Salmon Gravlax with Aioli

Recipe, StarterClodagh McKenna8 December 2025Christmas, Fish

My favourite way to eat celeriac is as a soup, and the addition of the sage and hazelnut pesto adds delicious crunchy texture and earthy flavours. I sometimes add a crumble of crispy smoky pancetta on top with the sage and hazelnut pesto, which is just so good.

Recipe, Vegetarian, Soup, StarterClodagh McKenna6 December 2025Winter, Autumn, valentines, Starter, Christmas

Smoked Salmon Terrine With Dill, Lemon & Capers

Start this one day ahead to save time. A show-stopping starter with layers of Irish smoked salmon with a cream cheese and lemon filling, flavoured with dill and capers.

Recipe, StarterClodagh McKenna5 December 2025Christmas

Chicken Liver Pate

Love this anytime of the day or night :) Good quality chicken livers whizzed up with Irish butter, fresh thyme, garlic and brandy.

Recipe, Starter, ChristmasClodagh McKenna5 December 2025Chicken, Winter, Christmas

Cacio E Pepe Cheese Straws

Recipe, Christmas, StarterClodagh McKenna2 December 2025Winter, canape, Christmas

Honey Gorgonzola Dates

Recipe, Christmas, StarterClodagh McKenna2 December 2025Winter, canape, Christmas

Cheese Souffle

The idea of making a cheese soufflé to many of you sounds utterly terrifying, I think that’s because so much hype has been made about getting that grand lift in the oven, and the fear that it will all flop! But I promise you they couldn’t be simpler to make.

Recipe, Lunch, Starter, VegetarianClodagh McKenna27 September 2025Autumn, Easter, Mother's Day

Lentil & Roast Tomato Soup

Recipe, Soup, StarterClodagh McKenna19 September 2025Autumn

Curried Parsnip & Apple Soup

A zingy winter soup with seasonal vegetables. Every Saturday morning I start a big pot of broth in my kitchen. Once it is on the go it encourages me to cook soups like this winter warmer..

Recipe, Soup, StarterClodagh McKenna15 September 2025Autumn, ITV TM

Butternut Squash And Coconut Soup

This soup is a ray of sunshine in a bowl during the grey days of autumn. The butternut squash is so sweet and creamy, and I love spicing and warming it up with cumin and garam masala.

Recipe, Starter, SoupClodagh McKenna8 September 2025Autumn, Summer, Soup

Sunny Carrot & Ginger Soup

Vegetarian, Starter, SoupClodagh McKenna21 July 2025Autumn, Spring, Soup, Summer

Gambas Pil Pil

I remember the first time that I ever had prawns pil pil, it was in the market in Barcelona. I sat at the counter of one of the tapas bars, and watched how they fired up the plump fresh prawns with fiery chilies, aromatic garlic and smokey paprika. They were out of this world… They served them with very thinly sliced sourdough toasts that were brushed with olive oil – so I could scoop the prawns pil pil onto the toasts to create the perfect bite, heaven! It is one of the easiest and fastest suppers that I know.

StarterClodagh McKenna23 April 2025fish, BBQ

Baked Feta with Honey and Rosemary

Recipe, StarterClodagh McKenna13 February 2025Vegetarian, valentines, ITV TM

Crab, Blood Orange & Fennel Salad

Recipe, Christmas, StarterClodagh McKenna11 November 2024Autumn, Winter, Starter, Christmas

Honey & Thyme Roasted Figs With Ricotta & Sourdough

I have an enormous fig tree, and during autumn I have an endless supply of delicious ripe figs. These figs simply roasted with thyme and honey are heavenly. You could leave out the sourdough toast if you wish and serve it as is.

Recipe, Starter, VegetarianClodagh McKenna1 September 2024Autumn

Tomato Tart Tatins

Recipe, Starter, VegetarianClodagh McKenna25 July 2024Jubilee, tart, Starter, sharing, Vegetarian

Wild Garlic Soup

This wild garlic soup, takes me right back to the forest where I picked the herb. I have added a topping of roasted almonds and sheep’s cheese for added texture and contrast. Hazelnuts, brazil nuts or pine nuts work too.

Recipe, Starter, SoupClodagh McKenna4 April 2024Spring, Easter, Soup