Tesco Homegrown to Homemade

Homegrown to HomemaBdooek A Recipe

Our natural obsession.

Contents 04 05 06 08 10 11 12 14 15

Fun in the sun How to choose the perfect summer wine Sweet potato, chorizo and Irish goat’s cheese tart Fishermans salad with warm Irish potatoes How to throw the perfect Halloween party How to carve the perfect pumpkin Bonfire Irish toffee apples All you need for a Girls Night In Shaken and stirred

16 18 19 20 22 24 26 28 30

Irish chicken with avocado, tomato and green beans Eat well in winter Cooking can be a family activity Creamy homegrown colcannon mash St Valentine – in the heart of Dublin!

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A BeCreative Editorial Production: www.becreative.ie Editor: Tara Leigh tara@becreative.ie Contributors: Mark Corcoran, Meghan O’Dowd Photography: Angela Halpen info@angelahalpin.com

Irish sirloin steak with salsa verde

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Irish cauliflower ham and cheese bake

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Ireland’s picni hotspots WWW.RRAI.IE

Chef Stephen Gibson

Wine expert Kevin Flanagan

Cocktail mixologist Alan Glynn

Stephen Gibson is one of Ireland’s most experienced chefs having worked around the world in a variety of Michelin starred restaurants.

He went on to open the French styled bistro Pichet (www. pichetrestaurant.ie) with Nick Munier of MasterChef fame.

In the Tesco Homegrown supplement, Stephen creates recipes using Homegrown fresh Irish food.

As editor of the Irish Independent Fine Wine & Food Guide Kevin Flanagan has visited some of the greatest vineyards in the world. In the Tesco Home Grown supplement, Kevin helps choose some superb wines that Tesco carry, matching them with the recipes, so you can enjoy a meal to remember.

Alan Glynn is one of Ireland’s most talented mixologists with a string of awards and accolades to his name. He can be found most nights manning the cocktail bar in 37 Dawson Street, Dublin (www.37dawsonstreet.ie) and believes that cocktails can be just as good - if not a better - accompaniment to food as wine.

Turn to page 15 and 16 for Alan’s delicious cocktail recommendations.

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Fun in the sun The company of family and friends, the sounds of children playing and the smell of burgers cooking – there is just something special about picnics and barbecues.

When trying to work out what to cook at a barbecue, try to make sure you are getting a variety of foods. Not everyone likes hamburgers and hot dogs and barbecues are the perfect opportunity to experiment and get creative with a variety of dishes.

If you turn to page 6 you will find a delicious recipe for a Sweet potato, chorizo and Irish goat’s cheese tart and on page 9 you will find a mouth-watering recipe for Fisherman’s salad with warm Irish potatoes – a perfect dish for those long summer evenings!

Picnic Checklist

When dinner’s over…

3 Sunscreen 3 Sun hat 3 Sun glasses

Toddlers will enjoy…

• Blanket – it should be large enough to comfortably hold all picnic-goers and food. A light one that folds small is a bonus.

We all know that the Irish climate can be unpredictable. What was once a bright warm day can quickly turn damp and dreary. It is important to prepare for all types of weather and to keep the car close by in case you need to run for shelter!

3 3 3 3 3

Waterproof jacket Wellies Umbrella Spare socks Towel

• If you purchase some tarp you can lay it under the blankets.

• Alternatively, you can get blankets with a waterproof back.

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Here are some great family games which can be enjoyed after the meal is finished

Face Painting Face painting is a great way to excite the kids. To create homemade face paint you will need (for each separate colour) e e e e

1 teaspoon corn starch ½ teaspoon cold cream ½ teaspoon water food colouring

Stir together the corn starch and cold cream until well blended. Add the water and mix well. Add food colouring one drop at a time until you achieve the colour you want. Use small paintbrushes to apply to the children’s faces.

Kids aged 6+ will enjoy …

Scavenger Hunt Divide into teams. You will need to create a list of items that the teams need to find – you can include picnic items, such as a plate or a plastic fork. Give each team the list of clues and a bag. The team that comes back first with the items in their bag wins!

Plate Portraits You will need some paper plates and some markers, colouring pencils or crayons. Invite everyone to take a paper plate and draw a portrait of someone else on the plate with the art materials provided. Display the plate portraits later, and have a contest to see who can recognise the guests depicted in the drawings. Give awards for the funniest, most accurate and most creative attempts.

The whole family will enjoy…

Three Legged Race

Have each child find a partner, preferably someone with similar height. Tie the right leg of one partner to the left of the other. Next determine the boundaries for the race. The first team to make it to the finish line wins! Don’t forget to take lots of pictures, as this is a great photo moment!

Tug-of-War All you need is a long piece of strong rope.

Make a knot in the middle of the rope; draw a marker on the ground. Divide into 2 teams and let the pulling begin. The team that pulls the other team the furthest away from the marker in the middle wins.

How to choose the perfect summer wine Summer is the time to enjoy light, refreshing and crisp wines while soaking up the sunshine and enjoying barbecues out in the garden. White wines are a summer classic, choose wines that are medium-bodied and clean, so it doesn’t overwhelm those light summer dinners.

Popular grape varieties for summer include pinot grigio, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and riesling. Bubbly drinks like Prosecco and champagne

(see pages 22/3) are also perfect for celebrating long summer evenings.

Pinot Grigio is a light Italian wine that has citrus and floral notes. It has wonderful pear and melon notes and when chilled, helps to alleviate the summer heat.

Rosé wines are a summer favourite.

A rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the colour from the grape skins and may be the oldest known type of wine.

Rosé wines come in still, semi-sparkling

or sparkling varieties that will appeal to any taste.

During the summer, steak will most likely be on the menu during barbecues and grilling sessions. There are plenty of light and medium bodied red wines that compliment steak. (See our Tesco Chianti on pages 24/5).

Remember wine is liquid sunshine (literally)! So whatever the weather get out and enjoy your favourite summer wine.

Add lemon and lime slices, or three parts wine to one part sparkling water to make a wine spritzer that is low on alcohol but high on refreshment.

Try mixing orange, apple or pineapple juice with Prosecco.

Or add strawberries and mint. Delicious!

