One for the weekend

Happy first weekend of the year! Also happy 2nd anniversary to the manfriend. So what are you all up to this weekend? Doing all the healthy, interesting things you've vowed to spend the year achieving? In case you find yourself with a feeling of 'Oh no, I don't know if I can do another one of these'; here's a list of shiny happy things to pep you up and launch you into the remaining 360ish days left of 2014:

LISTEN: My cheery new Spotify playlist
Perfect for singing along to on the way to work.

WATCH: Happy
This project is absolutely incredible!

READ: The Happiness Project and the adjoining blog
A good one for January reading ... even if I read it in June.

EAT: Smoked Salmon Tart
The latest culinary success at number 27.

DO: Go to see something in the First Fortnight Festival
Particularly Dolls, Confusion Boats, or Silver Linings Playbook

MAKE: Lemon self-saucing Pudding
Ridiculously easy and oh so good.

From Edinburgh Fringe Box Office (in the pissing rain)

Books Dublin Film Food Music Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend my little monkeys, how are you doing? I'm pleased to announce, that this time next week, I'll be in London ... hoorah! If you're sitting looking out at the stormy weather and wondering what on earth you should be doing with your life (apart from Christmas shopping); why not start with a gentle:

WATCH: The Muppet Christmas Carol

LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT!!

READ: Winter Story (Brambly Hedge) - Jill Barklem

A real classic.

EAT: Chocolate Pudding

It's time to hit the stodgy food with gusto!

LISTEN: 2000 Miles - The Pretenders

DO: Hit the Christmas Markets (there's a great one in Smithfield this weekend)

The best way to ensure you buy presents they won't already have!

MAKE: Gingerbread Men

I use the term 'men' VERY loosely

Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend Everyone! Not long till hometime for the Christmas Holidays - 2 weeks today to be precise. Hoorah! We're also edging ever closer to the shortest day of the year; my suggestion to you if you have to go to work before sunrise (what is it ... 8am?!) is to listen to this: I did the other day when I had to start work at 7.30am and it brightened my mood no end!

In case you're at a loose end this weekend, why not:

WATCH: Fishes (Smock Alley Theatre, 8pm until Wednesday 11th)

One of the best (and funniest) new shows I've seen in a long time.

LISTEN: Le Petit Pain au Chocolat - Joe Dassin

This song makes me smile!

READ: Mary Poppins - P. L. Travers

Next on my book list ... still can't believe I won it!

EAT: Lemon and Lime Tart

Simple and oh so good.

DO: Have a wine and cheese night with friends

Lidl is a magical place to stock up on the goods.

Books Dublin Food Inspirations Photography Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Hello Team, how are you all? If you hadn't noticed yet, it has slipped seamlessly into a yellow leaved, dark eveninged stage of Autumn ... I know I should have prepared for this day, but the summer was so unusually long and warm that I was quite prepared. Bring forth the winter coats! So what  have you been doing? Yesterday I spent the day climbing walls and crawling through mud (literally) at an outdoor adventure centre ... great fun, but I did enjoy getting the mud out from between my toes when I got home!

If you are in need of inspiration, why not: 

READ: Brambly Hedge: Autumn Story - Jill Barklem

Just to get you in the mood for the season ... next up, the Winter Story (my favourite)

LISTEN: Les Champs Elysees - Joe Dassin

I'm currently learning this on the Ukulele

EAT: Shepherds Pie

I just discovered that my manfriend makes it nearly as well as my Granny...hoorah!

WATCH: The Bear's Tuxedo - Theatre Upstairs (13:00 and 19:00 until the 16th)

DO: Find a sport, join a club, or make up your own group

While writing a play I'm going to meet with a friend of mine so we can spur each other on!

MAKE: Real Hot Chocolate

(serves 2)

1 1/2 Cups (360ml) Milk

3oz (90g) Good Quality Chocolate (I prefer Dark, but whatever you fancy!)

1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

1 tsp Espresso Powder or 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional)

In a saucepan, gently melt the chocolate in the milk over a low heat, whisking until all the chocolate is completely melted. Bring the mix gently to a simmer and whisk in the espresso/cinnamon until combined. Pour into two cups and top it off with whipped cream, grated chocolate, nutmeg, marshmallows, or whatever you fancy.

If you're feeling extra racy, you could use a milk frother to make it all extra bubbly and scrumptious...they're selling them at the moment in Tiger (which I'm only allowed to visit with adult supervision because they have so much cool stuff.

