Caitriona Redmond

Mission: convert 2kg of strawberries into another format that stores for months. Plus… make sure it fits into your small kitchen storage.
✔️ Accomplished!

I dehydrated 2kg of strawberries using a dehydrator set to 55 degrees Celsius. It took 48 hours in total. The volume reduced enough to fit the strawberries into a jam jar.

They can be reconstituted by soaking in a little warm water - this works better than with freezer dried strawberries. Dried strawberries work better in baking for me than fresh. Plus drying the fruit amps up the flavour.

The dustbin eats these like sweets!

First harvest. 🥔

Tucking the plants in after college. The nightly routine in Summer!

Slug watch continued this weekend. We discovered some unused solar lights in a shed cleanup so they’ve brightened up the fruit cage. I’ve given in and acquired a head torch to help identify the pesky ones!

That’s the last long weekend for me. 9 weeks until my final exams. Because I started my Springboard+ course in January intake, we study right up until August!

Still in great news I’ve had an offer of a Masters for September. 🎉 Provisional on my results of course!

The real family review!

I am getting into a habit of making slow cooker meals on college days because I can grab my own dinner early and then leave the rest there for the lads. This completely fitted the bill.

We ate half, then stored half for a dinner the following week. All 3 of the lads ended up in the 'clean plates club' and when I asked them what they thought they said 'lovely'.

That is all I ever want to hear!

C # # #

The real family review!

You'll need to trust me on this one - leave the cake to cool completely and the flavour improves overnight.

The picky one horsed into this cake and ate away at it over a few days. He couldn't believe it was made with leftover bread.

The dustbin once again didn't notice it was on the counter in time and missed out.

Himself decided he wasn't pushed when I sliced the gur cake and then grabbed a slice that evening for supper and was in for a very pleasant surprise! He was over the moon.

I really really enjoyed it and brought half the batch into college the following day to share. I always love telling the story behind Gur Cake and the term "Gurrier". It's going to be a hit everytime. My classmates were very generous and it satisfied everyone except the dried fruit haters. 😜

The real family review!

I wish I could say that I adored these particular scones. They smelled incredible and I'm reliably informed that they are delectable with butter and strawberry conserve.

Except I left the scones wrapped inside of a tea towel on the counter overnight. Silly me!

They disappeared as breakfast and lunchboxes. Boys were happy. Me not so much!!!

C # # #

I think we should all have a throne to sit on don’t you? Consider this proof that my trip on Na Fianna Force at Emerald Park was not my last and that I had an absolute ball yesterday. There’s more on this story to come and I can’t wait to share later on this week. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about then check out my previous 2 posts/reels. 🎢🙈😂

C # # #

Today is 🐝 World Bee Day & this is our liquid gold. Protecting bees and pollinators along with as many native beekeepers is essential to biodiversity. Here is some info for you about bees!

🐝 You can help the bees (and other pollinators) in your garden by leaving areas of grass uncut, not spraying, having an area where they can shelter like a 'bug hotel'.

🐝 On our allotment we operate a pull/hoe policy and don't spray. We use bark as ground cover which is ideal for sheltering all kinds of pollinators, we also have a set area for a bug hotel. If you're growing your own food these are great methods to employ in your garden or allotment.

🐝 The honey is an indicator of what’s being grown in our area. The past few years there’s been ALOT of rapeseed in our area. That presents a challenge if we want to collect the honey which ends up very hard and crystallised. Equally, the flavour of the honey varies by what the bees have been feeding upon and the time of the year. Each hive produces unique honey with a unique flavour profile.

🐝 As individuals we can ask questions of our Local Authorities, businesses, and organisations about their pollinator plans and how their developments impact on bees and other pollinators. Likewise farmers in your area.

🐝 If your company manages weeds/growth on their premises by spraying then it's an opportune time to discuss your company policies and spark a change.

🐝 I will rarely share a photo or video of our bees. Did you know they can be very sensitive to electrical items and items that give off a signal? If the lads are in beesuits and have a bluetooth headset on it's like a red flag.

🐝 Honey is an incredible antiseptic and can contribute to healing boils and wounds. Local raw honey can be the solution to certain types of seasonal hayfever too. However, raw honey can be dangerous for infants and people with a low immune system.

🐝 Honey has an EXTREMELY long shelf life provided it's stored properly. In fact, honey has been found inside of ancient tombs that is still edible.

🐝 We don't keep bees commercially and the honey is very much a peripheral benefit. The bees and their pollination is far more important to us!

The real family review!

Cake with cream is apparently the equivalent of a main meal with an egg on top. Himself was very pleased. Exceedingly so.

The picky one loved the cake warm and also had a slice for breakfast. Food innit?!

The dustbin unusually didn't notice that I had made this cake. I had sliced it up and put it into storage boxes. If it's not out on the counter in his eyeline I didn't make it... I just asked him there what he thought of it. *Tumbleweed* He never tried it but is very disappointed that he missed out.

As usual on a baking day the neighbourhood niblings got some cake and they were very happy. My sister enjoyed a slice too.

