a boil, making sure gravy is still the proper texture.

Place in the preheated oven for 1½ hours. Add cut carrots and potatoes, stir and cook for 1/2 hour longer. Add sliced mushrooms and parsley and continue to cook for about 15 minutes until all vegetables have been cooked through. Remove from oven and stir in peas until heated through. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Ireland - Cork, Cobh & Kinsale

From Killarney we once again boarded a train, this time to Cork, our final destination before returning to Dublin to fly home. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. It sits on the River Lee and has a pedestrian downtown area worth a stroll.

Cork

Like Killarney, we stayed in Cork out of convenience. There really isn’t much of interest for visitors to see or do in Cork. Area attractions are mostly outside the city, such as the Blarney Castle and Gardens and some attractive smaller towns including Cobh and Kinsale. I would recommend to those with a car to stay in the delightful town of Kinsale if traveling within County Cork.

From the train station we walked to our hotel, dropped our bags and headed out for some lunch. We were directed to a restaurant on the river called Electric. We sat outside on what was a nice, warm day and we both ordered the Roast, a sandwich stuffed with a terrific chicken pesto. A slaw accompanied the sandwich and it was also delicious. We had some nice rosé wine with our meal as well. The service was good, and the prices were very reasonable. Honestly couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant time sitting on the river’s edge on such a pretty day.

Cobh's Waterfront

After lunch we embarked on a 25-minute train trip to the town of Cobh. Cobh was the major port of Irish emigration in the 19th century and it was the last port of call for the Titanic. There is a museum called The Titanic Experience that recounts the ship’s final hours.

The Neo-Gothic St. Colman’s Cathedral stands upon a high hill. It is worth the hike up if only for the views. The best part of town is roaming around the charming streets and enjoying the waterfront. We stopped by Jacobs Ladder Bar, which is situated on the water, and enjoyed the nice view and a relaxing glass of wine on their outside deck. It was quiet compared to the activity in the town's center, and the people were very nice and accommodating.

Cobh

That night we headed off to the Market Lane for dinner. This restaurant is always busy so instead of waiting for a table we settled in at the bar for a light meal both nights we were in town.

The bartenders were friendly and extremely efficient; there is a nice ambiance about the place. Both nights we ordered wine and appetizers. The first night we had the bread with three dips, the duck and the mackerel. The second night we had the same bread, the falafel and the crab. Everything we tried was delicious and the wine was good too. Best of all the staff made us feel at home. We just loved this place.

The next day we took a bus to the town of Kinsale. Out of all the towns we visited on our trip, this was our favorite. Sitting on the bay, flanked on two sides by old star forts, full of history and charm, and loaded with quaint streets lined with inviting shops and restaurants ... Kinsale is a joy.

Kinsale Charm

We wandered the town, popping into one cute store after another. It is unusual for us to shop when on a European vacation, there are too many other things to do, but the stores here beckoned. We bought some very pretty glass items … some gifts and a couple of things for ourselves.

We then boarded the Spirit of Kinsale for a 45-minute cruise around the harbor. It was a lovely day and there was no better way to spend some time than on the water. From the small boat voyagers get a seagull’s view of the town, harbor, both Charles and James Forts, as well as marine life and waterfowl. It’s a nice, relaxing way to spend a bit of time.

Spirit of Kinsale

From the boat we had noticed a waterfront restaurant with a second-floor balcony. Didn’t know a thing about it but imagining having lunch accompanied by a nice view was very enticing. 

Once back on shore we headed toward the restaurant which turned out to be the Vista Wine Bar. As Kinsale was once an important international port for wine trade, and we both happen to love wine, it seemed appropriate. We had a nice time sitting outside on the upper deck. I had the quiche and my husband had a burger ... not at all Irish, but we enjoyed it. The service was good, and the view and reasonable prices could not be beat.

Kinsale Harbor

We hated to leave this sweet little town. It was a great way to end our road trip as the next day we were headed back to Dublin for our last night before returning to the States.

We only had nine full days in Ireland but managed to see quite a lot without feeling rushed. With two weeks, it would be pretty easy to hit all the high points of this beautiful and welcoming country.

A few tips: For first-time travelers to Europe, I would recommend visiting Ireland or the UK. People are friendly and, of course, English is spoken, removing the communication barrier that can sometimes be a problem in other European countries. Unlike the UK, Ireland is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.

Kinsale

Those willing to drive to the left on the twisting roads will have more options of places to stay and to visit while traveling in Ireland. The trains aren’t as plentiful here as they are in most of the European countries that we have visited, but buses and tour guides can fill in the void for those not wishing to rent a car.