Loughcrew, Meath

(before getting covered in mud)

Books Dublin Food Inspirations Music Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Oh dear, Ladies and Gentlemen. I believe I stayed up WAY past my bedtime last night. However, I must admit that it was worth it for the darn good surprise party I was enjoying, even if I did have to start work at 9.30 this morning..Brrr! 

Because I'd like to be lounging in my PJs right now, here are some lazy Sunday suggestions:

EAT: Sausage Sandwich

With Marmite ... don't knock it till you've tried it!

READ: The Sunday Times

Actually just the Culture and Style supplements

WATCH: Alan Partridge

Particularly 'Never Say Alan Again' ... watched, and quoted, last night.

LISTEN: You're the One for Me Fatty - Morrissey

What a classic.

DO: Write a letter (a real one), to someone you have seen recently

And remember to post it.

MAKE: Lamb Stew (preferably with dumplings)

It just feels like that sort of day

Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

One for free time

From: minimalist baker

The trouble with one of my jobs being rather seasonal, is the surprise every October when I suddenly have a lot more time, and significantly less money to play with ... this week I have already painted 4 pictures, done some thorough work on my cv, and done a VERY thorough clean of my house including scrubbing the shower grouting with a toothbrush. So, what next? Baking?! These 7 ingredient Cinammon Sugar Rolls look amazing!

Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! Last weekend involved the last performance of 'The Secret Art of Murder', a pretty epic wrap party, and watching Dublin win the All-Ireland Final (from a nice comfy spot in our local pub); so the small matter of shooting a short film seems positively relaxing.

What are you up to this weekend? In case you need a little inspiration, here are some feel-good suggestions:

WATCH: A Town Called Panic
(One of my favourite films ... I'd go as far as to say Top 5!)

LISTEN: Hey Ho - The Lumineers
(I heard a great version at a recent wedding)

READ: Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
(Very funny and VERY English)

EAT: Vanilla Ice cream and Homemade Chocolate Sauce
(I actually substitute the sugar for golden syrup and water for instant coffee!)

DO: Go for a blustery walk, and look out for blackberries!
(Aim higher than dogs can pee)

MAKE: Roast Tomatoes and Goats Cheese
(A family classic)
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Slice a load of juicy Tomatoes, and lay them (slightly overlapping) across the bottom of an ovenproof dish. You can also add chopped Bell Peppers, and Red Onion if you want. Sprinkle with crushed Garlic, freshly ground Pepper, and any Herbs you fancy (I like basil/oregano) across the top, then crumble generous amounts of Goats Cheese over. Drizzle with Olive Oil, and place in the centre of the oven for about 20 minutes, Or until the cheese is melted and a bit golden. Serve with a warm baguette, and don't be too polite ... the more dipping the better!

The view from Seapoint

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

The good news is, IT'S THE WEEKEND! The bad news is that Summer appears to be over, and Ireland seems to have remembered how much it likes rain.

If you're in search of something to do over the weekend why not:

LISTEN: Fiesta - The Pogues

For everyone dancing madly at the wedding last weekend!

WATCH: About Time

Because it is cinema weather again ... enjoy!

READ: Oh Comely

When I grow up I want to write for them.

EAT: Meringues!

DO: Watch shows in Dublin Fringe

Look out for my thoughts, and participant interviews on This Greedy Pig

Dublin Film Inspirations Music Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! Oh the excitement ... my lovely sister has had her last day at work before having a baby; it's my manfriend's birthday weekend; and I'm not working. The phrase 'everyone's a winner, baby!' springs to mind.

But if you find yourself at a loose why not:

WATCH: The Way Way Back

If in doubt, anything with Sam Rockwell's good, but this looks particularly enjoyable.

READ: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

The whole series - I was reminded the other day of the Whale and the Flower Pot.

LISTEN: I Like It Like That - Pete Rodriquez

For my favourite (and only) sister

EAT: Japanese Food

I'm a particular fan of the Ebi Gyoza

DO: Pick up a Dublin Fringe programme and plan what to see

I'd recommend 'The Secret Art of Murder'. Not just because I'm in it, honest guv'!

MAKE: Super Tasty Chocolate Cake

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Super Tasty Chocolate Cake

I thought this was the recipe used by my Granny, as it's a variation on one of her other cake recipes; but turns out she has a separate recipe for chocolate cake ... oh well, tastes pretty great to me!