Everyone was happy out. This is such a banker of a recipe. Sympathies to the dustbin who must have been living with his head in a cloud. I'll have to make it again soon...

The real family review!

It's a cake day so that means we can't physically eat all of this ourselves. The niblings declared the cake lovely and a decent treat.

The dustbin says that the icing is a little too sweet for him but happily ate the skittles. Go figure.

The picky one thought it was the perfect balance as the cake itself isn't all that sweet with moist centre but crispy crumb.

Himself enjoyed the cake with a cuppa after he came home from training.

All in, it's a win. This would be unreal as a muffin or bun instead.

Thanks everybody for following along. Cx

The real family review!

The smell in the kitchen when these were baked was incredible. It was freshly brewed coffee combined with homebaking. As it should be!

Himself instantly scarfed a cupcake with a cuppa. Huge success.

The picky one has discovered (thanks cupcakes) that he does like the flavour of coffee, just not the drink. He disappeared several of these over a few days.
He also shared generously with his cousins and pals who all declared these cupcakes as the best for breakfast before school. No judgements here!

I loved how light these cupcakes were thanks to the addition of water. Honestly not too sweet either.

The dustbin is not a fan of buttercream so he wouldn't touch them. I know right?!

Cx

The Real Family Review!

Me: I assemble this meal in a bag over the weekend and defrost it during the week for dinner. I love how simple it is to pull together and dish up.

The Picky One: This individual struggles with textures so grating the vegetables gets around that difficulty. Demolished it and nearly licked the bowl clean.

Himself: Said the beef was melt-in-the-mouth tender and the sauce gently creamy. Overall was seriously impressed plus he didn't suggest an egg. Winning!

The dustbin: Basically inhaled it, didn't stop to chat about it. Downed the meal and was happy. That's all I need.

Overall I recommend this meal if you are short on time because it's a banker to take from the freezer!

Five things I've learned while living on a budget!

1. Making a difference to the family income doesn't come easy but it is worth it.
2. The more you budget, the easier it gets.
3. Cooking from scratch saves money.
4. If I fall off the moneysaving wagon, I can always climb back on.
5. For me, there is great peace of mind knowing the bills are paid and everybody is safe.

If you're new here, I'm Caitríona, a work at home Mam. During the day I work with some brilliant (non food related) Irish brands managing their social media. I am also a columnist for the Irish Examiner Weekend Magazine, specialising in home economics!

At night I have just started into my last four months of a Level 8 Degree in International Business, and I hope to go on to a Level 9 (Masters) in September.

We live on a tight food budget and I cook from scratch as often as I can. Thanks for following!

The real family review!

For some reason the camera wasn't picking up on the 'cheese pull' when I was plating up this meal. Trust me it was epic, which more than satisfied the picky eater who is a fan of cheese. He didn't eat the salad and put the broccoli to one side but there is also plenty of onions and peas hidden in the rice so I'm a happy Mam for that one.

The dustbin ate some, then when my back was turned took the spoon to the tray and tried to scoop off all the crispy topping. He is a messer!

Let's face it, I was the only person in the house to eat mine with salad. Himself thought the textures were nice but it could have been improved with a fried egg on top. He could be onto something.

There we have it. A handy way to use up leftover rice the second day with minimal mess!

Cx

A day spent resetting ahead of a busy couple of months. I took a stroll around Ardgillan gardens for inspiration - the team who take care of this public park are incredibly talented.

Then on to the allotment to check on the bits in the tunnel & make plans for the summer. The dandelions are finally appearing and so are the bees!

Not pictured getting the shop done, scrubbing the kitchen, and handing over my last group assignment for Semester One!

The real family review!

Well, this seems daft… this is a variation of a tried and tested family favourite. My Mam taught this no-mess method to me. Everybody loves it.

They will choose a slice of this bread every time over the sliced pan. The picky one ate his slathered in peanut butter, a drizzle of honey, and a little bit of sea salt. He declared it next level.

I went with plain butter, so did himself.

The dustbin enjoyed his with a smear of raspberry jam.

C # # #
Vist https://wholesomeireland.com/ for the recipe

The real family review!

The picky one. Grabbed a hunk of the traybake and basically walked off eating it like a hunk of bread. He asked could he have the leftovers for breakfast. Yes, love, of course you can.

The dustbin. Was unsure of it because he is not a big fan of eggs in general. Slathered it in ketchup while I wasn't looking. Still ate it.

Himself. Opened his mouth to say it'd taste better with an egg on top. I waved the spatula at him and he burst out laughing. Ate his whole portion and says it's perfect with baked beans.

Me. This week I had brioche rolls that went stale and honestly they are a little on the sweet side. It would be better made with leftover batch or sourdough.

Not only is the bake a member of the clean plates club, it's also a member of the clean trays club! 🥳

The real family review.