Ogio Pinot Grigio

Tesco

Country: Italy Region: Umbria No summer is complete without Pinot Grigio and this Ogio Pinot Grigio is a medium dry white wine that shows aromas of melon and citrus fruit. It is well balanced with crisp lemon flavours and a refreshing hint of orange blossom.

The Podere Vaglie winery where this wine is produced was founded by Alessandro Lumini and his family. In 1997 the company began to produce wines from indigenous local grape varieties. The aim is to offer a high quality product that represents the authentic taste and feel of the region.

The Podere Vaglie winery is situated in the heart of Umbria, in the wonderful hilly area of Orvieto, an area known throughout Italy for its excellent wine production.

Country: Portugal Region: Vinho Verde This wine was commended in the Decanter World Wine Awards, which celebrates the diversity of wine by focussing on regional styles and influence.

Vinho Verde really is the perfect tipple for a hot summer’s day – light, slightly fizzy and low in alcohol. Vinho Verde or green wine is so called because it is traditionally released young and fresh. It comes from the largest of Portugal’s wine regions, running from Porto right up to the Spanish border. Just what you want on a hot summer’s day!

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Vinho Verde

Irish Goat’s Cheese It would be difficult to find anyone who knows more about cheese than Barra McFeely. The Irishman developed his cheese credentials in Tibet, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. He even measured the size of Emmental holes in his youth! So what cheese does Barra recommend for a goats cheese tartlet?

Chulchoill Goats Log - a soft farmhouse goat log with a hint of almond.

Barra Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

Tesco Mácon Villages Blan Our natural obsession.

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Country: France Grape: Burgundy We found this French Chardonnay truly outstanding. On the nose this wine makes a clean, crisp impression while the finish is creamy, clear yet complex. It complemented the sweet potato and goat’s cheese tart perfectly, cleansing the palate of the strong goat’s cheese flavours.

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Sweet potato, chorizo and Irish goat’s cheese tart Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 75g plain flour e 500g ready-made puff pastry e 1 free range Irish egg, lightly beaten e 100g Irish goat’s cheese, crumbled e 100g baked sweet potato e 50g chorizo (diced small) e Small bunch of flat leaf Irish parsley, picked e 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil e Salt and pepper, to taste Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C /400°F. 2. Lightly dust a work surface with the flour, and roll out the puff pastry until it is 4mm thick. Cut out 4 discs with an 11.5cm round pastry cutter and then with a sharp small knife lightly score around the pastry discs 1cm away from the edge, trying not to cut through the pastry.

3. Brush with the beaten egg, lay the pasty discs onto a nonstick baking tray and place in the oven on the middle shelf and bake for 15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Once cooked remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Remove the inner part with a small knife.

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4. While you are waiting for the pastry to cook, cut the sweet potato into small 1cm pieces. Then arrange on the base of the tarts.

5. Sprinkle goats cheese and chorizo over the tarts and place in the oven at 150°C for approximately 15 minutes until warmed through 6. Remove and place the pastry discs on 4 plates. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Serve with:

A fresh leafy side salad.

Alternative:

If you are not a fan of goat’s cheese, try a good buffalo mozzarella instead.

Helpful tip:

Cover the tart’s edges with foil if they start to overcook and this will prevent them from over browning and allow the pastry base to cook through.

Irish potatoes Tesco potatoes are watched and monitored throughout the year. We start by preparing the soil so as to optimise its nutrients, minerals and texture which makes for a great tasting spud.

Sarah Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

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Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Sauvignon Blan

Country: Chile Grape: Sauvignon Blanc This Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Sauvignon Blanc boasts intense citrus and herbaceous aromas and seafood dishes are an especially good match for it. We found it matched the Fisherman’s salad with warm Irish potatoes recipe perfectly, the intensely crisp notes complementing the creamy texture and taste.

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Fisherman’s salad with warm Irish potatoes Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 40 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 400g mixed pre-cooked seafood such as prawns, mussels, calamari, monkfish or tuna e 200g New Season Irish Potatoes e 1 red onion e ½ lemon, juiced e Small bunch flat leaf Irish parsley, finely chopped e 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil e Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Wash and peel the potatoes and put in a pan of seasoned cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 12 mins until tender. Drain well and set aside.

2. Thinly slice red onion.

3. Cut the potatoes into bite size pieces, then add the parsley and red onion.

4. Mix with seafood.

5. Garnish with lemon and olive, then season to taste before serving

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Serve with:

This dish is great on its own, or as a side dish to some baked cod.

Alternative:

For an added crunch, slice potatoes very thinly and fry in oil until golden brown and crispy. Set on kitchen paper to remove excess oil and sprinkle on the seafood salad.

Helpful tip:

If you are using fresh seafood for this dish, cook it as close to serving time as possible. You can use many types of seafood such as prawns, mussels, calamari, monkfish or tuna.

Dressing the salad while the potatoes are still warm is also recommended.

How to throw the perfect

Halloween party Halloween is one of the most entertaining holidays for kids and adults alike. Throwing a Halloween party can be a lot of fun. Thankfully, there are plenty of ideas for fun, spooky and seasonal games and decorations that can make your party interesting for people of all ages.

It’s often difficult to keep little fingers busy when you’re trying to entertain a group. However, there are some easy ways to help keep kids engaged and having fun. Below are some fun ideas and tips on how to make your party a success

Treasure hunt

Bobbing for Apples

The Haunted House

One of the most common Halloween party games, bobbing for apples is great for both adults and children. All you need is a basin of water, a bag of apples, and a few towels to dry off afterwards!

Empty the apples into the basin along with the water. The aim of the game is to grab an apple from the basin using only your mouth. It’s not just the kids who will love this game – it will keep the adults laughing too! Alternatively – why not make your own tasty Bonfire Irish Toffee Apples. Turn to page 13 to see the recipe.

If you’re feeling adventurous – why not turn your entire home into a haunted house? Use candles for lighting, hang streamers, caution tape or spooky signs from doors, or pull apart rolls of cotton wool to create scary spider webs across furniture. Add some decorations such as skeletons, bats, spiders and pumpkins and you have turned the entire place into a truly terrifying haunted house.

