Chef Alex has Five Tips, and a Recipe, for Christmas at Home

 TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE STRESS WHEN COOKING 

CHRISTMAS DINNER FROM A TOP CHEF 

The Group Executive Chef at Trigon Hotels (Metropole Hotel and Cork International Hotel), Alex Petit has outlined his top tips for reducing stress around cooking this year's Christmas dinner. 

The French native said: "Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when family and friends are together. But that joy can sometimes be overshadowed by the worry of cooking the Christmas dinner. I know only too well about the pressures of preparing a meal so I’ve outlined a few pointers to help on the big day."

His five tips for cooking a stress - free Christmas dinner are:

1. Lists are your friend.

Write out the details of what you will be serving and what you need for each course. Make a list before you go shopping and tick everything off so you haven’t forgotten anything on the day.

2. Get a good meat thermometer.

A food thermometer takes away the worry of undercooking the turkey. There are a number of moving parts on the day, you don’t need the stress of wondering if the main part of the dinner is cooked correctly.

3. Prepare what you can the night before.

Peel and wash vegetables and potatoes the night before and put them into cold water. Select desserts you can make ahead like trifles and cheesecake to save you time on the big day.

4. It doesn’t have to be Instagram perfect.

A lot of people focus on the presentation of the food. Every dish doesn’t have to look social media ready - the most important thing is spending quality time with your loved ones.

5. Keep it light-hearted and fun.

It’s a special time of the year - friends and family are home and you are together. Get them involved and enjoy spending quality time with them.

Here's Alex's recipe for the ultimate stuffing.

Sausage meat and cranberry stuffing

Ingredients:

75 g butter

1 onion, diced

2 tsp chopped fresh mixed herbs (rosemary, sage and thyme)

50 g fresh cranberries

50 g dried cranberries

175 g fresh white breadcrumbs

225 g Rosscarbery free range pork sausage meat

Salt and pepper

Method:

In a medium size pan, melt the butter and add the finely diced onions.

Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and add the dried and fresh

cranberries.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

In a separate bowl, mix the sausage meat, breadcrumbs and fresh herbs.

Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooled butter mix and mix until fully combined.

You can either stuff the turkey with this stuffing or else bake it separately in a preheated

oven at 170 degree celsius for 25 minutes.

Cork Native Mark McSorley appointed General Manager at Dromoland Castle.

Cork Native Mark McSorley appointed 

General Manager at Dromoland Castle.

Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most esteemed and celebrated five-star luxury resorts, has appointed Mark McSorley as its new Resort General Manager for both Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland.  McSorley steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of Mark Nolan after an illustrious 35-year career at the helm of the iconic 500-acre historic estate in County Clare.

 

An alumnus of Shannon College of Hotel Management, and Cork native, McSorley brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in the luxury hospitality industry.  Most recently, as General Manager, Hotel and Residences at the Quinta do Lago Resort in the Algarve, an award-winning and internationally awarded luxury lifestyle resort renowned for luxury hospitality and a golfing destination.

 

McSorley’s distinguished career also includes senior leadership roles with Celebrity Cruises, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin as well as Hyatt Hotels, underscoring his diverse and seasoned background in premier international hospitality management.

 

Commenting on his appointment to Dromoland Castle Mark McSorley stated;

“I am truly honoured to take up the mantle at one of Ireland’s most esteemed properties - an iconic resort that holds immense significance for both the local community and Ireland as a whole.  Having studied at Shannon College, I have always admired the castle's magnificence and its role as a centerpiece of Irish culture and history.  I look forward to working with both Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland teams.

 

After spending over 20 years abroad, I recognize the unique connection that Dromoland Castle has with the Irish diaspora.  Returning to Ireland has always been at the back of my mind, and more a future thought, however when the opportunity came to join Dromoland, it was the one property that could bring me home. Dromoland embodies the spirit of Ireland, and I am thrilled and excited to be back in the county where my journey with hospitality began”

 

Dromoland Castle’s Managing Director Mark Nolan commented on the appointment of Mark McSorley;

“We are delighted to welcome Mark McSorley to Dromoland Castle Resort – while bittersweet, as it marks the end of my own tenure at the helm, it is also an exciting and positive prospect. To see someone of Mark’s calibre bring his wealth of experience and international insight to the Castle’s future plans – of which there are many, paves the way for an exciting road ahead and I and the Board of Investors look forward to seeing Dromoland Resort flourish under Mark’s stewardship”

 

Dromoland Castle Resort, Chairman John O Brien commented;

The Board of Directors and I look forward to welcoming Mark McSorley and his family to the Dromoland Castle Resort family when he assumes his new role next February. His drive and enthusiasm for luxury hospitality, coupled with his impressive international experience will greatly enhance and complement the future visionary plans of Dromoland Castle Resort. We greatly look forward to working with Mark.

