My Favourite Autumn Recipes

by Jess | Oct 27, 2014 | 0 comments

After all that talk about how much I love fall in my most recent blog post I decided to round up my favourite autumn recipes and share them with you. Do you ever take a moment to flip through your recipe collection and reminisce? It’s like digging the box of your autumn wardrobe out of storage and discovering that favourite sweater you had forgotten about. 

I try to savour every moment in the kitchen this time of year, whether it’s thoughtfully stirring a pot of soup or the zen of kneading silken bread dough. Recipes that require more time and effort also offer a welcome moment of quiet solace and contemplation. I hope these recipes inspire you to slow down a bit and enjoy the season.

Pumpkin Soup

Pear, Cheddar and Caramelized Onion Tart

Irish Halloween Barmbrack

Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Get Cozy with Yummy Supper Cookbook Giveaway!

by Jess | Oct 9, 2014 | 20 comments

Hello friends! It’s been awhile…summer is gone and it’s officially time for autumn tarts, soups and stews. After a year and a half in Ireland I unexpectedly got the opportunity to go home to the United States for the entire month of September. I spent a lot of time giving piggy back rides to my niece and nephew, catching up with my sister over a 5:00am cuppa and savouring much needed hugs from Mom. That was my first visit home since moving abroad, and to be honest, leaving my family again felt even harder than the initial move. Now that I’ve gotten through the jet lag and settled into my favourite time of year (fall), it does feel good to be home in Ireland again. I love cooking in autumn. It’s all about comfort food and warmth. I love the earthy flavours of mushrooms and the heady aroma of woody herbs. I love rolling out pastry in a nice cool kitchen. I love stirring a big pot of simmering stew on the stovetop.  

Sneak Peak: Caribbean Carrot and Mango Salad Recipe from My New eBook

by Jess | Aug 21, 2014 | 2 comments

Bonjour! Today I’ve got a recipe sneak peak to share with you from my new eBook, “Deliciously Healthy Summer.” Here in Ireland summer has vanished in an instant. The light is softer and the sun seems to linger shyly on the horizon. A fresh breeze whips through the trees and I’m pulling out the jackets and tights. It may be a bit sad to say goodbye to summer, but I do think this glimpse of autumn feels like heaven. Though the weather is changing I believe we have yet to see the peak of summer harvest here in Ireland, so you’ve still got a month or two to enjoy recipes from “Deliciously Healthy Summer.” 

My Caribbean Carrot and Mango Salad is inspired by flavours I discovered in St. Lucia on my honeymoon 7 years ago. The food was unlike anything I had ever experienced in the United States, where I’m from. My husband and I stayed at a beautiful beachside resort called Anse Chastanet. Each day we enjoyed lunch on the beach, a buffet featuring spicy curries alongside refreshing salads reminiscent of the recipe I share with you today. Caribbean cuisine is a mix of influences, including European, Indian, Asian and Creole. The food was bold, colourful and healthy– exactly what you would want on a beach vacation.  

Break Out of Your Cooking Rut with Deliciously Healthy Summer

by Jess | Aug 7, 2014 | 2 comments

Helloooo there! Today I’m thrilled to finally announce the release of my first eBook, “Deliciously Healthy Summer.” I’ve been working like crazy to get these recipes tested and photographed so you can enjoy them now, during the peak of the season! “Deliciously Healthy Summer” is like a mix tape of some of my favourite recipes. This compilation is simple and fun, like the Pharrel Williams song, Happy. Late summer is a time of overwhelming bounty, but it’s easy to get stuck in a routine making the same salad over and over again. I’m here to help you break out of your cooking rut and get creative with summer produce. My aim is to introduce you to a few new tunes and shake things up in your kitchen.

“Deliciously Healthy Summer” is a collection of 14 salads and main courses to get your creativity flowing. You’ll find a wide variety of dishes, including lamb, chicken, pork and seafood, all surrounded by a generous serving of vegetables and fruits. These recipes are fresh and light, brightly coloured and boldly flavoured–exactly what you want to eat during the hottest days of the year. I’ve also included a guide to my summer pantry with ideas for effortlessly putting vibrant, healthy meals on the table every day.

Cool it Down or Spice it Up: My Favourite Summer Recipes

by Jess | Jul 17, 2014 | 6 comments

All that talk about summer grilling in my previous blog post made me a bit nostalgic. I’ve gone through the La Domestique archives and plucked out a few of my favourite recipes for high summer. It’s all about keeping the cooking simple and quick. Get out of the kitchen as much as possible and fire up the grill. These dishes range from bold and punchy to light and refreshing. Whether you’re looking to cool down or spice it up, I’ve got something fun for you.  

Mussels Cooked In Rosé

Grilled Scallions with Romesco

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Poached Fish with Tomato-Saffron Broth and Garden Vegetables

Grilled Squid with Tomatoes and Basil

Watermelon Granita with Mint and Lime

Strawberry Tart

Tomato Salad with Grilled Shrimp, Corn and Chilli-Lime Vinaigrette