Fancy dress competition Throw a costume competition for your guests. You can do separate ones for adults and children. The best costume can be treated to a spooky prize, and you might find yourself in stitches with the kind of costumes people will come up with.

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This is a great way to keep the kids entertained during your party. Hide objects around the house such as sweets, masks, and other Halloween items. Make a list of things they need to find, and then let them at it!

Things to remembers

3 Always keep extra food, games, emergency cleanup and craft supplies handy during your party in case there is a lull.

3 If you’re using candles, be careful of children running around. In these cases battery operated electric candles may be a safer option.

3 Always try to have helpers at hand; a party is not just for your guests, so make sure you get time to enjoy yourself too.

Halloween Guess Who A game for the teens or adults, Halloween Guess Who can be a great ice-breaker between guests. When each guest arrives, tape a piece of paper to their back with the name of a Halloween character or item written on it. The object of the game is for each of the guests to figure out who they are. To do this, they will have to go around to the other guests and ask questions about their mystery character. Other guests may only answer yes or no. This can last right through the night – and keep your guests chatting for hours!

Movie Master Game This game is great for movie buffs and relatively simply to set up! All you’ll need is a few props and a vast amount of scary movie knowledge. Set up small scenes with props around your house, each with a clue or homage to a scary film (e.g. a plate of liver and beans – from Silence of the Lambs!). Ask your guests, in pairs, to try and guess what the movies are for each scene. The first pair to guess all of them correctly wins a prize.

How to carve the perfect pumpkin

** It is very important that a parent or guardian is always there to supervise the carving

Pumpkin carving is a recent tradition to Irish Halloween celebrations. We show you how to make the most of this creative project which the whole family can enjoy 1. Useful tools for pumpkin carving • A metal spoon To scrape out the interior of the pumpkin.

• Serrated or small sharp knife • A marker It can be useful to draw your design or desired face on to the pumpkin before carving.

• Tracing paper Using a stencil or pattern can help as a guide to pumpkin carving.

• Cookie cutters These can be a safe and useful way for kids to cut unusual designs into their pumpkins • Rubber mallet This rubber hammer is a safe way for kids to break through the pumpkin • Linoleum cutter This will help you when engraving and shading your pumpkin to get a consistent result. They can be purchased from most hardware stores.

This is for pumpkin-carving pros!

2. Next, use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin until it is completely hollow. Now that this is done, it’s time to get creative!

3. Designing your pumpkin There are so many ways to show off your artistic skills with pumpkin designs. Here are three of the easiest and most impressive ways to carve your pumpkin and turn it into a masterpiece.

2. Basic steps to carving your pumpkin

Faces Carve a face into your pumpkin and watch it develop its own character!

• All you need are two holes for eyes, another for the nose and a banana shape for the mouth.

• If you’re feeling more adventurous, try including teeth or pupils too.

• Draw your desired face/pattern on to tracing paper with a marker and cut around the design.

• Stick the tracing paper on the pumpkin.

• With a sharp knife carve through the tracing paper and cut out the relevant pumpkin part.

• The great part of this is that no matter what your ability, you can be sure to create an impressive looking pumpkin. Even ugly pumpkin faces are frightening!

1. First, use a serrated knife to cut a hole in the top or bottom of your pumpkin.

If you plan to use a candle to illuminate your pumpkin, cutting the hole at the top will make it easier to place inside.

If you plan on using an electric light however, cutting the hole at the bottom will help to hide the cord.

Cookie cutters • Carve out the pumpkin flesh and select a few of your favourite cookie cutters.

• Position them on the pumpkin and tap lightly with a rubber mallet until the cookie cutter has cut all the way through the pumpkin.

• Don’t forget the electric light or candle to light your pumpkin

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Shaded designs Although these designs are a little more difficult to create they are incredible to look at when lit from the inside. Shaded designs create a pattern on the surface of the pumpkin which are illuminated by the interior light.

• Using your tools, remove the hardened exterior skin from the parts of the pumpkin you want to show up in relief.

• Cut your designs into the pumpkin, but do not cut the whole way though.

• By cutting some areas deeper they will allow more light through the skin of the pumpkin when lit. Only cutting lightly into the pumpkin will create darker patterns.

Experiment till you are happy with the result.

Decoration Decorating instead of carving can be a great way to get younger children involved in the fun.

All you will need is some glue and an assortment of sweets to use for decorating.

• Try things like sticking on small marshmallows for the mouth, and liquorice coils for eyes.

• You can even make a pointed witches hat from black card to place on top!

No matter which way you choose, creating your pumpkin masterpiece will be a fun activity for all, and will look fantastic as a centrepiece, in a window, or in your garden.

Irish Apples The secret to a perfect candy apple is in pairing the sweetness of candy with the right apple.

A tart, not overly sweet apple works very well with sweet toffee.

Elstar and Jonagold are all firm, crunchy tasty apples that would be perfect for making Toffee Apples!

Ciaran Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

Spooky Cloudy Lemonade Our natural obsession.

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Ingredients e 1 cup caster sugar e 2fl oz Water e 150ml (5fl oz) fresh lemon juice e sparkling water e 1 lemon, sliced e fresh mint, to garnish

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Bonfire Irish toffee apples Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 20 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 4 Irish eating apples e 225g demerara sugar e 110ml water e ½tsp vinegar e 1tsp red food colouring e 2tbsp golden syrup e 25g butter e Lollipop sticks Method 1. Combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan and heat over a medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the butter, vinegar, syrup and red food colouring.

3. Increase the heat to moderate and bring to the boil, cooking the syrup until it reaches 138°C. 4. Skewer the apples with the sticks then dip in the hot syrup, trying to coat as much of the apples as possible in the syrup.

5. Leave the toffee apples to cool and harden on a lightly oiled baking tray.

6. Serve once the toffee is hard.

Serve with:

For an added crunch roll apple in chopped nuts before it sets.

Alternative:

Try chopping bananas in to 1inch pieces and dip in to the chocolate. This would be amazing with some ice cream!

Method 1. Make the sugar syrup, by heating the caster sugar and 50ml (2fl oz) water.

Stir until dissolved and leave to cool.

2. Fill a jug with ice and add the lemon juice and sugar syrup. Mix well, then add the lemon slices and top up with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh mint to serve, if you like.

