Le Fromage

As a little foodie experiment before the holidays I left out 5 rounds of semi-soft goat cheese on an uncovered plate in the fridge … Encouraged by my Dad’s recommendation, who swore that it would result in a très bon goût, that was not only delicious but safe to eat, I found new and edible ways to use up the perishables in my fridge before embarking on my Irish holidays. Five onions later I enjoyed a heavenly onion quiche while the quinoa, rice & kidney bean stuffed bell peppers simmered in the oven. As the last of the fruits and veggies were cooked, baked or frozen, I crossed my fingers and placed the plate of fresh cheese on the top shelf to ferment and ventilate for 2+ weeks!

Almost 2 ½ weeks later I hesitantly opened the fridge, expecting the pungent, knock you on your ass, stinky feet smell of mouldy fuzzy cheese. But low and behold, true to the advice of my dad, there sat 5 little rounds of goat cheese, slightly yellowed, dry and smaller in shape, as if they had been dehydrated; minus mould and sans scent! Truth be told, I let them sit in the fridge for a few extra days before braving a taste (aka goût). Rougher and drier in texture, the taste was slightly sharper and tangier than traditional fresh goat cheese, but nonetheless tasty and surprisingly edible!

Fast forward to today, January 22, 2012 and I still have 4 of the 5 rounds hanging out on the top shelf of the fridge, uncovered and timelessly preserved (after one month of airing out and being exposed). This second tasting was reminiscent of the first one (originally eaten almost 2 weeks ago), with a drier surface and interior, somewhat similar to the texture of parmesan but with a slightly higher moisture count.  Slightly salty and a touch tangier than regular goat cheese, I definitely prefer the creamier texture of the fresh cheese.

For the third round of cheese I cleverly thought of heating it in a frying pan on the oven…. Oops, maybe not the best move, especially when preoccupied with writing a blog…. So I just returned from opening the kitchen window to air out the now smoky kitchen, tossing out the charred little round of goat cheese L No worries though, in between vowing to invest in a smoke alarm I sautéed up the fourth round of cheese to a golden brown with a slightly softened interior. Eureka!!!, it is perhaps the best reinvention of goat cheese I could have ever imagined!! A slightly nutty, creamy and salty, solid morsel of cheese, full of goat cheesy goodness! And now for the final round of cheese, I shall repeat the same process above!



I now nominate myself to true Frenchie status!!

Emerald Isle holidays (Part II)

A girls only road-trip, took us to the west-coast of Ireland, to the coastal city of Galway and the breathtaking Cliffs of Mohr. Bright eyed and bushy tailed we set out for an early morning drive to the other side of Ireland, stopping of course to fuel (car & bellies), and arriving in the city of Galway in just over 3 hours! Aided by high winds and clear skies we took a quick stroll through the city centre, a peak in the Galway city museum & Church of Ireland, and a stroll along the Eglinton Canal.

Marta, Aggie & I in Galway City

Galway City

Galway City

Back on the road with the late afternoon fast approaching we began our ascent along stone wall lined rural roads, twisting and winding up mountain passes, stopping to take in a random sighting on the way. A picturesque castle nestled along the water, surrounded by fields of green and plots of farmland.

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle

With the sky slowly falling and the winds whistling and shoving we arrived in County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher! Despite neon signs warning of the Cliff’s closure due to extreme weather, and horror stories of people being blown off, we pushed through the wind to the heights of the Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic Ocean!  Words cannot describe its serenity, yet it was enchanting and mystical and charming; a true wonder and exemplification of the power and purpose of nature.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

We walked along the stone slab barrier separating the grassy knolls leading off the cliffs and marveled at the magnificence and beauty of the shapes, lines and colours of the surrounding natural environment, reflecting between the water and the sky, which was setting into a radiating hue of pink. Grateful that our day trip unfolded in perfect succession, we set out for the peaceful confines of the village of Stamullen, ending our west-coast Irish adventures.

View through the slate barrier of the Cliffs

Two crazy people laying on the grass (past the barrier)

Us three ladies braving the wind



The last few days were spent visiting family and friends and indulging in fun photo shoots, surrounded by the inviting and charming Irish and international personalities of the wonderful souls I was fortunate to connect with!

 

Emerald Isle holidays (Part I)

Two weeks away in the beautifully lush, hilled and untouched naturalness of the Emerald Isle was enchanting, relaxed (aka lazy), and dreamy! Despite hoards of horrible eating – think chips, crisps, biscuits, gallons of tea…, and lazy afternoons spent in PJ’s, cuddled up in blankets – as always, it was 2 weeks of holiday spirit and time spent in cherished friendship, hospitality and heart to hearts.

Fresh holy along the roadway in the village of Stamullen

Afternoon trips along narrow, winding, village roads to the shops one town over; fried food indulgences over beer and wine; and pots of tea while visiting family & friends, rich in Irish hospitality and warmth; rounded out the quiet mornings and lazy afternoons, perfect for resting in a quaint village populated with 2 pubs, a café, a small grocers, a Butcher and a Chipper. 

Aggie & I on New Years Eve

Aggie's little village Stamullen

New Years Eve at the Huntsmen

Spending two holidays amongst friends, appreciating their unconditional warmth and kind spirit, exemplifies the very essence and meaning of the holidays! Indulging in great food, conversation and sharing in time and space led to deepened understandings of the true meaning of friendship, support and acceptance.

During the second week of holidays, Aggie and I took an afternoon day-trip to Trim, where we took in the historic site of Trim Castle and walked along the Boyne River. Beforehand, on our rural drive to Trim we stopped upon an old relic; a partial stone wall standing majestic in a farmer’s field. Pulling over to take a closer look, we noticed off in the distance, a grey donkey, horse and Shetland pony. Within seconds the donkey took notice and began to run toward the wood column fence that separated us. Feeling like a 6 year old, I could not contain my excitement at a real life donkey!! Not that I haven’t seen one in a zoo, but up close and personal, it was the highlight of my day, and possibly the best start to 2012! “Donkey, donkey, look it’s a donkey!” was pretty much repeated over and over as he approached the fence, with the horse and pony in tow. Like I said, I felt and was acting like a 6 year old!! In that very moment, I knew that 2012 should be a year of childlike excitement and appreciation of the simple and random daily experiences that often go unnoticed and underappreciated. Throw in a quest to be spontaneous (which saw a dry run pre New Years Eve), and 2012 was off to an impressive start!

Ruin on our way to Trim

Isn't he adorable!!! Bisous donkey!!

Trim

Trim

On that same unexpected drive we also came upon an old Abbey, flanked in a stone wall and edged with a low wooden fence. Acres of lush green fields radiated from the space, with a quiet stream in the distance, dotted with imposing trees that rooted and whispered into the cool afternoon air. A truly peaceful and majestic space rich in energy and calm intensity.