Easy Food Magazine

2. Shane Smith

Pastry chef Shane Smith is back for a second stint as Easy Food guest editor, sharing some of his latest creations and his top tips on baking with alternative flours.

📷Pastry chef Shane Smith, back in the Easy Food Test Kitchen.

3. Muffin to it

Whether you’re on the hunt for sweet or savoury muffins, Food Stylist Shannon has the recipes and tips you need for perfect results every time.

📷These banana oat muffins may be the perfect healthy mid-morning treat.

4. Five-ingredient bakes

We’ve been stripping things back to basics with our five-ingredient bakes so you can enjoy a sweet treat with little to no shopping involved. You won’t believe how we’ve been making use of the ice cream in our freezer!

📷Yep, just five ingredients required for these fudgy brownies.

5. Go big or go home

Salad season isn’t over yet, but as the days get a little shorter and the air gets a little cooler, we need more fuel. That’s where these hearty salad plates come in: big on flavour and sure to keep you satisfied.

📷This ratatouille salad celebrates the last of the summer produce, Italian style.

6. Cook once, eat twice

We’re firm believers that being organised is the key to freedom. That’s why we’ve designed these tasty dinners with the express aim of getting a second, completely different meal out of each one. You’re welcome.

📷Cheesy cod with mustard mash tonight, tasty little cod cakes tomorrow.

7. Friendly fire

Gather round the campfire to spend some quality time with your loved ones — and some seriously good food! From fire-roasted sausage dogs to s’mores both sweet and savoury, this is sure to be an evening that builds lasting — and delicious — memories.

📷*Homer Simpson drooling noises

8. Eat Ireland

Deputy Editor Jocelyn Doyle has been discovering the story behind one of the West Coast’s most unique, pure and top-quality products, Calveys Achill Mountain Lamb.

📷We loved finding out the story behind this amazing Irish product.

9. Love those lunches

Whether you have kids heading back to school or you’re venturing back to the office yourself, we’ve got you covered. In this issue, you’ll find new recipes for kids’ lunches — for those days at home, too! — as well as more adult ideas for soups, portable sambos and heat-and-eat lunches.

10. Weekly menu planner

Would it even be Easy Food without a whole week’s worth of easy, affordable dinner ideas?! Not on our watch!

📷You know we love a good one-pan option!

11. From the butchers block

Our butcher pal Michael Fleming gave us the inside scoop on beef mince… then we used it to create this mouthwatering gnocchi Bolognese.

📷We’re gonna need some garlic bread.

The September issue of Easy Food hits shops next Thursday 13th August — don’t miss out!

Summer’s well underway – not ony that, but now we can actually go out and enjoy it! We’ve been busy bees crafting a gorgeous issue to see you through the rest of the summer months, packed with loads of dinner ideas, sweet treats and spreads designed for al fresco fun.

1. Fire it up!

We Irish love a good barbecue, even if the weather isn’t holding up its end of the bargain. From irresistible babyback ribs to our ridiculously tasty cheesy stuffed mushroom burgers, this is sure to be the best barbecue feast of the summer!

📷Cheesy stuffed mushroom burgers

2. An eclectic picnic

Grab your basket, find that perfect picnic spot and get ready to EAT! With Scotch eggs, sausage rolls both meat and veggie, stunning sambos and all the salads and sauces you need, our picnic spread will put a smile on everyone’s face.

📷What a spread!

3. Welcoming the GastroGays

We’ve been fangirling pretty hard over Patrick and Russell of Chew The Fat podcast fame for years, and we’ve finally got them in the Easy Food kitchen (virtually speaking, at least). We were instantly obsessed with every mouthwatering recipe they’ve shared with us this issue — and we guarantee you will be, too.

📷Photo by Philip Doyle

4. Fruity fixes

Our selection of beautiful fruit-inspired bakes (including the insane pavlova we couldn’t resist putting on the front cover!) is pure temptation. Go on, treat yourself.

📷Strawberry meringue kisses

5. Ice ice baby

Speaking of desserts, Food Stylist Shannon is breaking down the different types of icings from royal to Swiss meringue buttercream, what they’re good for and how to make each one perfectly every time.

📷Every type of icing you could need.