The board of directors also takes the opportunity to thank Mark Nolan for his tenacity, vision, and exemplary stewardship of Dromoland Castle Resort over the past three decades. His unwavering commitment to Dromoland, his passion and drive for hospitality in all its forms, and his exceptional relationship with all stakeholders across our business has been exemplary.  As a Board Member and investor, Mark Nolan will be involved in a strategic developmental role, on a project and consultancy capacity going forward.

 

Mark McSorley will commence his new role at the award winning resort in February 2025. 

press release

 

Tinedo Cala N.1 Casilla. Embodying the essence of an almost unknown Mancha.

Tinedo Cala N.1 (Vin de la Tierra Castilla) 2018, 14.5% ABV  Price: €15.00 at Matsons (Bandon, Grange, Youghal)

"embodying the essence of an almost unknown Mancha"

The colour of this wine from Castilla, Spain, is a dark ruby, transitioning to a lighter earthy red at the rim. The nose is outstanding and intense, featuring aromatic notes of cherry and strawberry. This impressive and well-rounded wine has a velvety mouthfeel. It is powerful yet well-balanced, making it a gem that is Very Highly Recommended. Incredible value at this price.

This wine is certified organic, as indicated by the Demeter sticker on the back of the bottle. It is crafted from a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (according to the producer’s website). They add: “We only use grapes from Finca Tinedo itself. It is a terroir wine, where all the original vines share the same climate, soil, natural nutrients, and care conditions, resulting in unique and stable flavours and nuances from each harvest.”

CALA N.1 “has been aged in concrete tanks, which help retain the grapes’ freshness and preserve the floral and red fruit aromas. This method results in a balanced and well-structured wine, highlighting the qualities of the terroir and showcasing the authenticity of a single-vineyard wine with personality.” I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment.

La Mancha is well known for its association with the famous author Cervantes (1547-1616) and is less recognized for its wines. Finca Tinedo is one of the oldest wineries in La Mancha. Since 1846, this family-owned winery has exclusively produced single-vineyard and single-plot wines, embodying “the essence of an almost unknown Mancha.” 

METROPOLE HOTEL’S FESTIVE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AFTERNOON TEA INSPIRED BY THE EVERYMAN'S PANTO

METROPOLE HOTEL’S FESTIVE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD 

AFTERNOON TEA INSPIRED BY THE EVERYMAN'S PANTO

Cast members from the panto enjoy the 
Little Red Riding Hood Afternoon Tea in the Metropole.

   

The Metropole has partnered with The Everyman for this year’s Christmas Panto - Little Red Riding Hood - to create a festive afternoon tea for young and old to enjoy.

The new “Once upon a time, there was a sweet little girl...” menu features favourite flavours with nods to the fairytale including Little Red Velvet Berry Iced Muffins, Old Granny’s Apple and Blueberry Jam Pie and Wolf Paw Cookies along with a selection of muffins and cakes, just like Little Red Riding Hood took to Grandma’s house.

Pierce Lowney, Director of Food and Beverage at Trigon Hotels said: “The panto is such an exciting event for families in Cork and a Christmas tradition that many people enjoy year after year. We are very excited to offer our new Little Red Riding Hood Afternoon Tea in the Metropole’s Tearoom, which can be enjoyed by young and old. So we invite people to come and indulge in some delicious festive treats before going to the Everyman for an evening of fun and laughter. Sourcing top-quality ingredients is very important to us at Trigon Hotels, which is reflected in the festive afternoon tea menu and we are looking forward to welcoming diners and experiencing this one-of-a-kind menu.”

