The General Chat Thread

iwantmydinner · 21-03-2015 06:47PM

I used to get a porter cheese in superquinn, mother Mary it was divine

pampootie · 22-03-2015 07:36PM

IvyTheTerrible wrote: »

I like a gratin of chicory with cured ham. I don't have a recipe, I just wrap each chicory with a slice of ham, put them in an oven proof dish, cover with bechamel sauce (with a nice bit of nutmeg added), and covered with grated cheese. Cook at 180C for 30 mins ish.

Made this today. Had lardons which needed using so fried those first and added them instead of ham. Also threw in some cauliflower to bulk it out a bit. Delish, thanks Ivy!

kylith · 23-03-2015 10:17AM

The cupboard was bare when I got home from being away on Saturday so I did a mahoosive shop in Lidl, the guy at the checkout gave me some weird looks while scanning through a kilo of button mushrooms, a pack of chestnut mushrooms, and some flat mushrooms, then a kilo of cherry tomatoes, some normal tomatoes, and some green tomatoes. What can I say? I like tomato soup and mushroom soup

Now the fridge shelves are groaning under the weight and I'm a happy camper.

I was impressed by the selection in Lidl - the cherry tomato packs had normal ones, yellow ones, and green ones, and there was a green variety of normal tomatoes too. I've never seen that kind of variety in any Tesco I've ever been in.

Harry Palmr · 23-03-2015 10:43AM

help!

I'm a fan of hot water pastry as its so easy and quick, but its really meant for savoury
cooking, has anyone tried it with sugar in the mix? I'm bored with apple crumble and though I'd make a pie this week.

BaZmO* · 23-03-2015 10:49AM

kylith wrote: »

The cupboard was bare when I got home from being away on Saturday so I did a mahoosive shop in Lidl, the guy at the checkout gave me some weird looks while scanning through a kilo of button mushrooms, a pack of chestnut mushrooms, and some flat mushrooms, then a kilo of cherry tomatoes, some normal tomatoes, and some green tomatoes. What can I say? I like tomato soup and mushroom soup

Now the fridge shelves are groaning under the weight and I'm a happy camper.

I was impressed by the selection in Lidl - the cherry tomato packs had normal ones, yellow ones, and green ones, and there was a green variety of normal tomatoes too. I've never seen that kind of variety in any Tesco I've ever been in.

I always find Lidl to be the best for fresh veg. They always seem to be super fresh too, unlike some of the Irish supermarkets. Great prices too.

Dizzyblonde · 23-03-2015 10:58AM

Harry Palmr wrote: »

help!

I'm a fan of hot water pastry as its so easy and quick, but its really meant for savoury
cooking, has anyone tried it with sugar in the mix? I'm bored with apple crumble and though I'd make a pie this week.

My mother used to make apple tarts with hot water pastry once she heard about it, and they weren't nearly as nice as the ones made with normal shortcrust pastry. I know it's a pain having to let it rest in the fridge before rolling it out but it's worth it.

Maglight · 23-03-2015 11:01AM

pampootie wrote: »

Made this today. Had lardons which needed using so fried those first and added them instead of ham. Also threw in some cauliflower to bulk it out a bit. Delish, thanks Ivy!

If you get chicory again it makes a lovely salad with slices of fresh orange and vinagrette

Loire · 23-03-2015 11:02AM

kylith wrote: »

The cupboard was bare when I got home from being away on Saturday so I did a mahoosive shop in Lidl, the guy at the checkout gave me some weird looks while scanning through a kilo of button mushrooms, a pack of chestnut mushrooms, and some flat mushrooms, then a kilo of cherry tomatoes, some normal tomatoes, and some green tomatoes. What can I say? I like tomato soup and mushroom soup

Now the fridge shelves are groaning under the weight and I'm a happy camper.

I was impressed by the selection in Lidl - the cherry tomato packs had normal ones, yellow ones, and green ones, and there was a green variety of normal tomatoes too. I've never seen that kind of variety in any Tesco I've ever been in.

If you like mushroom soup and have chestnuts, I'd highly recommend this recipe - made it the Xmas before last and it's delicious

http://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/food/recipes/2014/0219/4244-chestnut-and-wild-mushroom-soup-with-smoked-duck/

Loire.

MissFlitworth · 23-03-2015 11:17AM

What say ye all? I'm leaning towards 'NOPE!' with a side order of curiosity. I would like someone else to get one for Easter so I can try a little.

kylith · 23-03-2015 11:27AM

MissFlitworth wrote: »

What say ye all? I'm leaning towards 'NOPE!' with a side order of curiosity. I would like someone else to get one for Easter so I can try a little.

<Marmite egg>

That sounds really interesting. I prefer Vegemite to Marmite, but I'd like to try that egg. Where sells them, do you know?

MissFlitworth · 23-03-2015 11:36AM

That was in Fallon & Byrne

€16 quid though, although might pick one up cheaper after Easter!

Dizzyblonde · 23-03-2015 12:23PM

Ick ick ick!

kylith · 23-03-2015 01:14PM

BaZmO* wrote: »

I always find Lidl to be the best for fresh veg. They always seem to be super fresh too, unlike some of the Irish
supermarkets. Great prices too.

You certainly can't beat the price! I'd actually be curious to know what I'd have paid for the same shop in Tesco.