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Helpful tip:

Always keep a close eye on the sugar when it’s on the heat as it dissolves quickly and has a higher chance of burning.

Sometimes going out on the town feels like too much hassle. A night in can be just what you need to unwind after a long week and have a giggle with the girls. There’s plenty of ways to make your girls night in just as much – if not more fun – than going out.

r o f d e e t In n u h o g y i l N Al irl’s G a Including a home-cooked meal into your girl’s night is sure to encourage some banter around the table! Why not try out our easy-to-make Irish Chicken with avocado, tomato and green beans (page 17). Paired with the right cocktail this can make the ideal recipe for that girly gathering!

Homemade cocktails can be a lot of fun to make – especially if you all get together to make them. Alternatively, you could have them pre-prepared for when your guests arrive and show off your perfect hostess skills.

A tasty meal, some gloriously inventive cocktails, sweet treats and some entertainment are all you need to make your girly catch-up a success.

Below we take a look at some great ideas to make your night one you’ll want to repeat every week!

Movie night

Get a makeover

Beauty to go!

There’s nothing better when relaxing with your girlfriends than putting your feet up and having a good laugh – or a good cry!

Choose some films that you can watch during your little get-together but don’t worry too much if it loses your attention – sometimes it can be more fun getting to gossip with each other with a little background noise!

Our top 5 1. The Notebook 2. Pride and Predjudice 3. A Walk to Remember 4. Sex and the City 5. 50 First Dates

A pamper-night is a classic girls’ night theme. From giving each other a crazy new look to having a clothes swap, you can create a fun night you will remember for years to come.

Why not arrange for a mobile hairdresser, beautician (or both!) to come to your house for the evening. Many mobile services can offer treatments from manicures, brow shaping and tanning to haircutting and dyeing. So why not treat your guests and yourself to a night of pampering – and a new look to go with your clothes-swap outfit!

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Clothes Swap

A clothes swap can be a really fun idea for your girls night in. Why not get each of your friends to bring one or two items of clothing they no longer want, to swap with each other. Within just a few minutes, everyone will find themselves with a brand new look – and all for free!

Shaken and stirred While wine and food have always gone together, a cocktail revolution is taking place. So ladies, for your next girl’s night in, why not serve up your dish with a lively cocktail?

When you are pairing cocktails and food you have to look at a number of elements says Alan Glynn, award-winning mixologist at 37 Dawson Street, Dublin.

“You have to look at the flavour patterns, the boldness of the dish, how acidic and sweet it is.

“While wine comes in the bottle finished, when it comes to cocktails you can play around and tweak different flavours and aromas to match the dish.

For chicken, Alan advises to keep things light and sweet. As red meat is a heavier flavour, for the likes of steak and beef, you can go bolder.

“I would use vodka and gins with chicken as they are quite light and not overpowering. For red meat a bourbon or brandy works well.”

So why does Alan think cocktails are becoming such a craze?

“The reality is they work really well with food. You almost become a chef when you are preparing a cocktail. I remember being out for dinner and having a chilli dish and I just had to create a cocktail that would bring out the aromas of the chilli!”

Alan also admits there is a certain theatrical aspect to it.

“It’s that whole Tom Cruise in cocktail fascination. People love to have a bit of fun with cocktails. That’s what it’s all about.”

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Alan’s recommendations for your Girls’ Night In Strawberry daiquiri e 1/2 cup crushed ice e 5 fresh strawberries e 35ml white rum e 2 tsp sugar e 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice

Method Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large, chilled glass. Serve.

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Irish Chicken Andrew has been buying poultry for Tesco for years, so its little surprise he knows the importance of having juicy chicken.

It’s great to be able to offer our customers not only a great protein but also a healthy one. We never add water - so you enjoy nothing but fresh chicken.

Andrew Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

East Coast Cooler Our natural obsession.

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– Ideal with this chicken dish Ingredients e 50ml Plymouth Gin e 2 whole peaches de-stoned e ½ lemon e 60ml Pinot Grigio e 20 ml prosecco

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Irish Chicken with avocado, tomato and green beans Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 4 Irish chicken breasts e 2 cloves garlic e 1 red onion e 1 packet of Irish rocket e 200g fine Irish green beans e 24 Irish cherry tomatoes e 3 ripe avocados e 1 large bunch Irish mint e 1 bunch Irish basil e 6 tblsp sunflower oil

e ½ tbsp. wholegrain mustard e 2tbsp white wine vinegar e 2 tbsp honey

Method 1. Place Plymouth, peach, lemon & wine in a glass a squash down (muddle) the lemons 2. Add ice and shake them up.

Pour over ice to a wine glass Top with prosecco to add bubbles...

Method 1. Marinade in olive oil and garlic for 1 hour 2. Heat the honey in a pan and add the wholegrain mustard 3. Slice the onion and tomato 4. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes 5. Make the vinaigrette by adding the sunflower oil to the vinegar. Heat a griddle pan till hot.

6. Grill chicken for 30 mins until brown. Cut into large chunks.

7. Brush chicken with honey mustard sauce 8. Slice avocado and combine with rocket, mint, basil, tomatoes, onion and green beans 9. Place in a bowl and arrange chicken on top

Serve with:

Great served on its own or as a main course with potatoes.

Alternative:

Would also work well with grilled mackerel.

Helpful tip:

Prepare the avocado at the last minute and rub a little lemon juice over the cut pieces to stop discolouration.

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Eat well in winter

The dark and dreary months are the perfect time to eat well, Catherine Matthews, Nutritionist with Tesco Health & Wellbeing, advises.

Winter can be long, cold, wet and hard to stomach. It’s all too easy during these damp months, when we are feeling a bit blue, to comfort eat to get ourselves through. Then, when New Year’s comes around we are left feeling under pressure to visit the gym and make up for our gorging.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should skip the fruit and veg section.

Root vegetables, as their name suggests, are plant roots largely consumed as vegetables. In Ireland they tend to be in season in the autumn and winter months, and their earthy flavours are perfectly suited to soups, stews, broths and other warming dishes. Root vegetables grown in Ireland include parsnips, carrots, beetroot and swede, though more unusual choices such as celeriac and Jerusalem artichokes are becoming more popular and make great cold-weather fare. Root vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a seasonal must.

