A Year In Redwood

The past few weeks have been hectic… all in a good way.  We’ve been cooking, doing deliveries, been interviewed and photographed, and doing all the other routine daily stuff which makes the time just fly by.  And it looks like the coming weeks of May are going to be equally as busy.  So we definitely cannot complain.

The hectic spell started with Alfie doing a big cook-off in Portroe Diving Centre.  They had a major Dive Equipment trial day.  A great opportunity for divers to come along and try out some of the amazing equipment that was available to try for free.  However, neither of us were diving…. we were on the food drill.

We had a lovely surprise while we were down at Portroe as some of our old crew from the diving school days in Dublin, decided to make a day trip down to catch up with us when they heard we were doing the cooking!  Thanks guys – it was so lovely to catch up and have the same old laughs! 🙂

Someday I will write about our lives running a diving school in Dublin.

The weather was wonderful.  A bit cold.  But clear blue skies and sunshine.  Have you ever been to Portroe quarry?  I think it is such a beautiful spot.  Bleak, stark but beautiful all the same.  Every time I go there I think what a beautiful space for art or photography workshops – the light is amazing.

We’d originally thought of doing a spit roast, but then Alfie thought he’d have a great range of ‘tasters’ for his burgers!  So burgers it was!  Alfie has been working on various burger recipes for some time.  We’d had some food bloggers here last year to try out two types, but I think this time round he has nailed the recipe!

The burgers got a big thumbs up from a bunch of hungry divers in April, and last Saturday they were put to further test!!!

For months we had been trying to find a good date for Mona & The Chef (with kids) to come visit, and finally last Saturday suited everyone.

Thankfully, once again the day was dry and there was some sunshine.  Again no warmth though! Are we ever going to get Summer?

The Wise family arrived…. the kids were delighted to meet the new stripey baby pigs.  They helped Alfie feed all the pigs (and even sneaked a few extra bits to the pigs too!)   The pigs were never as well fed as they were on Saturday last!  Hand-picked nice bits from the magic trailer, hand delivered to each pig!  You should have seen the state of the clothes going home!  Hope we’ll be forgiven! 🙂

The dogs have new friends for life!

Alfie once again cooked his burgers…. which received the following comments….

Jack (7):  “Dad’s are best”   Diplomat in the making here.

Simone (10) “Just the best burgers ever’    A charmer!

Louise (6)   “There as nice as Dad’s”  The peacemaker!

Rory (8)     No comment.  The lawyer!

And the recipe:

• 1 lb pork mince  (20% fat content)
• 30 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 med. onion sliced, and softened.
• 1 med. egg beaten
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds – crushed
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp chilli flakes – crushed
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp lard (optional)

Method:

Mix all the ingredients together.  At this stage you can either divide and shape your burgers, or leave the mix in a bowl.  Either way leave to refrigerate overnight to allow flavours to infuse.

If you decide to leave the mix to refrigerate overnight and make your burgers the next morning, you can place in the freezer for an hour or two, so they hold their shape better.

And while the boys did the barbecuing, the girls all got involved in making salad!

Serve up with a colourful salad!

Thank you to Mona for some of the wonderful photos!