2 Large Eggs

Butter (100g approx)

Dark Chocolate (100g approx)

Golden Caster Sugar (100g approx)

Self Raising Flour (100g approx)

2 level tsp Baking Powder 

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

1 tbsp Milk 

1 pinch Salt

100ml Double Cream

100g Dark Chocolate

Giant Chocolate Buttons

First up, preheat the oven to 170 degrees, and grease the cake tin (I also line the bottom with a circle of grease proof paper). Next weigh the eggs, and use that figure to weigh out the other ingredients. Melt the butter and chocolate together slowly over a low heat; then once it's cooled slightly, stir in the eggs, followed by the baking powder, vanilla essence, milk, and salt.

Pour the mixture into the cake tin, and bake in the middle shelf for about 30 min, or until a knife comes out clean from the centre. Leave to cool on a wire rack. For the ganache icing, heat the chocolate and cream over a low heat till the chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a heatproof container then beat with an electric whisk for about 10min, until it's glossy and cool. Put it into the fridge till you're ready to ice the cake, which'll make it a bit thicker and easier to handle.

Slice the cake carefully in half, then sandwich back together with a good dollop of icing, then spread the rest over the top, and carefully down over the sides (I had to transfer it carefully to a different plate after for presentational purposes!) Stick some of the giant chocolate buttons around the edge, and use the rest to decorate the top.

Enjoy!

Books Edinburgh Film Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

Ladies and Gentlemen, It's the WEEKEND! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and (though this may be the first time ever that it's too hot to sleep in Ireland), all is right with the world. As ever, I'm in work, dressed in a ridiculous costume; so I urge you to make the most of the sunshine on my behalf ... after all, we may never have sunshine like this again. Ever.

So if you're at a loose end and looking for inspiration, why not:

WATCH: Open Air Cinema (Fitzwilliam Square in Dublin, Somerset House in London)
When does that actually sound such a good idea as now

READ: The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts - Louis De Bernieres
Part one of the incredible South American trilogy - darkly funny and perfect for this weather

DO: Go swimming in the sea
Yes of course it will be ridiculously freezing, but should be done at least once a year.

LISTEN: Lola - The Kinks

MAKE: The Best Mars Bar Ice Cream Ever

Serves 6

3 65g Mars Bars

10 fl.oz Double Cream (or half crème fraîche )

1 Egg White

1 Tab. Milk

Thinly slice the Mars Bars, and heat them gently with the tablespoon of milk over a pan of simmering water, stirring as it melts. Cool for 10minutes, and stir well.

Whip the cream, and gently stir a small amount into the caramel, then fold in the remaining cream gradually with a metal spoon.

Lightly beat the egg white, and fold into the mixture. Pour into a serving dish, then cover and freeze for at least 2-3hours. Thaw for approximately 20min in the fridge before serving by itself, or with a few raspberries, or home made biscuits.

Books Dublin Film Inspirations London Music Recipes

One for pie porn

From: cupcakes and cashmere

Can I get a Hell Yeah? HELL YEAH!!

Food Recipes

One to make

From: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Well Hello! I'd certainly like to attempt some of these bad boys ... they're a sort of pancake apparently called Dutch Babies; and look like a possibility for a more summery breakfast treat!

Food Photography Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Sunday! I hope you're having a lovely weekend; I'm back to work but not long till I get to jet off home again ... hoorah!

If you find yourself at a loose end, why not consider:

LISTEN: Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. Farrell Williams

This is my current 'walking to work' song (slightly dependant on whether they time it right on the radio). I may have been dancing slightly while waiting to cross roads!

WATCH: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

I finally saw this last night - mental, but very enjoyable!

EAT: Toad in the Hole

Made the other day with reasonable results, and onion gravy.

READ: The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

Next on my book list, after a recommendation!

DO: Play a Musical Instrument

I had to play the flute in an audition recently - it was nearly as scary as music exams in school. But I enjoyed practising beforehand! Also trying to improve my Ukulele skills.

MAKE: Chocolate Chip Cookies

If in doubt, always go for the Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Recipe - a lesson for life!

This is where I was this time last week - wandering around Clissold Park, in Stoke Newington. 

Good times!

