Vegan Beet & Orange Salad

by Evin // August 7, 2015 // No Comments

Tomorrow, I’m going to the fabulous Fibre Feis in West Cork so time to whip up some pot luck yumminess. I invented this simple salad with some of my favourite flavours. It is easy to make ahead of time and... Continue reading →

Julie’s Dijon Vegan Potato Salad

by Evin // July 13, 2015 // No Comments

This is one of my favourite dishes to make and bring to a pot luck BBQ or party. It is easy to prepare ahead of time, suitable for a broad range of diets, and pairs well with all kinds of... Continue reading →

Grilled Fruit

by Evin // June 22, 2015 // No Comments

This is a different take on fruit salad, but instead of raw fruit in a bowl, it is grilled fruit on a stick. This is a nice light dessert or side dish for a BBQ or backyard party. It is... Continue reading →

Grilled Marinated Eggplant & Bell Peppers

by Evin // June 15, 2015 // No Comments

Summer has a way of making me crave more vegetables and fruit. I thought what better excuse to eat healthier than to eat my five-a-day in more delicious ways than just steamed or baked. And with grilling season firming in... Continue reading →

Grilled Peaches & Vanilla Ice Cream

by Evin // June 1, 2015 // 1 Comment

You can keep the kitchen cool and the dinner hot with an endless combination of foods to marinate, skewer, and grill. But all too often, delicious side dishes and grilled desserts (yes, desserts) are forgotten in favor of the traditional fare of burgers and hot dogs. If you feel like adding something sweet or savory to your next backyard gathering (or any dinner for that matter), consider trying one of this week’s recipes. Continue reading →

(Friends + Food) – Furniture = Picnic!

by Evin // May 28, 2015 // 5 Comments

Picnic season is upon us! In my mind it is always a good time for a picnic. You can spread out in front of your hearth on a snow day or dine on an enclosed porch on a rainy day, but I know we all love when the weather cooperates to make a picnic outing possible. I adore picnicking! To me, it is all about setting aside distractions (TV, phone, daily life) and enjoying the company of good friends, while eating delicious food and appreciating being outside. I look for excuses to turn a normal outing into a picnic feast, whether it be an afternoon fishing or a morning at the beach. Though, there are still traditional picnic moments. For the past seven years, I gather with a group of friends for at least one evening of al fresco dining. It is amazing how so many things can change in our lives over the years, but every picnic dinner has the same memories of relaxation and fun. Continue reading →

Old Bay Cornbread

by Evin // May 14, 2015 // No Comments

I’m from Maryland so if I am a little obsessed with Old Bay Seasoning, it’s ok. You probably picked up on my reverence for the spice if you’re a regular reader of EvinOK since I’ve posted such items as Old... Continue reading →

Mom’s Garden Fresh Vegan Potato Salad

by Evin // April 7, 2015 // 2 Comments

For me, a summer tradition growing up was my Mom’s potato salad. To this day, I’ve never seen her have a strong relationship with mayonnaise. It may not seem important to some but I’ve seen the woman use just about... Continue reading →

Vegan Chickpea & Olive Salad with Fresh Lemon Dressing

by Evin // March 27, 2015 // No Comments

Spring is all about fresh ingredients and for meat-free options for Friday meals in Lent, so this recipe is a perfect mix of the two with fresh flavours to boot! It works equally well as a side dish. But as... Continue reading →

Dark Chocolate Painted Pretzel Twigs

by Evin // February 12, 2015 // No Comments

Salty and sweet can be such a lovely flavour combination, so I thought I’d try to make my own chocolate-drizzled pretzels. And since they make such a fun gift, I am sharing the recipe here with step-by-step photos. You may... Continue reading →

Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

by Evin // December 26, 2014 // No Comments

If you’re thinking, “Why did I buy the big box of candy canes?”, I’m here to help you. You can crush them to make my Candy Cane Fudge Recipe. This is also a lovely gift if you’re going to a... Continue reading →

My Favorite Home Grown Tomato Recipes

by Evin // August 27, 2014 // 1 Comment

Home grown tomatoes or even those grown at your local farm have a succulent and sweet quality that make any dish feel like something steeped in the flavors of summer - even when it's nearly autumn. Two relatively quick and fairly easy recipes are my favorite soup that my mom makes, Julia's Gazpacho, and Angel's Broiled Tomatoes. Both are lovely side dishes or starters or can be a light lunch when paired with fresh mozzarella and a baguette. Continue reading →

Pascale’s Couscous Salad

by Evin // August 22, 2014 // No Comments

While visiting friends in Normandy, our taste buds were delighted by a refreshing salad that truly was from the garden. My favorite thing about it is that you can prepare it ahead of time and serve it fresh from the... Continue reading →

Quick & Easy Union Square Spiced Nuts

by Evin // August 21, 2014 // No Comments

There is a place in New York where the bar nuts are so good, they’ve won an award! Not just an award, but a cookbook too (The Union Square Cafe Cookbook: 160 Favorite Recipes from New York’s Acclaimed Restaurant is... Continue reading →

Old Bay Virgin Mary Cocktail

by Evin // July 31, 2014 // No Comments

Not many people know this, but I gave up all alcohol from April 2011 until July 2013 for medical reasons (pregnancy then a growth in my liver). So, I became quite enthusiastic about non-alcoholic cocktails. Even now, most days I... Continue reading →

Spicy Pickled Old Bay String Beans for Tangy Tomato Juice Cocktails

by Evin // July 25, 2014 // No Comments

Sometimes I like to add a kick to a classic, a change-up, an unexpected something. So, I was playing around in the kitchen with string beans fresh from the English Market and thought, why not do a quick pickling to make... Continue reading →

Faux-jito Mocktail and Mojito-inspired Fruit Salad

by Evin // June 16, 2014 // No Comments

A sure sign that summer has arrived is the beauty of fresh fruit and berries in the market or grocery store. Road-side farm stand produce is a palette of bold colors that make me salivate. With truly excellent ingredients, less... Continue reading →

Caprese Salad with Za’atar Spices

by Evin // April 18, 2013 // No Comments

I was first introduced to Za’atar spices by a little Middle Eastern restaurant in the Silicon Valley of California. When a Jordanian friend brought me back a bag of them, I was delighted and stored them in my freezer for... Continue reading →

Homemade Quick Pickles for Summer Sandwiches & Salads

by Evin // May 7, 2012 // 6 Comments

I adore pairing delicate circles of gently pickled cucumber. They are flavourful, crispy, but pair well with so many things. They’re well suited for picnic food and sandwiches. The beauty of homemade quick pickles for summer sandwiches & salads is that... Continue reading →

Pink beetroot fudge squares plated on a grey slate to serve with cones of chocolate mousse. Sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Chefess Kate Lawlor’s Beetroot Fudge

by Evin // January 23, 2012 // 12 Comments

Last week, my taste buds enjoyed a surprise treat – beetroot fudge. It is nothing short of decadently delightful with its buttery, creamy, sweet, and PINK existence. It was a pleasant surprise after a meal at the award-winning now-closed Cork city... Continue reading →