A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)
I have been obsessed with all things Ireland since I first saw The Quiet Man years ago. Irish beauty Maureen O’Hara has always been one of my favorite actresses, which also helped draw me to the gorgeous and fascinating country. The iconic beauty also happens to star in The Quiet Man alongside John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald).
After seeing the film, I read everything I could get my hands on about Ireland and became infatuated with its food, customs, colors, charisma, and people… especially its people – with its food close behind!
A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link) is the newest cookbook added to my cookbook collection and (as you’d imagine), I am overjoyed. TWO passions of mine – Cooking and Ireland – combined. It doesn’t get any better than this!
The first thing that struck me was the size and beauty of the book – it’s absolutely stunning, from the Irish font to the gorgeous photographs. As one would expect, there’s a lot of green and it’s an absolute joy to the eyes.
REVIEWS FROM THE BACK COVER
—Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America“With A Return to Ireland, Irish cookery has come of age. Her recipes are steeped in our history and the future of Ireland. From nature to plate, with amazing stories of passion and love from the homeland.”
—Chef Noel McMeel, executive chef of the 5-Star Lough Erne Hotel and author of Irish Pantry“Judith’s continual passion for Ireland, Irish food and the Irish culture continues to be an inspiration to me and to everyone who meets her here in Georgia. Her zest for life, her stories and her Irish creations in the kitchen are superb and really fun. May the inspiration continue to call people to return to Ireland.”
—Chef Ford Fry, restauranteur and author of Tex-Mex Cookbook“McLoughlin’s new book is a truly intergenerational exploration of one Irish family’s emigrant journey from the rugged hills of Ireland to the shores of New England and the tastes of home they’ve savored ever since. Do yourself a favor and Return to Ireland without ever leaving your kitchen.”
—Nathan Mannion, Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum
“Judith’s inspirational food and storytelling is very much part of this phenomenon that is calling the Irish diaspora home to Ireland to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.”
—Dr. Tim Campbell, director of the St. Patrick’s Center
About the Author
A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Not only is the author an Irish chef, the photographer (Gary McLoughlin) is also Irish. The pair make an absolute dream team to present their beautiful home country to the rest of the world. It is in very, very capable hands!
RECIPES INCLUDE:
- Irish Cured Ham & Cheddar Cheese Pillows
- Crispy Kale Salad with Baked Irish Cheese (with a Lemon Vinaigrette)
- Padraig’s Roasted Potato Cups (gorgeous!)
- Nana’s Lemon Meringue Tart
- Asparagus Salad with Sweet Peppers & Baby Arugula
- Cullen Skink Seafood Bake
- And many, many more extraordinary and exciting recipes you have to see to believe!
I love the beautiful photos in this stunning cookbook, I love the author’s wonderful writing, and I love the creative and delicious recipes. I also love learning so much about this gorgeous country and its warm, wonderful people – so full of charisma, charm, and personality. The Irish traditions shared, alongside the stunnignly beautiful photos and text make you feel like you’re there.
And THAT, is a wonderful thing, indeed.
A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link) would make a very thoughtful, beautiful gift for any cooks in your life, but you’ll absolutely want to grab a copy for yourself while you’re at it. I simply couldn’t recommend this book high enough.
A word about restricted diets (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, low FODMAP, etc…): Obviously this cookbook, like the majority of the cookbooks I review featured traditional, non-restricted recipes and ingredients. However, when you’ve been at the restricted diet game as long as I have, you learn to automatically “mentally replace” listed ingredients with ones that are safe for you. For example…
- Traditional flour can easily and effortlessly be replaced with a gluten-free flour such as my personal favorite King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- Vegan? Replace eggs with Egg Replacers (Amazon Affiliate Link) – there are so many on the market! I have to use egg replacers daily and you simply can’t tell the difference.
- Etc!
A Return to Ireland Cookbook by Judith McLoughlin (Amazon Affiliate Link)