Let’s not forget those little vegetables that divide nations, you either love or hate brussel sprouts. Whatever your opinion is, it is difficult to imagine Christmas without them. Other vegetables packed with goodness include mushrooms and kale –

an excellent source of vitamin K, important for normal blood clotting.

Rich in carbohydrates, potatoes are a great source of energy for the body and they really come into their own in winter.

They sometimes get a bad rap for being a white starch, thrown into the same category as white rice or white bread. But unlike those other starches, which have indeed been stripped of healthful nutrients, potatoes are a whole food that contains several beneficial nutrients. They are high in Vitamin C and potassium. A medium jacket potato provides almost half the RDA of vitamin C in one go. An average potato has about 100 calories and they are virtually fat free.

Get creative with soups! Using the wide variety of vegetables available in Ireland during the winter you can create a wide variety of soups, broths and stews. These are highly nutritious, offering as they do a healthy, vegetarian option. Soups are a smart way to use up any leftover vegetables from yesterday’s dinner.

Winter isn’t the best time for fruit, but certain Bramley apples and pears are readily available. Whip up delicious desserts with these fruits, such as stewed apple and baked pears – perfect for heating you up.

If you want to create a scrumptious winter treat but you’re stuck for ideas, turn to page 21 where you will find a gorgeous recipe for creamy Homegrown colcannon mash.

You can view more of our articles and healthy recipes at: www.tesco.ie/healthandwellbeing

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Cooking can be a family activity Baking and cooking can be great activities to strengthen bonds between family members. Old recipes, passed down from grandparents to parents and from parents to children, can give families a real sense of pride and identity Participating in the preparation of family dishes can have benefits for each family member. While experimenting in the kitchen, children can learn about healthy eating and nutrition and also develop their palate.

Having children participate in the preparation of meals or snacks helps them to make better eating choices and also encourages them to try new things – picky eaters are more likely to try the foods that they have cooked! It also helps children to realise that food does not just appear on the table and familiarises them with the cooking process.

Also, when all the little helpers are on

board, this means that mum and dad will have to spend less time making meals. After all cooking should not be seen as a chore.

Top Irish chef and co-owner of Pichet restaurant, Stephen Gibson says that parents can teach their kids basic cooking techniques. And even if they face resistance in the beginning, there are some great ways to get the kids involved.

“People’s lives are very busy,” says Stephen, “but many hands do make light work. It is easy to get the kids involved but the initiative must come from the parents.

If every member of the family has their own task to take care of, preparing the meal can become a family activity.

Stephen has fond memories of rolling his sleeves up and helping out with the cooking when he was a youngster.

“When I was growing up in Donegal we all got involved - whether it was shelling peas or actually cooking!

Kids can help with cooking as they grow Little chefs

Children under the age of six have not spent much time in the kitchen so everything will be new to them. There are a number of ways these kids can get involved and familiarize themselves with cooking such as: • Washing fruits and vegetables and tearing lettuce for a salad • Mixing with a large spoon • Decorating cookies and cakes with icing sprinkles • Sifting flour • Cleaning tables and worktops

Novice chefs

Once a child has mastered these early skills they can move on to some bigger tasks. Most children between the ages of seven and 10 should be able to: • Measure ingredients • Read recipes • Set out the correct ingredients for recipes 19

And, with adult supervision • Stir stovetop items such as gravies and sauces (children should be tall enough to see into pot before trying this)

Master chefs

By their teenage years, kids will be able to take on some more complex tasks.

Teens can get creative in the kitchen with the ingredients they use and the recipes they try out.

• Use different kitchen appliances • Bring out your artistic side by experimenting with different colors and textures in meals

While children may feel they are ready to take on any task in the kitchen it is important to remind them that certain tasks require supervision. Be sure to remind them of any safety guidelines before they start a task.

“I started to cook at a young age when my Mother gave me little jobs in the kitchen. And I always enjoyed it. I think it would be fairly simple to incorporate one little thing into each meal that the kids can be in charge of.”

While some kids may seem reluctant at first Stephen believes that by participating in baking they can, over time, develop a general interest in food.

“Baking is the gateway to getting kids involved with food. Because they are making sweet things, the sugar, the different baking smells in the kitchen and the chance to dip their fingers in chocolate should keep most kids interested. Take a cup cake for example, they are fun to make and the child can enjoy the treat at the end.

“After that you can move on to all sorts of dishes including the Sunday family lunch!”

Irish Cabbage Lisa Rowan is passionate about vegetables. She has three requirements – that they be fresh, leafy and good value for money!

When choosing green sweetheart cabbage, look for a full, leafy head with a strong green leaf and no yellow .

Lisa Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

Our natural obsession.

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Tesco Vina Mara Rioja Reserva

Country: Spain Region: Rioja This great wine that boasts the colour of sycamore leaves, deep and purplish with the exquisite taste of saddle leather and old tobacco. We could not imagine a finer wine to complement the robust flavours of the Irish beef stew and colcannon. A masterpiece.

Our natural obsession.

Creamy Homegrown colcannon mash Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 30 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 4 New Season Irish potatoes, peeled and chopped e 1 large onion, finely chopped e ½ small Irish green cabbage, shredded e 50ml whole Irish milk, warm e 50ml double cream, warm e 1tsp Dijon mustard Method 1. Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling water. Turn down the heat to medium and simmer for 15 mins or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a sautĂŠ pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 3-4 mins or until softened but not browned. Add the Irish cabbage and a splash of water, season, cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, until softened.

3. Drain the cooked potatoes and tip back into the saucepan.

Add the rest of the butter, warm milk, double cream, Dijon mustard, season well and mash until smooth.

4. Then drain the cooked cabbage of any excess water and stir into the mashed potato, reserving a little of the cabbage mix to garnish the top of the colcannon

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Serve with:

Irish beef stew. Is there anything better than cabbage and Irish stew on a dark winter evening?

Alternative:

Why not try Irish cabbage and potato croquettes? Mix the potatoes with the cabbage and eggs. Roll into 1 cm balls and toss in flour. Fry in a pan until golden brown. Yum!