For the lowest fares it is advisable to purchase train tickets, especially for longer trips, from home via the Internet (Irish Rail https://www.irishrail.ie/). The earlier the better for the best deals. This applies to anywhere in Europe when buying train tickets. Also, it is always a good idea to have ID, preferably a passport, and the credit card used to purchase the tickets at hand. 

Seats are assigned on most trains, but it is not unusual for someone to already be sitting in a reserved seat. There are two choices in this case: notify the person(s) that they are sitting in a reserved seat, usually the reserved person’s name will be on the tiny screen above the seat, or if the train is not full, find an unreserved seat and settle in.

If flying out of Dublin to the US, it is important to know that passengers go through US Customs and Immigration in Ireland, not in the US. This sounds convenient, but it takes a really long time, so it is necessary to get to the airport extra early, three hours is recommended.

Ireland - Killarney, Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula

From Dublin we took the train to Killarney, which was to be our base for further exploring the Emerald Isle. Our main reasons for staying in Killarney were that it is on the train line and there are options available to those without a car to tour the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, which was our main reason for going to the area. Had we been traveling by car we would have stayed elsewhere, possibly Kenmare, but Killarney was the best bet for our needs.

Evening Falls Over Killarney National Park

Upon arrival we walked about 5 minutes from the train station to our hotel, the International Hotel Killarney. Staying at this hotel was a lovely experience from beginning to end. The hotel is a beautiful step back in time with many grand public rooms for guests to explore and enjoy.

Our executive room exceeded our expectations. The room was spacious with a huge bathroom. We were told it was the nicest room in the hotel, so we felt very lucky. It was nicely appointed with everything you would expect from a fine hotel. The bath had two sinks, which is rare but always nice, a large tub and a separate large shower. There was no refrigerator, but the bar was happy to provide ice and a wine cooler. We even had a little private patio with a table and two chairs.

Torc Waterfall

Breakfast in the lovely dining room was included in our rate. There was a cold buffet set up with a nice selection and a choice of hot breakfast items from a little menu. Because of our room’s location, the free WiFi did not work particularly well, but it was fine in other areas of the hotel. The location in the center of town made everything easily accessible, including walking to the Killarney National Park.

After settling in, we took off for a stroll around the pleasant, but very touristy, town. We then headed off to the National Park. There are many trails for hiking within the park, beautiful lakes, the Torc Waterfall and, sitting on the edge of the park, is the Victorian Muckross House and Farms.

Prior to our trip, I had emailed Jack Hayden of Killarney Tour and Taxi Service to see if he had availability for a Saturday and Sunday tour of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. He responded quickly, provided information on his tours and we booked, all very quick and easy.

Ring of Kerry View

On Saturday an enthusiastic Marie from Killarney Tour picked us up at our hotel. She asked what we would like to do, and we told her we wanted to explore the area but stay away from overly touristy sights. Then off we went around the Ring of Kerry. She was very knowledgeable, friendly and a good driver. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very good, but we saw a lot, including places she had never been to herself.

The scenery, even on a dreary day, was beautiful as we traveled the wiggly roads around the ring. Every turn revealed a picture postcard view. In addition to the scenery we visited old stone structures; stopped by the Kerry Bog Village Museum to explore how the Irish lived and worked in the late 19th Century; posed for a picture with a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin in Waterville; viewed the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle, which was once one of the most impressive castles on the peninsula; and enjoyed lunch at the Moorings Guesthouse and Seafood Restaurant in the tiny town of Portmagee. Upon our return to town we stopped at the Killarney National Park to hike up the short path to the Torc Waterfall.

Ruins of Ballycarbery Castle

We toured the Dingle Peninsula on our second day with Marie. It was still overcast and dreary but pretty nonetheless. More vistas and stone structures were on our agenda including one of Ireland’s best preserved early Christian churches, the Gallarus Oratory, built about 1300 years ago, and the ruined 12th-Century Irish-Romanesque church of Kilmalkedar, which was the Norman center of worship for this part of the peninsula. For lunch we stopped at the sweet little town of Dingle.

Gallarus Oratory

Marie was not only a great tour guide, she was great company, and even though the weather wasn't the best, she made our days delightful & sunny.

We had nice meals while in Killarney, our favorite was the Cellar at the Ross. This restaurant, situated in the cellar of the Ross Hotel, was a delight. Fun decor and good food and service combined to make the evening very enjoyable.