On the menu is: 

WELCOME DRINK

A warming glass of mulled wine

SWEET TREATS

Woodland Pear and Chestnut Sponge

Little Red Velvet Berry Iced Muffins

Blackcurrant and Ginger Delice

Old Granny’s Apple and Blueberry Jam Pie

Wolf Paw’s Sugar Cookies

SCONES

Homemade Buttermilk Scone with Irish Strawberry Jam, Whipped Cream, Lemon Curd and Irish Salted Butter

ASSORTMENT OF SANDWICHES

Smoked Chicken, Fennel and Grape Crostini

Roast Turkey and Cranberry on White Bread

Poached Prawn in a Lemon Mayonnaise on Edward Buckley Soda Bread

Macroom Mozzarella, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Romesco

And for the kids..

WELCOME DRINK

O’Conaill’s Hot Chocolate or Mineral

SWEET TREATS

Old Granny’s Apple and Blueberry Jam Pie

Mini Chocolate Brownie

Wolf Paw’s Sugar Cookies

SCONES AND PUDDINGS

Muffins and Cakes, just like Little Red Riding Hood took to Grandma’s House

Homemade Buttermilk Scone with Irish Salted Butter, Strawberry Jam and Lemon Curd

Red Velvet Berry Iced Muffins

FINGER SANDWICH SELECTION

Honey Glazed Ham and Cheese on White Bread

Grilled Chicken with Mayonnaise on Edward Buckley Soda Bread

Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich 

The Little Red Riding Hood Festive Afternoon Tea is €45 per person and €25 per child. 

Pre-booking is essential and reservations can be made online at www.themetropolehotel.ie

press release

Hop, hop, hurray! At last, a superb non-alcoholic ale! On the craft trail with Wicklow Wolf, West Kerry and Whiplash.

On the craft trail with a super non-alcoholic IPA from Wicklow Wolf, a dark West Kerry Ale and a lighter one from Whiplash. 

Wicklow Wolf 0.5 ABV Non-Alcoholic IPA, 330 ml can

Hop, hop, hurray! At last, a superb non-alcoholic ale!

Light gold and hazy in the glass, this new non-alcoholic IPA from Wicklow Wolf has a soft white head that doesn’t hang about. Aromas are citrusy, but the hoppy palate gives us hope that we have found the long-awaited good Irish-made non-alcoholic beer. So, I have a warm welcome for this one and am happy to give a big thumbs up. Serve at eight degrees and enjoy!

They say:  “Our brewers have been working on this recipe for over a year, trialling and perfecting it. The result? An unbelievably flavourful non-alcoholic beer that’s brewed without compromise, using speciality malts and juicy hops. Say hello..”

So, if my wish for a decent Irish non-alcoholic beer has been granted, what do I want next? Just put it in a bigger can, lads!

Geek Bits

Hops: Bravo, Citra, Idaho 7.

Malts: Pale, Cara Blond, Carapils

West Kerry Cúl Dorcha Dark Ale, 5.0% ABV, 500 ml bottle, Bradleys

a delicious and well-made beer.

The colour of this West Kerry Ale, a traditional dark ale from the Dingle Penisula, is a deep ruby red with an off-white head that stays around. There are roasted malts on the nose and hints of smoke. The malt runs deep in the complex palate, caramel and, towards the end, chocolate. English hops are used “for an easy drinking beer with a slightly spiced hop note to finish”.

It is indeed a distinctive beer, as we’ve come to expect from West Kerry, where sculptor Adrienne is also the owner and brewer at Tig Bhric, the public house where the West Kerry brewery is based. Very Highly Recommended

Tour the brewhouse and enjoy a tasting in the pub afterwards, or take a technical tour where you get to pick the brains of one of the brewers. Check details on the website here. 

Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale 4.5% ABV, 330 ml can 

“light on malts… plenty of hops”

The Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale is a vibrant gold beer, hazy with a foamy white head. By the way, keep a small bit in the can. When the head slips down, pour in the balance at a good rate, and that will revive the white crown. The aroma is a mix of citrus fruits, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange leading the way. There are also hints of pine and herbs, which add a touch of complexity.

The flavour is even more citrus-forward than the aroma, with lemon and grapefruit dominating. There is also a touch of sweetness, from the malt, which helps balance the bitterness from the hops. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering citrusy flavour.

The Body Riddle Pale Ale is brewed with a blend of Lemondrop, Galaxy, Simcoe, and Ekuanot hops. These hops all contribute to the beer's citrusy flavour profile. But don't worry. There’s more than citrus here, with the other hops all getting into the action and the malts doing their bit.