I love how pickling preserves what is about to turn without needing masses of space in the freezer. This jar will keep for several weeks and I'll add a spoon here/a spoon there to the side of meals. Pickled cabbage is incredible for lifting up the flavour profile of coleslaw, as a filling for tacos, in cheese toasties, and chopped finely into a salad dressing or sauce. It's so versatile.

What's interesting is, despite the lads saying they don't like this, or pickled onions, that they do like it. In small doses - it is great for adding depth to a meal. The trick to converting pickle sceptics is to slowly add little bits when they are not looking, rather than a full-on, in your face, plate of pickles!

Anyway, another bit of veg saved from the compost and for our plates in the weeks ahead. C # # #

The real family review!

The dustbin gave me a nod of approval. Enough said.

The picky one seriously enjoyed it. He had it for dessert and then with yoghurt the following morning. "That's a make again recipe Mam" he said.

Me: This is refreshingly light and moreish. I also had mine for breakfast. Maybe I should call it a breakfast bake?!

Himself really really doesn't like rhubarb which is his loss to be honest. The rest of us love it.

Until tomorrow's wildcard recipe. C # # #

The real family review!

You can tell how frazzled I was that day because my photos aren't up to my usual standard. 😂😜

I horsed a plate into myself 10 mins before heading for the bus, focaccia on the side.

I'd love to tell you what the family thought. I just know that I got home that night and the tray was empty. 💜 I suppose that's as good a review as I'm going to get!

Cx

The real family review...

Look firstly, it's a giant jaffa cake. What's not to love? I mean c'mon!!! There was never a scenario where my family were going to hate this.

Secondly, I made two cakes. You all know what that means? Himself couldn't bear living with them while I was at college and shared with family. They (and of course I mean we) are so lucky that we live closeby.

I was in the middle of examinations presentations that night and started getting texts about an eclipse from my sister. She was very happy. Me, not so much because I realised there may not be any cake left for my supper, plus I was trying to remember my lines.

There was a happy ending to this tale because there was indeed some cake left and a cup of tea with my name on it when I got home that night.

Everyone was happy and nothing went to waste.

The real family review!

As the chicken was cooking in the oven the aroma permeated the house and the boys were like "bisto kids" wandering into the kitchen because it smelled so good. The Dustbin has decided he doesn't like Pesto and so enjoyed a plain bowl with no basil but he enjoyed it just the same.

The Picky One is a fan of pesto and demolished this both for dinner and the following day with the zingy mayonnaise but without the green leaves. I can't win them all...

Himself managed to eat it all and not eat the peas. I have no idea how this wizardry happened but there was a rake of peas in the bottom of the bowl when I cleared the table. Impressive. He didn't mention anything about a fried egg this time.

I had some for dinner and the following day I ate it again when I got home from college for supper. Such a quick dish and I know that it's going to please everyone.

Cx

In the Irish Examiner today you will find a special supplement examining Ireland's food supply, titled "Do you care where your food comes from?".
Eating seasonally and locally is the answer to supporting our food producers and reducing food miles. I've delighted to have contributed a piece to this very important discussion. You can see the magazine in print today and my piece is available online below.

Catríona Redmond: Buy Irish to support producers Some 83% of the fruit and vegetables we consume are not Irish. We now import 70,000 tonnes of potatoes each year — as well as tens of thousands of tonnes of apples, carrots, onions and cabbage. In a special report, we investigate where our food comes from and why it matters.

The Real Family Review!

The Picky One spotted me making this batchcook yesterday and sneakily grabbed one while it was still warm. This is his favourite way to eat breakfast and I now if these are in the freezer I am guaranteed he is fuelled for school. Winning.

The Dustbin snatched a tinfoil wrapped package off the counter, also still warm. He is partial to them too. Happy out with himself he sat on the bench in the garden, legs swinging, in his element.

Himself was helping with the assembly job and may have eaten his way around the chopping board. He likes these but would opt for toast in the morning if asked for a preference.

Me - I'm happy the kids will eat plenty of carbs and protein before heading off to school. That's their breakfasts sorted for the first week back. Gold star for me!

Potato Salad - The Real Family Review!

Me (because let's face it I'm the salad expert) - I loved it. Just the right mixture of tangy and I love the herbiness of the parsley. I added some of my signature pickled onions to the side.

Himself: He ate it, made a comment about Crocodile Dundee and asked for an egg on top.

The Picky One: Ate it after he meticulously removed all the green stuff. Declared it lovely without green stuff.

The Dustbin: Didn't even try.

Yes, I will make this salad again and again because I am the salad expert in the house. They have no taste and I don't care because it means more for me!

How cool is this??? 😍

Raspberry & Banana Muffins - The Real Family Review

As soon as they were cool the muffins went into a freezer container and into the freezer for lunchboxes. For good reason!

Everyone devoured the loaf. I mean, I went to bed that night and there was only 2 slices gone. By the time the kids had gone to school the following morning half the loaf was gone. They were gently heating it in the airfryer and using it to scoop up their favourite vanilla yoghurt. They know how to treat themselves well this lot.

It is delectable though so I understand the demand. I'd better make more!