Loire wrote: »

If you like mushroom soup and have chestnuts, I'd highly recommend this recipe - made it the Xmas before last and it's delicious

http://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/food/recipes/2014/0219/4244-chestnut-and-wild-mushroom-soup-with-smoked-duck/

Loire.

Looks delicious, but a bit more effort than I'd usually go to for a work-day lunch. I usually use this one http://damndelicious.net/2014/05/10/cream-mushroom-soup/

Shenshen · 23-03-2015 02:49PM

MissFlitworth wrote: »

What say ye all? I'm leaning towards 'NOPE!' with a side order of curiosity. I would like someone else to get one for Easter so I can try a little.

My husband's a big marmite afficionado, so I got him a bar of that chocolate for christmas.

I have to report that he's also a massive whimp, because that bar of chocolate still sits on our coffee table entirely unopened.

beertons · 23-03-2015 03:22PM

My missus would absolutely love that. I think I'll keep the other one I got for her, and replace it with that.

dee_mc · 23-03-2015 08:53PM

Aaaaaargh moment number 1: Dropped my favourite chef's knife and broke the tip off
Aaaaaargh moment number 2 (ongoing): can't find the f*&^ing tip

Loire · 23-03-2015 08:56PM

dee_mc wrote: »

Aaaaaargh moment number 1: Dropped my favourite chef's knife and broke the tip off
Aaaaaargh moment number 2 (ongoing): can't find the f*&^ing tip

That's tough news. Have a glass of wine and think of the positives.....

You get to buy a new knife

:D

dee_mc · 23-03-2015 09:06PM

Loire wrote: »

That's tough news. Have a glass of wine and think of the positives.....

You get to buy a new knife :D

It's part of a lovely block that's only about 2 years old... but hey, I can always buy a whole new block

BaZmO* · 23-03-2015 09:16PM

I think you could get it reground.

dee_mc · 23-03-2015 09:28PM

BaZmO* wrote: »

I think you could get it reground.

I wondered about that, it's not something I've had to do before so wasn't even sure if it was an option; until I find the tip I won't know for sure but I think there's about three quarters of an inch gone, so quite a lot, but will get someone to have a look at it

BaZmO* · 23-03-2015 10:04PM

dee_mc wrote: »

I wondered about that, it's not something I've had to do before so wasn't even sure if it was an option; until I find the tip I won't know for sure but I think there's about three quarters of an inch gone, so quite a lot, but will get someone to have a look at it

You need to speak to Deise Musashi (our resident knife guru). What he doesn't know about knives isn't worth knowing!

He's reground a few steak knives for me a while ago. An old housemate had the really annoying habit of opening tins with them and as a result the tips on some of them ended up getting broken off :rolleyes:
Luckily enough Deise Musashi was able to fix them!

Drop him a PM

dee_mc · 23-03-2015 10:10PM

BaZmO* wrote: »

You need to speak to Deise Musashi (our resident knife guru). What he doesn't know about knives isn't worth knowing!

He's reground a few steak knives for me a while ago. An old housemate had the really annoying habit of opening tins with them and as a result the tips on some of them ended up getting broken off :rolleyes:
Luckily enough Deise Musashi was able to fix them!

Drop him a PM

Thanks so much for the recommendation, I hadn't even started looking so you've saved me a lot of flailing about searching for someone to do it! Cheers!

oscarBravo · 23-03-2015 11:10PM

BaZmO* wrote: »

An old housemate had the really annoying habit of opening tins with them...

Has his body ever been found?

The Black Oil · 24-03-2015 08:38AM

Have to invest in some banana protector things. Bringing them in an ordinary bag is no use.

BaZmO* · 24-03-2015 08:51AM

The Black Oil wrote: »

Have to invest in some banana protector things. Bringing them in an ordinary bag is no use.

Is that a euphemism?

Lovely Bloke · 24-03-2015 08:59AM

The Black Oil wrote: »

Have to invest in some banana protector things. Bringing them in an ordinary bag is no use.

The bananas I buy come with their own protective system.

Are you peeling them before putting them in the bag?

emaleth · 24-03-2015 01:00PM

tampopo wrote: »

more than 6 months ago, afaik, the price is the same, you just get less....:mad:

AND it's a bloody weird goopy texture. They've reduced the fat content, the cheapskates, and shoved in a load of gums and stabilisers instead. All I want is the sodding one pound block that used to be everywhere, but noooooooo.

seventeen sheep · 26-03-2015 07:02PM

There's a website called "First 1000 days" where you can order a free recipe book, it's aimed at families with young kids, but actually a lot of the recipes are suitable for all ages. I'd highly recommend it!

There are some great ideas in there. Several of my friends and family members (who don't have kids) have ordered it after seeing my copy.

Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone here might have use for it! It's probably aimed moreso at novice cooks rather than the more experienced chefs. I find it great, anyways!

CarpeDiem85 · 27-03-2015 12:16AM

The Black Oil wrote: »

Have to invest in some banana protector things. Bringing them in an ordinary bag is no use.

What are they?

I go through bananas by the bunch. They go brown so quick, even just taking them from the shop. It's annoying.

dee_mc · 27-03-2015 01:22AM

Apparently bananas keep longer if you separate them from one another instead if keeping them as a bunch. There's something about wrapping foil around their tops too can't remember is that to delay ripening too?
The banana holder thing is a yellow, plastic, banana shaped box... I have an onion holder, similar idea, which my brother got me for Christmas one year (oh how we laughed) but yeah it's actually great, use it all the time!

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