6. You say tomato

Ripe, sweet tomatoes give us the taste of summer we wait for all year long. Make your own cherry tomato jam; slow-cook tomatoes with butter and ginger for a truly decadent toast topping; or make the freshest-ever tomato spaghetti for a real taste of sunshine that’s ready in minutes.

📷The freshest tomato spaghetti

7. Pasta perfection

If you fancy a challenge, why not make your own homemade pasta to bring that tomato dish to the next level? Our step-by-step guide makes it easier than you might think.

📷Homemade pasta, made easy.

8. Cheers, darling

Raise a glass in style with our refreshing summer drinks menu. Each recipe is suitable for kids and non-drinkers, with the option to add a little splash of something boozy for those in the mood.

📷Summer cocktails and mocktails

9. Easy peasy midweek meals

It can be hard to motivate yourself to head into the kitchen when the sun is shining, but our quick and easy dinner ideas are ready in a flash. Just convince someone else to do the washing up, and you’re sorted.

📷Cheesy tomato stuffed aubergines

10. Five ingredient fix

In addition to our usual complement of easy meals, we’ve also created a selection that need only five ingredients, keeping your weekly shopping list to a minimum.

📷Buffalo chicken sliders

11. From the butcher’s block

Our butcher pal Michael Fleming explains some commonly used terms you may hear in the butcher’s shop.

12. In the postbox

Deputy Editor Jocelyn has been reaping the benefits of home delivery, exploring the fabulous new Letterbox Larder kits available from Burren Balsamics.

📷Moroccan prawn skewers

13. Surf’s up, grub’s up

Chef, surfer and cookbook author Finn Ní Fhaoláin shares some of the healthy dishes that keep her energy levels high all summer long.

14. Respect your elders

Elderflowers are in season, and are one of the easiest wild foods to find and forage. Let the kids help you pick them and use them to make our lovely elderflower cordial or creamy homemade ice cream.

📷Elderflower ice cream

The late summer special of Easy Food hits shops Friday, July 3rd. Be sure to pick up your copy

Our February issue hits the shops Friday the 24th – here’s why you need it in your kitchen…

Roz Purcell

Roz is back with a book of straightforward plant-based recipes, No-Fuss Vegan, and this month she’s in the Easy Food kitchen sharing some of those recipes as well as her best advice for anyone looking to eat less meat and more veggies.

30-minute meals

Short on time? No worries. These easy dinners come together in just 30 minutes, giving you more time for the important things… like eating them.

Cheesecakes

Baking guru Shannon Peare is back with more tempting sweet treats and tips: this time, how to make the perfect cheesecake, whether you like yours baked or set. Her over-the top creations have to be seen to be believed.

Understanding fats

If you’re unsure which fats to avoid, which are good for you and which to avoid completely, we’re here to clear up any confusion and provide some tasty recipes rich in all the healthy fats your body needs.

Treat yourself

Whether you’re flying solo or coupled-up, we’ve got all the Valentine’s Day indulgence that you need! Bake a tray of gooey cheesecake brownies, or simply seize a moment to yourself with a luxurious Baileys affogato. (Why not both?!)

Love Leeks

We adore in-season leeks, and in this issue we’re sharing some gorgeous spring recipes making good use of their mild, sweet flavour. Just look at this stunning leek and Gruyère tart!

Raise a glass

Deputy Editor Jocelyn Doyle has been chatting to the lads at Wicklow Wolf — a brewery with a serious conscience when it comes to sustainability — about their roles as custodian of the land and their diligent approach to making amazing and creative beers. Sláinte!

Curry night

The weather’s still on the chilly side, but we’ve got everything you need to warm up in our special feature packed with delicious and so-simple curry recipes! Whatever your style, we’ve got a curry for you.

On the flip side

Flip out with our Pancake Tuesday recipes, whether you’re starting from the basics or on the hunt for something decadent.

The February issue of Easy Food hits shops on Friday 24th February – don’t miss out!

By Jocelyn Doyle - December 29th, 2019

1. Donal’s back!

Donal Skehan returns as Easy Food guest editor, sharing recipes from his new book Super Food in Minutes (with which we are fully obsessed). Alongside his tasty, quick meals, he also tells us how he balances a busy career with a growing family and his best tips from staying sane and well-fed.

