Mashed potato with roasted garlic and fresh parsley

   Mashed potato! Just a simple, homy and always tasty dish because of roasted garlic and fresh parsley from my window-sill garden. Now it's too difficult to surprise somebody by this garnish, but when I was a little girl mashed potato was considered to be a number-one dish though we cooked it without garlic addition, but always served with "milk" sausages - and there was a little holiday for every eater. It was cooked just like a speciality dish regardless of the event. And I'm not kidding: due to my mom's culinary skill mashed potato was always exceptional - I mean particularly fluffy and creamy - and everyone required the double-portion.

   As times goes by mashed potato became to be forgotten. Unfairly, as for me. Heaven knows it's my guilt because I spoiled my honeys by exotic meals :) Now it's time to remember the previous fave and cook a good old fashioned dish but with a modern touch.  
   Mashed potato with roasted garlic and fresh parsley is a real yum-yum. Do you still think that it is too simple? Yes, it's simple but believe me there is something attractive in this simplicity. Or better convince of it by your own, for example, at this day dinner.

 

Stewed Cabbage with Lentil and Sausages

   Hi there! Almost a month passed since my last post here and plenty of lovely events have happened in my life. I celebrated my 22nd birthday, finished the first part of my qualification project and took part in food photography contest that was organized by StockFood group located on Facebook.

   I'd like to say much thanks to my friends and relatives for their sincere words and congratulations. The best present is to know that you're not alone.

   At the beginning of November I got a long-awaited letter from my teacher. She approved of the first part of my diploma work. By the way it was connected with my own project devoted to food and cooking magazine. It was only a trial version but maybe someday we will see it on the shelves of popular supermarkets. Oh, my dream!

   Meanwhile it becomes colder and colder outside - it's time to cook warm and copious dishes. What is your favourite one?

   What are you guided by while choosing the dish to cook for daily family dinner? I like simple and tasty dishes that don't require too much time to cook. Of course, they must be from common products that you can find in every supermarket. Stewed Cabbage with Lentil and Sausages is a perfect example.

Beef and Guinness Stew

   I bet Irish cuisine dishes will be incredibly popular among the members of my family this winter. The weather forecast predicts freezing weather with strong winds and heavy snowstorm. Brrrrr....I'm shivering from only the thought of it!

   Why Irish cuisine? For its copious and comforting dishes made from plain products which you can easily find in every supermarket. Nothing can be better. No doubt.

   I've decided to prepare for the cold season beforehand and started with Beef and Guinness Stew. It is said that beef stewed in Guinness is very tender and becomes more delicious next day. And it is the absolute truth! I must say that it will take several hours to cook this stew. But it is worth waiting! Tender beef with fine Guinness flavor is a real comforting meal. Don't forget about the garnish. Potatoes or buckwheat will be the best.

Beans with Sausages, Tomatoes and Sweet Pepper

   Autumn goes ahead! I like this season for its beautiful nature. Only imagine: yellow, orange, red colors with a great amount of their unusual tins, funny acorns under your feet, damask ashberries shining just like tiny lights and wonderful aroma of the autumn forest. Do you like it? I adore.

   We spent previous Saturday going for a walk to the local park. It is similar to big wood but with plenty of old benches, cozy arbours where you can hide from the rain and skillfully made nestling boxes. We were walking without any hurry enjoying everything around us.

   We came back late in the evening with a small bunch of fallen leaves. And we were very hungry. I predicted this...so I've made some preparations before. In a hour the stunning aroma of delicious meal gathered together all of us. September evening with tasty food and a good company finished one of the best autumn days.

   This meal is definetly must-cook. No fuss, no difficulties. Only plain ingredients and fantastically delicious result. It may seem unbelievable, but this is exactly the same I've described.

 

   The combination of beans, tomatoes, sweet pepper and garlic hardly surprised anyone. If it is without spicy paprika, aroma caraway and piquant sausages. Add the last three ingredients - and the flavour will become much more interesting and difficult. Don't forget about a generous handful of fresh herbs and serve hot!