Helpful tip:

Try baking your potatoes as opposed to boiling. Simply remove the skins when cooked and mash. This will allow you to add just a little more butter.

St Valentine St Valentine – in the heart of Dublin!

St Valentine’s Day - the food of love

Did you know that Dublin is the final resting place for St Valentine? And that lovers travel from around the world to visit his shrine in the Whitefriar Street Church?

It is a true story that in many ways is stranger than fiction. It all started in 1836 when an Irish priest, Fr. John Spratt, was given a remarkable gift by Pope Gregory XVI. The gift included the bones of St. Valentine.

Valentine’s reputation for marrying Christian couples who were being persecuted during the reign of Claudius II quickly spread and he rapidly became the patron saint of lovers worldwide.

There are a number of traditional foods that have appeared over the years with claims that they can help lovers. Asparagus was served to 19th century bridegrooms because of its reputed aphrodisiac powers.

Banana became popular after studies showed the enzyme bromelain helped enhance male performance! Chocolate is ever popular with lovers, it was even said to have been banned from some monastic institutions in the distant past.

Figs were used by the ancient Greeks in fertility rituals, while in the Orient ginseng, almond and vanilla were all said to come to a lover’s assistance. The deadly Puffer Fish is considered a powerful aphrodisiac in Japan, while even the lowly radish was favoured by the ancient Egyptians!

Micheál Donohoe, part of the Tesco Ireland fresh food team, suggests that love struck males should serve up steak for their true love next Valentine’s Day. Micheál has always been passionate about meat; he loves it so much he even

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has steak for breakfast! And to prove that good quality steak is one of the great celebratory foods, Micheál is serving Irish Angus steaks at his own wedding. Micheál also believes that Tesco home grown Irish Sirloin steak is one of the best in Ireland.

‘We only produce steaks from the heart of the rump. It’s the best part of the rump to cut a steak from. There is less fat so it’s better value for money and it’s easy to prepare and delicious.’

If you want to follow Micheál’s example and cook a steak for your true love turn to page 25. There you will find our mouthwatering Irish steak recipe, matched with a full bodied Chianti Riserva.

St Valentine’s Day wines!

Bubbles have always been associated with St Valentine’s Day. It seems that no Valentine celebration is complete without it. To honour this we have selected three different bottles of bubbly that will appeal to just about every taste (and wallet)!

Tesco Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 75cl

Tesco Premier Cr Champagne 75cl Country: France Region: Champagne This is the same Champagne that beat the likes of Cristal, Bollinger and Dom Perignon at the International Wine Challenge in 2005, seeing off competition from 160 other labels in one of the largest and most prestigious blind wine tastings in the world! This Tesco Premier Cru first caused a stir in 2002 when it was rated the best bubbly in a blind testing by Which? magazine.

So what makes this Tesco Champagne so great?

One, it is affordable coming in at a fraction of the price of the other marque champagnes. Secondly it is truly stunning champagne, soft and caressing on the palate, avoiding that limestone “bitterness” that can afflict even the great champagnes. It has an elegant quality with a delicate mousse, hints of citrus aromas and a creamy, lingering texture. This wine really is a celebration and will compliment any occasion.

Country: Italy Region: Veneto Grape: Prosecco Producer : Bisol Winemaker: Desiderio Bisol This Prosecco was the International Wine and Spirit Competition Silver Medal Winner - 2012.

Prosecco, Italy’s famed sparkling wine, hails from the Veneto region, in the northeast and it’s typically a fantastic value wine - as versatile as it is economical. The dominant Prosecco producing towns are Valdobbiadene and Conegliano and they produce a wine that offers delicate fruit and enticing aromatics, lots of bubbles (spumante) or lightly-bubbled (frizzante).

This award winning Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene is Medium Dry with aromas of wildflowers that are balanced on the palate by notes of pear, and a refreshingly crisp acidity.

Valentine Tip: Prosecco has another claim to fame, as Venice’s popular Bellini cocktail. It was created using Prosecco at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1930’s. To create a romantic Bellini simply take a peach that has been in the fridge for a couple of hours and peel, de-stone and blend it. Fill a cocktail glass a third full with cool peach puree and top up with chilled Prosecco. (You can use peach juice as well).You will have created a cocktail that will woo any heart!

Valentine Tip: Serve this exotic bubbly in two long stemmed glasses that have been chilled in the freezer. This will give the glasses a frosted effect and keep the champagne cooler for longer. And while sipping let your lover know that they are sampling champagne voted the best tasting in the world!

Country: Spain Region: Cava Grape: Monastrell/Pinot Noir Producer : Bodegas Marques de Monistrol Winemaker: Antonio Olive The roots of the Cava industry can be traced back to Josep Raventós’s travels through Europe in the 1860s, where he was promoting the wines of the Codorníu Winery. His visits to Champagne sparked an interest in the potential of a Spanish wine made using the traditional Champagne method. He created his first Cava in 1872 and it has been a success ever since.

To make the rosé version of the cava we have here, small quantities of still red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha or Monastrell are added to the wine.

The Tesco Cava Rosé is soft creamy style with a fine and well integrated mousse. It is very elegant on the palate and has intense red berry fruit flavours. It is also brilliant value making an affordable celebration out of any occasion.

Valentine Tip: Why not present your Valentine with a glass of the pink bubbly Cava, a single stemmed pink rose and a box of dark chocolates. This simple (and economic) combination will make a romantic impression that will last!

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Tesco Cava Rosé 75cl

Irish steak When preparing steak you want it to be as tender and flavoursome as possible. Choose a steak such as Tesco’s Finest Irish Angus Sirloin Steak, which is matured for 21 days for extra flavour and tenderness. Angus beef is world famous for its marbling which means your steak will be juicy and succulent every time

MicheĂĄl Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

Our natural obsession.

WWW.RRAI.IE

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Tesco Chianti Riserva

Country: Italy Region: Tuscany This outstanding Tesco Finest Chianti Riserva won the International Wine and Spirit Competition Silver Medal in 2012. It is an intense ruby red wine with aromas of plum and cherry. Its well-structured flavour and long finish compliment the robust taste of a good steak perfectly. Try it and see!

Our natural obsession.

