I’ve been on half term over the past few weeks which has been pretty packed full!
Admittedly the first week was pretty boring as I did all of my book work for college (I’m surprised too!) but we’ve been in Ireland over last week, which is a bit more fun! We got the flight out to Belfast on Monday and after unpacking we enjoyed a serious meal out at a nice little Irish pub called ‘The Pheasant’. One thing I’ve noticed is they really like their butter out there. I had a big slab of melting butter on my onion mash – but hey I’m not complaining!
On Tuesday we really did the whole tourist thing. After a trip to the local town for a clothes shop (because I don’t enough clothes!) and fish market we headed off to the Bushmills Whisky Distillery. We had a tour around the factory which was surprisingly interesting and then we got to try some whisky. I went for the honey whisky and I can say without hesitation that Whisky is disgusting and it tastes like nail varnish remover – not that I’ve tried nail varnish remover but I’m pretty sure that’s what it tastes like. Funnily enough Dad was happy to finish mine! We then visited the Giant’s Causeway which was pretty spectacular but as it was a cold and windy day we didn’t stick around for long!
Next we came across the fantastic trees, I know that sounds pretty stupid but they really look like something out of a fairy tale. Whilst we were there we noticed there was a mini bus carrying some people on the ‘Game Of Thrones Tour’. So apparently that forest is pretty famous!
Our last stop that day was at a great restaurant in Victoria Square, Belfast called Cosmo. Cosmo is a huge eat as much as you can buffet with all types of cuisine cooked fantastically. And trust me, we took good advantage of the eat as much as you can bit!
On Wednesday we travelled cross-country and saw all of the fantastic views that Ireland has to offer. We then came across a little harbour which had lots of little seals bobbing up and down in it which was pretty fantastic!
Thursday was our last day in Ireland. In the morning we visited ‘The Titanic experience’ which was incredible. If you’re visiting Ireland I’d say it’s well worth a visit. It runs through all of the shipping Yard’s history and covers the Titanic sinking very well. I won’t spoil it for you in case you do go but It’s really got some crazy life like experiences and adventures inside.
We then went to the ‘Dirty Duck’ in Belfast for lunch – where the food is great and the portion sizes, even greater! We got the plane back to England that night.
The next day I was up in London for a health and Wellbeing day in Euston. It was a really useful and informative day and I’m pretty glad I went. In the evening we went out with some friends in Rochester to a lovely little Thai restaurant. It was a fun evening with great company!
Recently I’ve really gotten into courgettes and a recipe I learnt in my first year at college was courgette provencal. When I’m at home I do it a bit more rustically though (because I’m lazy) but it still tastes pretty good. It goes great with a roast or just as a quick side with some pork chops or chicken thighs. It’s really pretty easy!
Courgette Provencal:
Ingredients:
- 1 courgette
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- some olive oil
- Salt and Pepper
Method:
- Thinly slice the courgette. Chop the onion and grind the garlic. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Sweat the onion and garlic in olive oil until mostly soft.
- Add the slices of courgette and cook for a few minutes or until the courgettes are soft but still have a slight crunch.
- Add the cherry tomatoes until they start to soften and some of the juices are released.
- Season to taste and serve.
Cooking and Cancer 