Books Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! I hope you have a smashing time whatever you may get up to. This time next week I'll be in London ... woohoo!! In case you are not feeling inspired for what to get up to, here are a few suggestions:

READ: The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood

What I'm working on at the moment (as well as 'His Dark Materials' ... again.)

WATCH: A Hijacking

This Danish film was on during JDIFF, and sounds amazing. And it's out now.

LISTEN: Slide - Goo Goo Dolls

This is the first track on our favourite driving tape (yes, tape) at home ... good times.

DO: Go on a Date

It doesn't necessarily have to be with someone you fancy, it could just be with a friend you want a proper catch up with ... but what I mean is make plans in advance, book tickets, get some food and go to the cinema/theatre, or meet someone for brunch and go for a walk. Hand holding is recommended, but not compulsory.

EAT: Maltesers

And see how long you can let them melt on your tongue before you bite into them.

MAKE: Fish Pie

I made this the other day for the first time, and it was surprisingly wonderful!

75g Butter (plus a knob extra for the potatoes)

1 large Onion

some whole Cloves

50g Plain Flour

1 pint Milk (plus a bit extra for the potatoes)

350g Fresh Salmon

350g Smocked Haddock

200g Prawns

Peas (I like quite a lot!)

Salt and Pepper

A pinch of Nutmeg

A squeeze of fresh Lemon Juice

A handful of Fresh Parsley (chopped)

900g Potatoes (peeled and cut into evenly sized pieces)

Cheddar Cheese (grated)

First, preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Put the fish in a large saucepan, with the onion whole and covered with a few cloves stabbed into it (optional). Cover with Milk, then poach on a low heat for about 8-10 minutes. 

Remove the fish with a slatted spoon, and put into a deep oven dish, then cut into bite-sized chunks and remove any skin. Remove the Cloves from the Onion, dice finely, and add to the fish. Add the Peas and chopped Parsley, squeeze the Lemon juice over it, and mix it around a bit. 

Back to the Milk: stir in the Butter until dissolved, add Salt, Pepper and Nutmeg to taste, then gradually whisk in the Flour, adding a little at a time until you have the right consistency. Pour this sauce over the fish mix. 

Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until soft, and drain. add a little butter and milk, and season; then mash to your preferred consistency (I like mine a bit chunky!) Spread evenly over the fish, and top with grated cheese.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.

N.B Really you can use whatever fish/seafood you want. This combination was inspired partly by what they  happened to have in Lidl, and it worked splendidly! To make the topping extra crispy, add an egg while you're mashing the potatoes.

The plus side of all the peculiar weather is some pretty darn fantastic Rainbows ... the best so far was as I was getting home the other day, with a double rainbow and dark purple clouds, but I didn't manage to get a photo ... this was pretty good too though - near Howth Summit.

Books Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

It's a weekend AND it's Spring ... hoorah! It's also just over a month till I can go and play at home for a few days. So what do you have planned this weekend? Hopefully this Sunday will be more productive, last week we were feeling a little 'delicate' after the night before, so it mostly involved lounging!

In case you're stuck for ideas, how about:

WATCH: The Place Beyond the Pines

READ: A Moveable Feast - Ernest Hemingway

A cracking book, and one that feels like nice weather!

LISTEN: The Rifle's Spiral - The Shins

DO: Go Outside!

Possibly to explore somewhere like Glendalough in Wicklow.

EAT: Bananas and Custard

I think the Ambrosia advert put custard in my head!

MAKE: Carrot Cake

150ml Sunflower Oil

6oz Light soft Brown Sugar

3 Eggs

6oz Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

150 - 200g Grated Carrot (depending on how moist you want it)

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Whisk the sugar and oil until smooth, then whisk in the eggs until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour, baking powder and cinnamon, and finally mix in the carrot. Bake for 25- 30 minutes in the centre of the oven.

For the icing, just mix a spoon or two of icing sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract into cream cheese - only use a small bit of sugar, as too much makes it go runny; so add a little at a time until you have the right taste and texture.

You can also use this recipe to make carrot cake cupcakes rather than one individual cake - I find it gives a nice cake to icing ratio!

Glendalough

(At the point we realised we were in danger of missing the only bus back to town, and had to shin down the hillside, along a log above a stream, over a fence or two - we made it in the end though!)

