Whilst shopping with my other half the other night I came across "McVities Temptations", and if I'm really honest the only reason I bought them is because they were less than half their normal price. The range is available in 3 variants – Belgian Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut, Belgian White Chocolate & Truffle and Belgian Milk Chocolate & Praline, and each box contains 6 packs of 2 bitesize treats. Not expecting too much from bitesize biscuits I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted them. I have yet to taste the Praline variant yet but I am definitely going to pick up a a box next time I hit the shops...sure it'd be rude not too.

They are a perfect bitesize treat for someone who doesn't want to overindulge. But if like me you have a hungry other half (or if YOU are the hungry other half) then this may not be the treat for you. The biscuits are definitely yum but not as indulgent as the outer box would have you believe. The Belgian Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut biscuits are light with a lovely hazelnut kick and the Belgian White Chocolate & Truffle option has a lovely crunch with a truffle cream filling. Definitely worth a try if you want a little treat...even more so if you get them on special offer.

Graham Knuttel - "Something Fishy" & "Seafood Chowder"

I recently turned 30 and was spoiled absolutely rotten by my amazing family and friends. I had a really fun afternoon tea party (Irish style - lots of alcohol and not tooooo much tea) which was attended by approximately 25 of the best friends (all women) a girl could ask for. Two of the wonderful presents I received were original Graham Knuttel prints.....food related naturally. I am so excited about hanging these unusual and very quirky pictures on the wall in my kitchen.

I know Knuttel's work is not for everyone, but I love the fact that the surroundings and settings of the paintings are quite everyday and yet the characters are so sinister looking. The colours are so vibrant and striking against my rather bland (a creamy/coffee-ish) coloured kitchen wall and they are a fabulous gift for anyone out there looking to buy something for someone who is as interested in food and cooking as I am. Indeed, they're actually just really nice prints for anyone looking for something fun to brighten up their kitchen walls.


Have a look and let me know what you think. My mam's not in love with them just yet but I think she'll come around!

First Things First!

"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch" - James Beard

As this is my very first blog post (ever) I thought I should share my stance on food and food related matters with all of you. I am unfortunately one of "those" people who are constantly on a diet. I lose 2lbs, only to gain 4lbs the following week. I know what I should be doing, I could probably give classes on how to lose weight - but for the last 5 or so years the lure of the kitchen has been far too enticing. Every over indulgent meal is followed by a "I'll start again next week", not a "I'll start again tomorrow". It's NEVER tomorrow because I always figure I have ruined my week by then so it's just best to spoil myself for the rest of the week and to start fresh again on a Monday.

Do I feel guilty?!?! YES!!! But oh how I enjoy myself when I'm being "bad". I enjoy it all. The shopping, the preparation, the cooking and the eating. The cleaning up part I could take or leave - but the rest of it is thoroughly enjoyed.....every...single....second.  

I'm a firm believer that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I reckon I spend more time in this room than all of the others combined. When we have parties, get-togethers, or even if its just for a chat and a cup of tea - the kitchen is where it all happens. Having family and friends gathered together at our table is one of my favourite things in life. I love the discussions that we share, both loud and soft, and the laughs that echo around the room. I suppose the function of this blog in a way is to act as an extension of my kitchen.