weekend bites

THIS WEEK I’LL BE EATING...

... fresh peas from the garden. The amount is declining as I wait for the second sowing to produce so I’ll eke them out in dishes like this one. I pick and pod as many peas as I can, blanch them and plunge in cold water. I then tear up mozzarella, pop on the peas, grate lemon zest over, drizzle with olive oil and finally add some crisped prosciutto for a salty crunch and some finely chopped mint for freshness.

LET THEM EAT CAKE!

An analysis of online searches for cake recipes has revealed that Europe’s top choice is, surprisingly, tiramisu. It was the most searched for recipe in France, Belgium and, of course, Italy. Cheesecake was top in Greece and in the Czech Republic.

Poland remained loyal to home with mazurek, a very sweet combination of pastry and sponge. Spain, home of the glorious torta di Santiago, favoured carrot cake! Ireland didn’t feature but the UK went with chocolate cake.

TEA-SY DOES IT

Solaris Botanicals, based in Galway, points out that pesticides and other chemicals that have long been banned in the EU are still commonly used in Asia. This is one reason why the company’s teas – both herbal and conventional – are all organically grown. It has an interesting offer at present: a heatresistant tea pot, insulated drinking cup, a bamboo tray and three of its teas for €54.95. Its website is fascinating and reflects the fact that Jörg Müller is a master tea blender and medical herbalist. Visit solarisbotanicals.com

THE GREAT (AND TASTY) OUTDOORS

I’m often asked on Twitter to recommend Dublin restaurants where you can eat outside this summer. Well, here’s a very personal selection: old school French at La Maison on Castle Market, cracking pizza and cocktails on the rooftop of Yarn near the Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Garner’s eclectic cuisine at Bresson in Monkstown, and super seafood at Michael’s in Mount Merrion. And don’t forget that Princes Street in Cork has been pedestrianised and has some good food, especially at Nash 19.