2. Seasonal veg

It’s the time of year for hearty winter produce, and we’re making it as easy as possible to get those veggies in, with plenty of recipe ideas for root vegetables as well as inspirational ways to cook Brussels sprouts. Trust us — these will convert even the haters.

3. Enriched breads

Food Stylist and baking expert Shannon Peare has been filling the Test Kitchen with all sorts of delicious smells, pulling together a step-by-step guide to enriched dough breads like challah and brioche. Absolute heaven.

4. Gut health

After all of the festive indulgence, it might feel like time to look inwards, as it were, and focus on cultivating a healthy, happy digestive system. We’re here to help, explaining why gut health is so important, giving you a run-down of which foods to focus on (including the difference between pro- and pre-biotics) and providing some truly delicious recipes designed to feed that microbiome.

5. Slow down

If ever there was a month designed for slow cooking, it’s January. Our wallets are slim, energy levels are low and we’re in serious need of nourishing meals that take minimal effort. Curl up with one of our warming slow cooker dinners and enjoy the hibernation.

6. No bones about it

This month’s advice from our butcher friend Michael Fleming focuses on bones – why they’re a good thing, what to look for and how to use them. And, if you’re interested in making your own bone broth, we’ve got a foolproof cheat’s method for making it in – yep, you guessed it – your slow cooker.

7. Cooking with quinoa

Packed with protein and fibre, quinoa holds its place in the list of health foods with good reason. We’ve been experimenting in the Test Kitchen, finding new, fun ways to cook with quinoa and show just how versatile this grain can be.

8. Trout

Deputy Editor Jocelyn Doyle is encouraging people to try Irish rainbow trout, an often-overlooked choice of fish that is both flavoursome and nutritious. In addition to chatting to Goatsbridge Trout Farm about their fish, we’ve also been getting absolute notions and enjoying some trout caviar. We fancy now.

9. New ways for New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the end of 2019 with tasty canapés and cocktails, then indulge with one of our recovery breakfasts the next morning.

10. Food resolutions

Team Easy Food has been busy thinking about the New Year’s resolutions we’ll be making for the year ahead, and — no surprises here! — they’re all food-related. We’re sharing our resolutions in this issue, and we hope they’ll inspire you to make some positive changes of your own.

Greet 2020 with the January issue of Easy Food, on sale from December 14th!

15 reasons you need the Easy Food Christmas Annual

By Jocelyn Doyle - October 29, 2019

Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year with the Easy Food Christmas Annual! Not only is this special edition bigger than your average Easy Food, but we’ve crammed it full of all of the recipes, tips, insider know-how and gift recommendations you could possibly need to see you through silly season. Read on for a sneak peek of what’s inside…

1. Deck the halls Get yourself in the mood with our homemade decorations — all food-themed, of course!

2. Planning tips The only way to stay stress-free over Christmas is to be organised. We’re sharing our top tips for staying ahead of the game, so that you can actually enjoy yourself when the big day rolls around.

3. The nibbly bits Our favourite canapé selection yet! Easy yet impressive nibbles to delight your guests, whatever the occasion.

4. Cocktails and mocktails Delicious ideas for raising that celebratory toast, whether or not you’re indulging in alcohol.

5. On the starting line Kick off the most special meal of the year with one of our stunning starters; this velvety roasted squash soup with crispy pancetta and pine nuts is just option number one.

6. Main plate perfection We’ve really pulled out all the stops this time round, with no fewer than five fabulous, over-the-top main course menus including sides, sauces and those all-important spuds. Whether you’re after the traditional turkey and ham or something more unusual, you’ll find something delicious here to suit your tastes.

7. Plant-based alternatives Non-meat-eaters have a wealth of choice this Christmas, from starters right through to some truly special main course options. Just look at this gorgeously colourful stuffed squash!

8. Step-by-step baking basics If it’s your first time taking charge of the Christmas baking, don’t worry — we have all the information you need to create the traditional treats, including foolproof step-by-step images.

9. Stunning cakes Looking for a showstopping centrepiece? You’ve come to the right place. From the chocoholics’ dream that is our After Eight cake to the oh-so-festive mince pie Bundt that graces our cover, there’s something for every taste and table.

10. Fondant 101 Decorating with fondant can be tricky, but Food Stylist and baking guru Shannon Peare is here to help! Using one basic recipe, she’s developed two different ways to style your cake, depending on your skill level.

