THESE certainly do not have to be served together, it’s just an option for either to be cooked.
It all starts with a basic risotto brought half way through the cooking stage and then it is transformed when the different flavourings are added.

Smoked butternut squash risotto

WHAT YOU NEED
1L of stock
knob of butter
olive oil
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
2 shallots finely sliced
400g risotto rice
splash of white wine (optional)
sea salt flakes
150g Parmesan cheese
50g butter
1/2 a butternut squash roasted with hickory chips
For the garnish
Fresh thyme leaves
Pumpkin seeds – toasted
Cooked bacon pieces

AS is my want, the fft page needs a little fish and this dish might be very well known to most but it is a great little treat for me.  Two years ago I was introduced to a chilli prawn dish that was second to none and this is an adaptation with a few additions.

WHAT YOU NEED
1 medium onion finely diced
1 red pepper finely diced
1 bunch of asparagus spears
1 tblsp dried chilli flakes
1 clove of garlic crushed and chopped
100g of butter
75g linguini pasta per person
300g tiger prawns

Teatime or breakfast, this little treat is a real find and something that brings a hot breakfast to a nice new level for me.
So, for some tasty eggs with a little twist, try this.

WHAT YOU NEED
1 medium onion
1 clove of garlic
200ml of passata
Salt flakes
Dash of sherry vinegar
Ground black pepper
2 free range eggs per portion
Toasted duck loaf – “tis yer only man”
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Olive oil

twas the backbone of all lunch boxes

IRELAND …….. The only place where…….. 
• When you were young, you went to bed when Glenroe was over, 
 • If you die from alcohol poisoning, you’re considered a lightweight, 
• ‘Fuck off’ means ‘Are you serious?’, … 
• The person that you insult most is probably your best friend,
• Saying ‘I will yea’ means that you definitely won’t, 
• “Fuck it, its grand’ means that you couldn’t be bothered to finish it properly, 
• ‘Hes fond of a drink’ means he suffers from severe life-threatening alcoholism, 
• Saying you’re going for a drink means you might not be seen again for 3 days, 
• Crisps are called ‘Taytos’ and fizzy drinks are called ‘minerals’, 
• ‘For the craic’ is the best reason for doing anything, 
• The best cure for a hangover is more drink, 
• Nobody can go a day without saying ‘Jaysus’,

These were a few food pics that I had on #thetwitter during the week and here are the recipes for just some quick comfort foods.

Salt and pepper Squid

This is a great little fast food dish of salt and chilli pepper squid with a mango salsa.

WHAT TO DO

Simply deep-fry rings of fresh squid coated in breadcrumbs with chilli flakes, sea salt, a tablespoon of cornflour and cracked black pepper.
Deep fry the rings in hot oil until crispy and serve with a dollop of Natures Bounty Mango salsa….. a personal favourite at the moment.

WHAT YOU NEED
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 peach, sliced (skin on)
1 strips lemon peel (yellow part only)
3 cups chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
3 tbsp gelatin powder
fresh peach slices and mint, for garnish

Some will go big and others might like to have just plenty of little dishes to nibble. Many people have said that tucking into a big hearty meal is not the way to go and I might like to agree. So why not try several small dishes and make time to share the food and company.

Fresh Oysters with relish and scented oil