Donal Skehan, already a favourite of his fellow food bloggers, is set to become Ireland’s newest Kitchen Hero with the launch of the book and TV series of the same name.
Donal has been an active member of the food blogging community for the last few years. He’s always been very generous with his knowledge of food and food photography, he’s helped food bloggers and Bord Bia get together, he loves cooking, and he’s totally adorable. Seriously. What’s not to love?
I’ve had my own copy of Kitchen Hero for a few weeks since its launch in April. Myself and Niall have been getting great use out of it for simple mid-week suppers. There’s lots of inspiration within this beautifully photographed cookbook and it’s ideal for beginner cooks. The recipes aren’t intimidating and are laid out in the Anyone Can Cook style of Jamie Oliver. And the chef from Ratatouille. Of course.
Donal also started holding online Dinner Parties, otherwise known as Twinnerparties. He picks a three course meal, you invite some friends over and cook Donal’s meal following his recipes. Best of all, Donal stays on Twitter for the duration of the Twinnerparty – in case you need some help! His next Twinnerparty is taking place tomorrow night, Thursday the 5th of May. Have a look at his website for all further details – there’s still time to join in.
Kitchen Hero is in all good book shops around the country – I got mine in The Gutter Bookshop in Temple Bar – and the accompanying TV series premières on RTE One at 8.30pm on May 16th. Exireh!!
Donal’s Chilli, Garlic and Lemon Mackerel and Sophie’s Squashed Potatoes as cooked by Aoife and Niall
Myself and Niall tag-teamed dinner the other night. I was in charge of the spuds, while Niall looked after the Grilled Mackerel. Both of us followed recipes from Kitchen Hero and both worked out perfectly.
The spuds are gorgeous. I’ll definitely be using this recipe for all further roast potato action in our house. Fab!
The below recipe is directly from Kitchen Hero.
What you need for Sophie’s Squashed Potatoes from Kitchen Hero for 4
16 baby potatoes (about 850g/1lb 13 oz)
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
A few fresh thyme sprigs
A few fresh rosemary sprigs, finely chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice of 1/2 lemon
4 tbsp of olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C (400 degrees F), Gas Mark 6.
- Place the potatoes in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil over a high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
- Using a pestle and mortar or hand-held blender, blitz the garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon juice and olive oil together.
- Put the potatoes on a large baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and shake the tray to combine. Arrange the potatoes in rows on the baking tray and, using a potato masher, press down gently on each one until they are crushed on top. Spoon a little of the garlic herb mix onto each potato and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden and crisp then serve immediately.
TUNE
David Bowie – Heroes (via The Hype Machine)
Categories: Dinner
May 5, 2011 at 10:18 am
I made his harissa fish with carrot, mint and sping onion salad. Very simple and very tasty.
May 5, 2011 at 10:57 am
PS: That mackerel dish looks super. More fish dishes I say.
May 6, 2011 at 9:05 am
Yum, must try that Harissa dish asap. The mackerel and spuds were delish! Both separate recipes in the book but worked well together.
May 5, 2011 at 3:19 pm
The mackerel were served at the the Cookbook Club! Would’ve liked a bit more chile–well, a lot more chile, actually–but it was tasty nonetheless. I’ve made squashed potatoes before and it’s a great technique.
May 6, 2011 at 9:07 am
Squashed potatoes are indeed lovely. The mustard and garlic mix that Donal uses is really yum! Was sorry I missed the Cookbook Club, glad to hear it was a good night.
May 21, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Just saw this guy on TV last week! Really good! How much is the book?
May 24, 2011 at 11:03 am
must admit my total crush!
June 3, 2011 at 11:25 am
I must say Donal is a great asset to Irish food!!
He always promotes great Irish food, which is certainly something we need during these times. Also, I really like his recipes he puts together some very interesting food. Also, his new TV show is really very good.
June 3, 2011 at 11:27 am
I must say Donal is a great asset to Irish food!!
He always promotes great Irish food, which is certainly something we need during these times. Also, I really like his recipes he puts together some very interesting food. Also, his new TV show is really very good. Can’t wait to see what he does next
June 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Donal’s great all right. I really like the new show too, it’s really accessible to all level of cooks.
Thanks for the comment Orla!
June 8, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Exactly that is one of the things I love about him…he makes cooking simple and easy for people who can’t cook or people who are busy and want delicious, simple food!!
Especially in my business I’m delighted to see someone like him around!!
June 6, 2011 at 7:50 pm
great to see a young lad with a flair for cooking.always cooks great food.always watch him cooking going to try his soup and bread.well done.
June 7, 2011 at 2:52 pm
His enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks for your comment, Ehtel
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