We split an heirloom tomato salad to start. Instead of giving us one dish, they divided the salad onto two nicely presented plates. I always appreciate a restaurant doing this, they just go that extra mile and it makes a difference.

We followed that with the chicken and the fish specials as well as some nice wine. My fish was very good, and my husband said his chicken was the best meal he had in Ireland ... he loved the mix of flavors. We felt the price was reasonable for the quality and overall experience.

Town of Dingle

We also enjoyed a great evening at Bricin. Warm hospitality greets you the minute you arrive at this family-owned restaurant above the family's gift shop. After climbing the stairs the gentile owner warmly welcomes his guests then guides them to a table in one of the restaurant's cozy little nooks.

A Hazy Dingle Peninsula

We had a hard time making our selections from the menu, but settled on the pork and the duck. Both meals were delicious and generous in portions. We also had a nice bottle of wine from Montepuluciano. This is a charming restaurant; you can feel the owner's love for the place.

Treyvaud's was the third restaurant where we enjoyed dinner. This town center establishment is very busy. The night we were there they had a number of large groups, but neither our service nor our food suffered. We had excellent attention and the food was great.

I had the beef and Guinness stew and my husband had the brill. We shared a nice bottle of wine, again from Montepuluciano. I would have liked to have tried many menu items, but we were both happy with our choices. The restaurant was lively with a pleasant interior and good staff. We were lucky to have found three such nice restaurants for dinner during our Killarney visit.

We only touched a small part of what this area has to offer, there is much else to see and do, including islands to explore. A car provides more freedom, but if you don’t have one, you can still find ways to enjoy everything, like we did.

Our next and final base will be the city of Cork. From there we will visit both Cohb and Kinsale.

Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Easy and tasty, these sliders are a healthier alternative to beef or pork sliders. They can be assembled in a snap, especially if you purchase an already roasted chicken, which are a bargain at most warehouse or grocery stores.

Barbecue Chicken Sliders

(Serves 4, 1 slider each.)

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken

• 1/4 cup homemade or favorite store-bought barbecue sauce
• 4 slider buns or small rolls
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or ranch dressing

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce

Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Combine chicken and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly.

Slice each bun in half. Spread the mayonnaise or ranch dressing on the top half of each bun.

Top the bottom half of the buns with the chicken mixture. Top with carrots and lettuce.

Ireland - Dublin, Galway & Kilkenny

It took a while, but we finally made it to Ireland. Being half Irish, it had long been on my bucket list, but for some reason we always flew over on our way to the continent rather than landing on the Emerald Isle.

Colorful Dublin

We started and ended our journey in Dublin with several side trips and stops in between. Upon our arrival we took the Airlink Express bus from the Dublin Airport to the Heuston Rail Station, then headed to our hotel, via the tram, to stow our bags. Once free of luggage, we set off to enjoy some lunch while waiting for our room to be readied.

We ended up at a beautiful restaurant called The Church. As the name implies, the restaurant is housed in a wonderfully renovated church, pipe organ and all. I had fish and chips and my husband had a hot chicken wrap, not very Irish. The ambiance and the wait staff were good. We enjoyed our meal but, although the food was good, we had better in most places we went throughout our stay, and for less money. Still it was a pleasant experience.

Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture

After officially checking into the hotel, we wandered through the Temple Bar area, listened to music and grabbed a drink. We spent the rest of that afternoon and the following day exploring the gems of the city.

We were staying across the river from Temple Bar in an active but quieter part of town. That evening we had dinner at a nearby pub called Lotts Café Bar. The atmosphere was nicer than many of the bars we later visited, and the staff was very friendly. I tried the Coddle, kind of a potato and sausage stew … which was a new experience for me, and my husband had Pork Chops with Apple Cider Gravy. We both enjoyed our meals, the prices were very reasonable, and it was the perfect cozy way to end our very long day of travel.

Trinity Library

For lovers of books, particularly illuminated manuscripts, a visit to the Book of Kells and the old library at Trinity College is a must. The displayed pages of the book are beautiful as are the additional books on display. The tall shelves of rare books in the library are also quite impressive. We booked tickets online and fast-tracked into the library ... for a few Euros more, we felt it was well worth it to skip the lines.

After our library visit, we headed off to St. Stephen’s Green. The Green is a lovely park and provides an opportunity for people to get away from the crowds and enjoy a stroll or a picnic. After roaming the park, we then stopped by the nearby Shelbourne hotel to enjoy lunch amid a bit of old-time luxury. The Shelbourne is a true Grande Dame of a hotel. There are a few bars for casual eating, a fine dining restaurant, and the Lord Mayor’s Lounge which boasts a fancy afternoon tea.