This beer is perfect for a session with friends. It's also a great beer to pair with food, as the citrus flavours can complement a variety of dishes. Good for a session too!

Very Highly Recommended. 

Dreaming of a Silver Christmas with Newbridge Silverware

PRESS RELEASE

Dreaming of a Silver Christmas 

with Newbridge Silverware

Looking for the perfect last-minute gifts this Christmas? Newbridge Silverware has you

covered with a stunning selection of gifts to share with your loved ones and make Christmas

truly magical. From unique homeware to handcrafted jewellery, you’ll find something for

everyone on your list.

Hip flask

Gifts for Him:

Impress the entertainer in your life with the Duck Decanter (€75). This exquisitely designed

piece combines functionality with elegance, making it the ideal gift for anyone who loves to

host in style.

A timeless two-tone Pocket Watch (€150) is a standout piece and effortlessly smart. The

Men’s Watch with Leather Strap is one of the most popular time pieces in the collection,

and at just €80 this is a great value gift for someone who appreciates clean design.

If he likes his drinks served with optimum style, then the traditional Whiskey Decanter with

6 Whiskey Glasses (€50) brings a touch of glamour to any sideboard. A great gift idea for

any whiskey connoisseur in your life and ideal for someone who simply just loves to

entertain.

There’s also plenty for the adventurous type with the handy Stainless Steel Hip Flask with

Leather Sleeve (€60) which can also be personalised.

Floral ice-bucket

Timeless Jewellery:

Celebrate the beauty of the season with a Lir Pendant (€50) and Bangle (€55). These

delicately crafted pieces reflect elegance and charm, making them the ideal gift for someone

special.

The Molten Knot Collection which includes a stunning necklace (€75), earrings (€40) and

an eye-catching bracelet (€40), is inspired by the interconnecting lines of Celtic knot carvings

and has the fluid shapes of molten metal which emulates a contemporary, sculptural feel.

Molton Knot Necklace

Brooches are still one of the ‘must have’ accessories of the season, select one of the beautiful

brooches from the extensive brooch collection such as the Floral Brooch with Green Stones

from the Classic Collection (€45). The emerald green stone at the centre of the brooch is

surrounded by peridot crystal settings and will add a splash of colour to a dark winter coat or

scarf. You could also check out The Star Brooch with Clear Stones which was inspired by

the beauty of the star of the sea (€55).

The Willow Pattern Watch (€55), with its delicate blue and white motifs takes its inspiration

from the iconic blue willow china pattern design and looks great when worn with warm

winter white or soft camel tones.

Lockets are known as sentimental and romantic pieces of jewellery and the Ornate Locket

with Coloured Stones (€70) has taken its design from the Victorian era. Why not personalise

a locket for someone special with an inscription and make your gift even more unique for that

special someone?

Homeware and Collectibles:

Capture the magic of Christmas with Newbridge Silverware’s elegant homeware and

collectible items. From sparkling Christmas tree decorations to iconic silver-plated pieces that

add a touch of festive luxury, these carefully curated items are perfect for spreading holiday

cheer. Ideal as host gifts, they will help create a warm and welcoming ambiance in any home.

The elegant silver-plated Salt and Pepper Set (€55) from Newbridge Silverware comes

complete with an accompanying small tray. Whether it's a leisurely lunch or a delightful

dinner with friends, this set will effortlessly transform any table into a stylish showcase.

Everyone loves a dessert! Finish every meal in style with Newbridge Silverware’s Large

Cake Dome with Server (€100). It’s very impressive and is the perfect way to showcase

your delectable creations.

Want to create the perfect ambience? Newbridge Silverware’s USB rechargeable LED

Lamp with Silver Plated Base (€60) is a modern and practical addition to any room. Easy to

use and great for creating a cosy atmosphere this rechargeable lamp can be used anywhere in

the home without the need for a wall socket.

We all love to dine in style so enhance your table with this stylish Flower Glass Champagne

Bucket (€70). Its beautiful design of delicate floral motifs adds a touch of elegance to any

table setting making this the ideal gift for those who enjoy entertaining.

Create a cozy ambiance with scented candles (€10) from the Newbridge Fragrance

Collection. Featuring luxurious scents, these candles are perfect for enhancing any room with

a touch of sophistication and warmth.