11. Free-from baking There’s no reason those on special diets should miss out on the Christmas goodies! From gluten-free biscuits to a decadent vegan chocolate cheesecake, we’ve got just what you need to treat everyone this season.

12. Tales from Team Easy Food We’re reminiscing about our near-disasters from Christmas dinners past, and the lessons we learned from salvaging our mistakes!

13. Butcher advice Our ever-helpful butcher Michael Fleming is giving expert advice on alternatives to the classic turkey and ham, including this fabulous beef Wellington.

14. Edible gifts We love both giving and receiving handmade gifts — especially when there’s food involved! Our edible gifts are the perfect way to show you care.

15. Gift guide We run through the foodie gifts we’d love to receive this Christmas and the cookbooks we’re planning to give, while Deputy Editor Jocelyn Doyle has rounded up her favourite artisan drinks for those looking for a special bottle for that special someone.

The Easy Food Christmas Annual is in shops from November 4th, and trust us — you won’t want to miss this one.

1. In the kitchen with Catherine

This month’s guest chef is none other than Catherine Fulvio, one of Ireland’s most recognisable faces when it comes to cooking: an award-winning food writer, TV chef and proprietor of Ballyknocken House and Cookery School in County Wicklow. She knows how seasonal, quality ingredients make the best foundation for wholesome meals, as well as how to make time in busy schedules for home cooking. A woman after our own hearts, Catherine is also an advocate for allowing yourself a small treat when the mood strikes!

2. Back for good

We all like to think we’re constantly improving as cooks. After years of honing our skills in the Test Kitchen, this month we’ve delved back into the Easy Food archives to see if we could use everything we’ve learned to bring some of our old recipes to a new level. Spoiler alert: not only are we better cooks, but our photography skills have definitely improved, too!

3. Rooting for you

It’s finally root veg season once again! We love working with the natural sweetness of parsnips, whether it’s pairing them with pancetta for a fabulous pasta dish that plays sweet against salty; adding them to a veggie curry to balance out the spice mix; or baking them into a loaf cake just like we would with their sister vegetable, carrots.

4. On the rise

Food stylist Shannon is experimenting with quick breads this month, giving us her top tips for failsafe baking and some great recipes for scones, healthy lunchbox muffins and a chocolate orange loaf you’re definitely going to want to make.

5. Let’s get ready to crumble!

Speaking of baking, one of the best things about this time of year is the glut of fruit just begging to be baked into seasonal crumbles, cobblers and crisps. We’ve been making absolute gluttons of ourselves in the Test Kitchen and we make no apologies!

6. Head over heels

You know that special feeling when, every now and then, you find a food that you fall in love with on the spot? Deputy Editor Jocelyn (and the rest of the team!) is currently deeply obsessed with White Mausu Peanut Rayu. In this edition of Eat Ireland, learn the story behind this incredibly addictive condiment and find out all the ways we’ve been enjoying it — they are many. Just look at this droolworthy dish:

7. Back to school

This time of year can be stressful for parents, with an incredible amount to juggle, organise and remember. We’re here to take the pressure off lunchbox prep, at the very least, with flavoursome recipe ideas, all the info you need to make sure the kids are getting all those nutrients, tips on how to keep them interested and helpful advice from this month’s Home Ec expert.

8. Eggsactly what you need

Eggs are definitely on our favourite foods list — healthy, filling, versatile, convenient and perfect for any mealtime, they’re a regular feature in our home cooking as well as in the Easy Food kitchen. This issue, we’ve been finding some new ways to enjoy them, inspired by dishes from around the world.

9. Storecupboard scrounge

Everyone is familiar with those evenings when you’ve got no plans for dinner and zero inspiration, and it seems like there’s nothing in the house. Before you reach for that takeaway menu, check out our easy meals built purely from the ingredients lurking in the larder — trust us, you’re bound to be pleasantly surprised.

10. Raise a toast

Ah, toast. You’re always there for us: when we’re hungry, when we’re bored, for breakfast or for a midnight snack. We’ve been diligently figuring out the perfect balance between simple, quick and delicious when it comes to toast toppings.

Easy Food September goes on sale on the 24th August. Don’t miss out!