Irish Sirloin steak with salsa verde Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 5 mins to cook Serves: 2 Salsa Verde is a rustic Italian herb-based sauce, which is served cold. It is often used as a condiment in Mediterranean countries and is subtle yet flavoursome accompaniment to a delicious Irish steak.

Ingredients For the salsa verde e 2 garlic cloves e 1 tsp capers e ½ lemon, zested and juiced e 2-3 anchovy fillets, chopped e small bunch Irish parsley, roughly chopped e small bunch Irish basil, roughly chopped e small bunch Irish mint, roughly chopped e 1 tsp chilli flakes e 7 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil For the steaks e 150g (5oz) cherry tomatoes, halved e ½tbsp olive oil e 2 Irish sirloin steaks

Method 1. To make the salsa verde whizz the garlic, capers, lemon zest and anchovies in a food processor. Add the herbs and chilli flakes, then whizz until roughly chopped. Add the lemon juice, then gradually pour in the olive oil and then pulse to combine.

2. Transfer the salsa mixture to a bowl and stir in the cherry tomatoes. Season and set aside.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan until smoking hot. Add the steaks and cook each side 2-3 mins (Rare), 3-4 mins (Medium), 4-5 mins (Well Done) or until done to your liking.

4. Serve the steaks with the salsa verde spooned over the top.

Serve with:

Fine green beans smothered in garlic butter and good homemade potato wedges. Par boil your potatoes, cut into wedges and roast in oven with garlic.

Alternative:

For a vegetarian alternative make it without the capers and anchovy. Delicious stirred through fresh linguine!

Helpful tip:

Always allow your steak to rest for 5 mins after cooking. This ensures it stays juicy and tender.

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Easter treats Easter egg hunts are fun for young and old alike Far more than just a time for chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, Easter is a time to bring family members closer together. This is why it is a good idea to shift the focus from the chocolate to family activities.

Games, parades, hikes and hunts all allow for family members, young and old, to interact and enjoy spending time together.

Draw a map

There are many variations of the classic Easter egg hunt.

Leave tell tale bunny prints

Add letters to each egg so kids can make words Buy some alphabet stickers or write a different letter on the outside of each egg. Set the kids loose on their egg hunt and then offer extra Easter prizes to the kid who makes the longest word from their egg stash.

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Give each child a map to show them where the eggs are. Then be a bit sneaky by hiding another map at one of the clues. A lot of kids enjoy riddles and wordy clues that get their brain ticking and lead them to more difficult places, such as a specific novel on the book shelf or a certain herb growing in the garden.

Make bunny footprints near each hidden Easter egg to give the kids some easy hints as to where the eggs are hidden.

You can make the footprints out of colourful paper.

Alternatively, make a piĂąata

For an international twist why not abandon a hunt in favour of a piĂąata?

You can make your own easy eggshaped piĂąata from balloons and paper.

Have the children take turns hitting it with a plastic bat while blindfolded.

The one who finally bursts it open wins something special. Hint, if you use sweets as the prize, make sure they are wrapped sweets so they can still be eaten if they fall to the floor.

How to make an Easter Egg piñata Before you begin make sure you give yourself plenty of room to work and cover your work surface with newspaper for protection and easy clean-up.

Things could get messy!

What you’ll need: e e e e e e e e e e 27

1 bowl 2 cups 1 tablespoon of salt Newspaper 1 balloon Scissors Glue Crepe paper Sweets String to hang the piñata

1. Make the Papier-mâché paste In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of salt. Stir the mixture until it starts to thicken like a batter.

2. Make the Papier-mâché strips Tear some newspaper into strips that are about 1 to 2 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long. Prepare a large number of these, because you will be applying several layers.

3. Form the piñata base Inflate your balloon. This will form the body of your piñata, so make sure you make it nice and big. Next, dip the newspaper strips in the paste. Lay the strips down all over the balloon in a crisscross pattern, until covered, but leave the knot of the balloon uncovered. Allow the first layer to dry. Complete this step 3 to 4 times, allowing each layer to dry before adding another. You can then paint the piñata if you wish.

4. Filling the piñata Cut a hole for the sweets. If the balloon has not yet popped, go ahead and pop it and remove it. Since you didn’t cover the knot of the balloon with your papier-mâché, you should have a small hole already. Use this hole to fill with sweets. To cover the hole glue down some crepe paper on top. Hang the piñata and swing away!

Irish Cauliflower Cauliflower can get bruised and dry out easily.

So how do you select the best cauliflower for your dish? Select a cauliflower with more leaves on it as it protects the quality of the product. We also ensure our packaging allows the cauliflower to breathe and ensures it dosen’t dry out.

Lisa Tesco Ireland Fresh Food team

Montes Reserva Merlot

Our natural obsession.

Country: Chile Region: Colchagua Valley WWW.RRAI.IE

Merlot is often the wine of choice to go with lamb and we found this reserva lived up to its reputation.

The wine never competed with the delicacy of Irish lamb, rather it complemented it perfectly.

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Our natural obsession.

Irish Cauliflower ham and cheese bake Preparation time: 15 mins to prepare, 15 mins to cook Serves: 4 Ingredients e 1 large Irish cauliflower (broken into florets) e 40g Irish butter e 20g flour e 425ml Irish milk e 150g cooked Irish ham (diced) e 150g mature Irish cheddar (grated) e 50g bread crumbs e Salt and pepper Method 1. Melt butter in a thick based saucepan. Add flour, mix and cook together to form a roux.

2. Heat milk separately and slowly whisk it into the roux.

Cook for approximately 10 mins before seasoning and adding the cheddar and ham.

3. Blanch the cauliflower in salted water for approximately 4 mins until tender.

4. Add cauliflower to sauce and season.

5. Place in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake until golden brown.

6. Serve

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Serve with:

Roast leg of Irish lamb.

Alternative:

For a vegetarian option you can replace the ham with the little blue cheese instead.

Helpful tip:

When making the sauce, add the warm milk very slowly whisking all the time. If the sauce is lumpy you can strain it before adding the cheese.

Ireland’s picnic hotspots When it comes to locations for a picnic, we are spoiled for choice A picnic is a great way for a family to spend the day. Parents can relax and enjoy some food while the kids run around and enjoy themselves. Ireland has such a beautiful landscape and there are hundreds of wonderful spots for a lovely picnic. So if you are looking for the perfect spot for your family picnic you are sure to find it in Ireland.