Enchanting Christmas Tree Decorations:

Bring a festive sparkle to your home with enchanting Christmas Tree decorations from

Newbridge Silverware. These timeless ornaments add a magical touch to your Christmas

decor and are perfect as thoughtful keepsakes or stocking fillers. Choose from the limited-

edition Christmas 2024 Ornament Santa's Workshop (€40) as well as new designs such as

Santa’s Gift Bag (€25), The Snowflake (€22), The Christmas Stocking (€25), The Gonk

with Green Hat (€17) and many more.

Duck Decanter

Shop Now

Don’t let the clock run out on finding the perfect gifts. Visit Newbridge Silverware in-store at

their County Kildare showrooms or online to explore the full range of products that promise

to make this Christmas unforgettable.

Celebrate the season in style with Newbridge Silverware—where timeless design meets

holiday magic.

www.newbridgesilverware.com

Quinlan’s Fish Always Impresses. Fresh fish delivered directly to their restaurants. It shows on your plate. And palate!

Quinlan’s Fish Always Impresses.

Fresh fish delivered directly to the restaurants.  It shows your plate. And palate!

On the spur of the moment, I decided to have lunch at Quinlan’s Restaurant in the heart of Cork City, and I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent meal. The restaurant invites you in with the promise that “The Freshest Seafood in Cork City is calling your name.” On a cold and dreary day, I heeded that call and went to Princes Street, where this family-run business first established itself in Cork in 2016.

We enjoyed a delightful meal in the beautifully renovated and expanded location, which now boasts an additional entrance on Oliver Plunkett Street, as well as the original one on Princes Street. It was a busy time and the hard-working staff maintained a high standard of service with time for a little chat and a big smile.

I chose the Pan Fried Fillets of Hake, served with forestière potatoes, mushrooms, smokey bacon, and caramelised onions in a lightly creamed apple and cider sauce (€18). It was quite a dish, and the sauce truly enhanced the flavours. On a previous visit, the hake was served with tomato chorizo, spinach, and bean cassoulet alongside herb potatoes, which was also very good.

CL ordered the Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon, which came with Lyonnaise potatoes, a Greek-style tomato, feta, and olive salad, as well as Fred’s Mediterranean vegetable salsa (€19.00). The salsa was delicious and would complement several other dishes nicely. The salmon was a generous portion, perfectly cooked, and the dish was neatly presented, as was also the case with the hake.

She had been hoping that her salmon would be served with Lyonnaise potatoes, asparagus, carrot purée, and basil pesto, as it had been during her previous visit. However, we were both quite pleased with our meal this time. We started with a shared bowl of Cromane mussels served in a delicious white and garlic cream sauce (€14.95). We appreciated that they provided two spoons, which made it easy to savour the sauce after we had "demolished" the mussels!

This was one of their specials on the day. Also included was a Triple AAA Grade Tuna dish that we enjoyed here on an earlier visit and found it amazing! They also offered Vanessa's Warm Cookie Skillet as dessert and other options. Regular highlights on the menu include squid, crab, and sizzling prawns, which are often served as appetizers or main courses. The menu is offered throughout the day and the daily specials are based on the selection of fresh fish that has been landed  the night before. If you happen to see them available, I highly recommend trying the Sizzling Portmagee Crab Claws and, a personal favourite, the Portmagee Crab Bake!

It wouldn’t be a fish bar if you couldn’t get Fish and Chips. Here, you can choose from whiting, plaice, haddock, cod, hake, or fish goujons. The Fish and Chips are served with a specially developed batter that complements the super fresh fish. These Fish and Chips are in high demand, whether it's lunchtime or dinnertime.

The Quinlan family seafood business is located in Caherciveen, County Kerry. Kerryfish was founded by Michael Quinlan and has now been passed down to the second generation: Liam, Ronan, and Fintan. The Quinlans always have expansion on their agenda, and they operate shops and restaurants all over Kerry and beyond!

Most of the fish are sourced from the nearby Atlantic coast, with much of them caught by Quinlan’s own boats. Quinlan has been in operation since 1963 and exports fish worldwide. In 2011, they were recognized as National Seafood Specialist of the Year. The fish is fresh and delivered directly to the restaurants by experienced professionals who know what they are doing. And it showed on our plates!