Books Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

One for dessert

Via: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Check out this recipe for Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Food Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! I hope you're all surviving the rain, hail, wind, snow, more wind, more snow, and more rain; the best thing I can think of to do this weekend is hibernate! But if you do need slightly more inspiration than that, why don't you: 

READ: 60 of the World's Happiest Facts

WATCH: MONSTER/CLOCK (Smock Alley Theatre, 2.30pm/7.30pm until March 30th)

Please refer to the article I wrote for This Greedy Pig to see why.

EAT: Sausage Stew

Which tastes even better if you have a couple of chunks of apple along with the veg.

DO: Learn a new song on the Ukulele

I just discovered that this one is surprisingly easy, even just with the tabs

LISTEN TO: Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap

A beautiful song to listen to when it's raining outside

MAKE: Roast Chicken Legs with Butternut Squash
(Serves 2. Adapted from Lorraine Pascale's 'Baking Made Easy')

Olive Oil
2 Chicken Legs
Zest of 1 Lemon
4 Cloves Garlic
1/2 Butternut Squash
6 Medium Carrots
Sprig Rosemary
Sprig Thyme
Salt & Pepper to season.
Cornflour
Spinach
Pinch Nutmeg
a Knob of Butter

Preheat the oven to 220. Put the chicken legs in a small roasting tray and drizzle with Olive Oil, then season. Cook for 10 minutes skin side down. Meanwhile, chop the Squash and the carrots into roughly even cubes, then put into a separate roasting tray. Remove the chicken from the oven and coat the chicken and the veg with Olive Oil, seasoning, grated Lemon zest, Thyme, and Rosemary. Flatten the garlic with the flat side of the knife (unpeeled) and whack half the cloves in next to the chicken, and the other half in amongst the veg. Cook for about 20-30 minutes. To keep it moist, shake the veg around in the oil every now and then, and baste the chicken legs with their juices.
When the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oven put on a separate dish and cover with tinfoil. (You can leave the veg until you're ready to serve.)  To make a simple gravy put the dish with chicken juices over a very low heat and sprinkle in Cornflour a little at a time until you get the right consistency. You can thin it out with a little water if necessary.
While the gravy is finishing off, boil a big handful of fresh spinach (remember how much it shrinks!) for 2-3 minutes or until it looks just cooked. Drain thoroughly, and stir in a small knob of butter, a pinch of Nutmeg, and seasoning if necessary.
Now all that's left is to plate up, and enjoy!

The view from Bray Head, and Bull Island circa 2011

Dublin Inspirations Music Recipes

One for my 2nd Birthday (weekend)

Believe it or not, Dancing, Cakes, and Silence is now officially two years old! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it ... the blog and I have gone through a lot of changes since we started (not least moving from a flat share into a HOUSE, and going from having very little work at all to working most of the time!) but we hope to keep going strong into the future: if you have any thoughts on what you Like/Dislike/Would like to See, please let me know!

So here is a special Birthday edition with some of my favourite posts:

READ: Haruki Murakami

I'm still working through them, but Murakami has officially overtaken De Bernieres as my favourite author.

WATCH: Films!

We have the Oscars JDIFF, and rubbish weather ... why not!

LISTEN: Mix Tapes

Or make a mix for someone. Even if it's not the same now they're not on real tapes.

EAT: Meringues

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside!

DO: The Foxglove Challenge 

...Or make up your own version to cheer someone up

MAKE: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

I've only made it once, but it was so good it has reached mythical status in the history of my baking.

Dublin Baby!

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music Photography Recipes

One for (the rest of) the weekend

Happy Sunday! Sorry if my blogging becomes a little sparse over the next month, not only am I not going to have any days (or evenings after tonight) off; I'm also not going to be doing many shifts in the job where I have the opportunity to stand by the computer and blog my little heart out. Instead I'll be working on JDIFF and Collaborations (plus a little acting work in between) ... hoorah!

So ... if you're bored:

READ: Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

One of her lesser known and slightly darker (but only slightly) books.

WATCH: 6 Nations Rugby - Ireland v. England

Please oh please win England ... I'm surrounded by the Irish!

EAT: Apple Pie and Custard

Real comfort food ... it'll help keep you warm during all this rain.

DO: Book tickets for JDIFF and Collaborations

Particularly Collaborations ... also tell all your friends about it. Thanks.

LISTEN: You and Whose Army - Radiohead

The first moment of the first film I saw in my first JDIFF ... and one of the best that year.

MAKE: Beef Wellington

It may well be one of the best meals in the world!

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music Recipes Theatre