St. Stephen’s Green

We passed by the Gaiety Theatre numerous times where Riverdance was on stage. We thought what better place was there to see it than in Dublin, so we checked with the box office and were delighted to get tickets. It was a wonderful show, we thoroughly enjoyed it and felt so lucky to see it in Ireland.

There is something for everyone in Dublin. There are whisky tours and, of course, the Guinness visitor center for those wishing to sample some of Ireland’s most famous drinks. Museums abound including the Irish Emigration Museum and the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology and Dublin Castle. Amusing statues can be spotted all around the city and there is a botanical garden and a zoo as well.

In addition to pubs, there are good seafood places to dine. We stopped by the Fish Shack Café for lunch one day, nothing fancy but we found it to be very enjoyable. The service was friendly, and our fish and chips were light and flavorful. The price was reasonable for the nice sized portions.

Dublin Castle

For those tired of Irish fare, we discovered two nice Italian restaurants. Il Vicoletto is a lovely Italian restaurant conveniently located in the city center, yet a little away from all the hustle and bustle. The restaurant is small and quaint, reservations would be advised. We enjoyed our dinner, starting with the Caprese di Bufala salad. The Seafood Pasta and the Veal Scaloppine were both excellent. The wine selection was good as was the service.

We came upon Ciao Bella Roma by chance and were so glad we did. We were given a table downstairs where it was nice and quiet. We ordered two appetizers and split a pizza. We also ordered a bottle of wine from their nice selection. The Caprese Salad and Seafood Salad were both very fresh and good, and the pizza was delicious. The staff were busy, but it didn't prevent them from providing excellent service at this reasonable restaurant. We enjoyed our evening so much that on our return to Dublin for our last night, we dined there again.

Children as Foodies

Our grandkids are getting older now, it's hard to believe that the two oldest will head off to college this fall. They all live out of state and we don't get to see them as much as we would like, especially now with a raging pandemic. 

It's fun to look back on visits and remember the good times we had, especially cooking up meals together. The first year we discovered what little foodies the three Boston kids were was when the girls, Emma then age 7 and Abby then 9, along with their little brother who was not quite 3, came to visit. The girls loved to cook and enjoyed watching food programs. I found it quite amazing that kids their ages were so interested in the preparation and sampling of food.

Chef Abby, Stirring Things Up

From the moment they walked in, both girls were very interested in what was going on in the kitchen. They wanted to pitch in and help make all the food. Over tired from not feeling well, a busy week and little sleep, I was messing up everywhere ... burning my mustard sauce for the salmon, almost pouring custard into the ice cream maker without having inserted the freezer bowl, etc. ...  I threw in the towel, but the girls were right on their game ... very willing to finish the ice cream for me (hmm, I wonder why).

Through the week we picked herbs and chopped them, made pizza dough and pizza sauce, cooked ribs and homemade barbecue sauce, wrapped up fajitas and egg rolls, made pasta, and shrimp Provençal … you name it, we did it, and we had a lot of fun in the process.

 Chef Emma, Doing Double Duty

I don’t think Emma and Abby were typical for their ages. I’ve seen a lot of fussy kids that have about three items in their “what they will eat” repertoire. These girls enjoyed the usual kid menu items ... chicken fingers, noodles, etc. (of course, don't we all like that stuff?) ... but they were taught to at least try a wide variety of food. They didn’t like every single thing we made, but they did taste it all.

And it wasn't just the girls. Their younger brother Gavin, twice had mussels for lunch ... yucky looking mussels! Thinking back to when I was young, although we ate a lot of seafood, I can't imagine that I would have eaten mussels ... I don't think I tried a mussel until I was well into adulthood.

Gavin, Champion Mussel Eater

It was nice to see young kids so interested in a wide range of foods ... happily munching on things like mussels, calamari and brie cheese (what kid prefers brie cheese over American??). At that age they had already developed palates more sophisticated than many adults.

Although I hate to endorse TV watching, the food programs the kids watched might have had a positive influence on them. They learned about different ingredients and culinary terms that they might not otherwise have been exposed to.

But, of course, the majority of the credit for raising good eaters goes to their parents. Their mom and dad are both excellent cooks that appreciate good food. They taught their children to do the same and to be adventurous ... and that, I think, is a great thing ... because good food should truly be appreciated and enjoyed, no matter one's age.