‘I’ll eat almost anything!’
What did your mother make you? We were very lucky to grow up beside the sea, so we regularly had freshly caught fish and shellfish, and my father grew vegetables down in the garden.
What’s the first dish you ever cooked? I have many happy memories of being in the kitchen as a child, whether I was making home-made candles on the stove — don’t ask — or attempting a batch of ‘queen cakes’, which are now known as cupcakes.
What is your comfort food? Mashed potatoes and gravy.
What is your hangover cure? Being hung-over is a rarity for me, but in a way, I enjoy it, as I feel — foolishly — that it gives me free rein to eat whatever I want, be it fatty or sugary, or usually both!
What do you drink? I’m a lover of tea, and I’m having a moment with the soy cappuccino right now, and veg juices. I enjoy a delicious glass of red. And I love a refreshing G&T.
If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be? Do I think practically or indulgently? Simply on taste factor, it would be hummus; granola; and chocolate.
How important is food to you? Massively. Besides it being essential, it’s such a pleasurable, sociable and fulfilling activity. As they say, food can be medicine or poison, it all depends on how you use it. But I like to believe that a little of what you fancy doesn’t do you any harm!
What do you refuse to eat? I’ll eat almost anything, but I wouldn’t be a huge fan of overly spicy foods; I struggle with jalapenos.
Are you careful about what you eat? Yes and no. I know how important it is to eat right, but like many of us, I like to indulge, too. Having had thyroid cancer and, as a result, taking medication to regulate my metabolism, I do feel I have to work that bit harder to keep my weight in check. I’ve never been skinny, nor do I want to be — being healthy and happy is more important to me than anything else.
If you decide to eat healthily, what’s the regime? When I’m super healthy, I will try to cut out bad carbohydrates and excess sugars from my diet. So plenty of vegetables, especially greens; lots of good sources of protein; good fats; fruit; lots of water and herbal teas, but I can’t give up regular tea and coffee.
What’s your perfect family meal? A roast with all the trimmings. A
Sile Seoige is MC at the Aldi marquee at the National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, from September 20-22. Events include cookery demos, the brown bread competition and performances by music star, Mike Denver. See npa.ie In conversation with Sophie White Photo by Kip Carroll