The Grand PP Arcade, Restaurant & Cafe, Koh Phi Phi.

We happened to stumble upon the spectacular Grand PP Arcade on the beautiful Thai island of Koh Phi Phi. We were instantly drawn into the cafe by the delicious smell of Thai cooking. We were seated in the dimly lit outside area below the fabulous lanterns and ceiling plants. The menu was quite concise, but still, with everything sounding so delicious, I found it extremely difficult to choose what to order. 

I decided to go for the vegetable spring rolls to start. They were, hands down, the nicest spring rolls I have ever eaten. The light pastry was stuffed with thin rice noodles and shredded veg and they weren't greasy in the slightest. I loved the rustic wooden boards the spring rolls were served on and the shot glass used for the sweet chilli dipping sauce. We each devoured all three in seconds!

 

For the main I went for the yellow Thai chicken curry which was also extremely delicious. The creamy coconut curry was served with basmati rice and a delicious side salad. Although we were advised not to eat salad while travelling, I couldn't resist!

  

          "The calm within the chaos."

The Grand PP Arcade is a must for anyone

 travelling to Koh Phi Phi !

Molly's Christmas Dinner Party

The Christmas season really kicked off last weekend when I, along with the other college galz, travelled to Molly's house in Howth for our annual Christmas dinner party. I arrived at the coast road and was immediately in awe once again. There is only one word to describe casa del Molly, and that is FABULOUS! This year, the steep meandering steps which lead to the front door, were dotted with twinkling fairy lights, and, as I neared the house, I could see into the dining area which was decorated beautifully with candles and Christmas crackers. To escape the bitter weather, I hurried into the house and the warmth and smell of delicious food was utterly magical.

Jealousy overwhelmed me once again as I walked into the kitchen in all it's perfection. The Aga, the massive counter space, the pantry, the gorgeous dining area, the huge dining table, the space - my dream kitchen. 

Molly's Menu

STARTER: Homemade Garlic Bread

MAIN: Chicken & Broccoli Bake

DESSERT: Crumbly Strawberry Cheesecake

For starter, Molly served delicious homemade garlic bread which she made on soft rolls, rather than baguette, which I thought was much much tastier. The garlic bread was followed by a scrumptious creamy chicken and broccoli bake. She made a massive dish full which was devoured by the end of the night. I think it's safe to say that everyone loved it. 

For dessert, Molly whipped up a spectacular strawberry cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and grated chocolate. I insisted on photographing her, dressed ever so festively with the cake, which, she wasn't too happy about, but posed never the less!

The domestic goddess herself

After a few bottles of wine, we weren't the freshest of daisies the following morning, but, the view from Molly's kitchen really made getting out of bed that little bit easier.

Homemade Hawaiian Style Beef Burgers

I spent the past two weeks minding my auntie's house while she was away so that meant free reign on the kitchen for me :) I had taken mince out of the freezer one night and didn't fancy the usual spaghetti bolognese or tacos so I decided to make homemade burgers. I'd never made burgers before but I went for it anyway. I cooked the burgers on the George Foreman Grill but they could easily be cooked on a barbecue, pan or under the grill. The burgers were surprisingly easy to make and they tasted deeeeelicious...

Ingredients

500g Minced Beef

Half a Small Onion (finely chopped)

2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)

2 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Mixed Herbs

1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Handful Breadcrumbs

1 egg (beaten)

Salt

Mature Cheddar Cheese

Fresh Pineapple (cut into rings)

Rocket Leaves

Mango Chutney

Sesame Seed Bundies 

Method

1) Mix the mince, finely chopped onion and garlic in a large bowl

2) Add in the pepper, cumin and mixed herb seasonings followed by the breadcrumbs and beaten egg.

3) When combined, empty the bowl onto your worktop and mold the mince into medium sized patties.

4) Refrigerate the burgers for at least 20 mins before cooking.

5) After the 20 mins have passed, sprinkle a small amount of salt on each of the burgers and grill them until the meat is cooked through.

6) Grill the pineapple, toast your burger buns and serve with cheddar cheese, mango chutney and rocket leaves.

Someone liked them anyway :)

Philadelphia Simply Stir Review

A couple of weeks ago I woke up to find a special package from Kraft Foods sitting in my kitchen. They sent me a cooler bag full of samples of their new "Simply Stir" range. They included a recipe for a chicken dish along with some of the other ingredients and kitchen utensils I'd need to make it. I was over the moon and I said I'd definitely give it a go for dinner some evening. It really was a quick and easy dish to make that everyone at home loved. I made both variations; the mushroom and the garlic & herb, and I have to say that the garlic and herb was definitely my fave ...

My cooler bag full of goodies !!!

Prep time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 10 mins      
(Super Quick!!!)

YOU WILL NEED...

1 Sachet of Philadelphia Simply Stir Sauce
4 Chicken Fillets
1 Small Head of Broccoli
A few Mushrooms

 

1) Slice the chicken fillets into cubes or strips and brown them in a pan
2) Par boil the broccoli while the chicken is cooking and when the chicken is brown add it to the pan
3) Throw in the mushrooms, followed by the Simply Stir Sauce and stir until it has heated through
4) Philadelphia recommend that you serve the chicken with Basmatti Rice

I definitely recommend these Philadelphia Simply Stir Sauces to anyone who is looking for something quick, easy and healthy to make for dinner