Camaderry, Glendalough, Co Wicklow Glendalough has always been known for its stunning landscapes, natural beauty and its history. It is one of the most visited places in Ireland. On a lovely summer’s day hikers, families and tourists travel from far and wide to visit this stunning, scenic area.

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The Burren, Co Clare The Burren is an area of majestic mountains and picturesque valleys and streams. The area is internationally famous for the array of flora and fauna, as well as the megalithic tombs. This is one spot that every family must visit at least once.

Killarney National Park, Co Kerry Killarney National Park is surrounded by lakes and mountains, including the McGillycuddy Reeks. Muckross House and Gardens are located in the centre of the park. You can explore the 26,000 acres of the park to find the perfect location for your picnic.

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n n Glencarr Waterfall, Co Leitrim Located outside Manorhamilton, Glencar Waterfall is a stunning location for a peaceful picnic. This waterfall is located on Glencar Lake and although small, is enchanting nonetheless.

Lough Boora Parklands, Co Offaly These parklands are made up of stunning lakes, woodlands and wetland areas as well as 50km of walkways and pastureland. It is also the home of some beautiful flora and fauna. The area is cloaked with raised bogs making it a very unique outdoor park.

Visit www.discoverireland.ie for more of Ireland’s picnic hotspots

Packing the perfect picnic Did you know that almost one third of Irish food is thrown out as waste? Not only are the recipes in this supplement home-grown, the ingredients can also be used to create delicious picnic basket options or on-the-move snacks – meaning nothing has to go to waste. The Fisherman’s salad with warm potatoes (page 9) and the Chicken with avocado, tomato and green beans (page 17) make for perfect additions to any picnic baskets..

And to ensure you don’t forget any essentials check our the picnic checklist on page 4!

Festival Fun We are fortunate in Ireland to have such a wide range of food festivals to delight and inspire. Whether North, South, East or West you foodies will be able to find the perfect festival for their taste. Below, we preview four of the best.

1 Westport Festival of Food and Music 29th - 30th June Set amidst a stunning 400 acre site in the heart of Westport town in Mayo, Westport Festival of Music and Food is an annual two-day celebration of music and food. The event promises a relaxed and friendly vibe, first class festival facilities and the finest local food and refreshments. Music acts confirmed to perform include Elvis Costello and Imelda May. Visit www.westportfestival.com for more

1 Ballina Salmon Festival

A Walker’s Paradise With roughly 2,796km of coastline and more than 30 inhabited off shore islands, Ireland boasts an incredible array of coastal and island walks. The following walks are amongst the most stunning Ireland has to offer.

n Beara Peninsula, Cork In the Southwest, the Beara Peninsula is a magnet for walkers. While the 196km Beara Way takes around eight days to complete, there are other delightful but less time-consuming walks in the area. The Western Loop on the sublime Bere Island or the remote Dursey Island Loop are great choices. On Bere Island you’ll be rewarded with 360º panoramic views over Bantry Bay and the Beara and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas. And don’t miss the striking tower of the Ardnakinna Lighthouse. n Inishbofin, Co Galway The West Quarter Loop on Inishbofin, Co Galway is another treasure. A great introduction to the island, it takes you along the shore, past an amazing sea cave and along a ‘green road’ with stunning 31

13th - 14th July For one week in July, the bustling town of Ballina, set on the idyllic banks of the River Moy, comes alive with the Ballina Salmon Festival. Every year some 200,000 people descend on the Salmon Capital of Ireland to enjoy the seven day festival, which boasts a jam-packed calendar of events! www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie is where you can find further information

views towards neighbouring Inishark Island and mainland Galway.

n Inishturk, Co Mayo Meanwhile Inishturk in Co Mayo provides tranquillity for the visitor who will love the Mountain Common loop walk. This is a chance to take in panoramic views and the sandy beaches bordering on crystal clear Atlantic waters. Keep your eyes open for the ruins of the old Napoleonic signal tower, the penal church and the endangered spotted rock-rose. www.mayowalks.ie is where more information can be found n Boyne Ramparts Walk, Navan, Co Meath In Meath, the Boyne Ramparts walk takes the visitor a distance of 8 km from Navan towards Slane along the banks of the River Boyne, parallel with the old canal. The walk will take you to Stackallen Bridge. Beautiful wooded scenery and wildlife can be seen on this path.

Learn more at www.meathtourism.ie

1 A Taste of Donegal Food Festival

23rd - 25th August This year’s Taste of Donegal Food Festival will be held over a three day period. All exhibitors will be present showcasing their food. There will be cookery classes for children and teenagers, as well as artisan food producers and other exhibitors showcasing their food and products. There will also be Masterclasses by celebrity chefs, food workshops and displays by Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland as well as competitions and food trails.

You’ll find more information at www. atasteofdonegal.com

1 Galway Oyster Festival 27th - 29th September Each year, on the last weekend of September, Galway City comes alive with seafood and oysters as it celebrates the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival - the world’s longest running Oyster Festival. Throughout the Irish food festival, there will lots of tantalising events for all to enjoy including the Oyster ‘Olympics’ or World Oyster Opening Championship and foodie talks and tasting events in some of Galway’s best restaurants.

Check out www.galwayoysterfest.com for more details

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Cunnigar/ An Coinigéar Walk, Ring, Co Waterford For bird lovers, An Coinigéar in Waterford is awalk is worthy of note. Follow the curve of the shore out to the long sandy spit that sticks out into Dungarvan Bay. Try to walk as far as the highest sand dunes to capture the full flavour of the walk. The Cunnigar is one of the best winter bird watching locations in Dungarvan Bay in terms of diversity and numbers. It is the top site in Waterford for rare waders such as little Ringed and Americian Golden Plover.

For more great Irish walks visit www.discoverireland.com Before setting off it is vital to bring: 3 Footwear suitable for the walk 3 Clothing which is suitable for all weather 3 Plenty of water 3 Your mobile phone charger in case of emergency Ifyou are having any doubts about doing the walk, be sure to contact your GP.