Tag: Travel

Irish Soda Bread from Aghadoe Heights, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Leave a comment

I absolutely love freshly baked, still warm, soda bread with a chunk of cheese or a bowl of piping hot soup. Thankfully Irish soda bread is really easy to make. Seriously, you can make it daily if you have to. And go wild, throw some grated cheese in there, or some raisins. For purists, this fabulous recipe comes from our friends at Aghadoe Heights, a five-star hotel with an outstanding restaurant in Killarney, County Kerry.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 ¾ cups (265g/9oz) whole wheat flour ( fine or coarsely ground ).
  • 1 ¾ cups (265g/9oz) all- purpose flour .
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • 2 tablespoons (30g/1oz) butter , cold
  • 1 egg.
  • 1 2/3 cups (400ml) buttermilk.
  • 1 tablespoon oats.

Method: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F (215 C)
  2. Mix Together the flours, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles bread crumbs.
  3. In a separate jug ,whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
  4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour 3/4 of the liquid into the flour mixture.
  5. Using an open hand and liquid together to a loose dough. The dough should be quite soft, but not too sticky. You will know then if it needs more of the liquids. Flour in different places reacts differently to added liquid
  6. Turn onto a floured work surface and gently bring the dough together into a round about 1 1/2inches (4 cm) thick (8 inches by 8 inches).
  7. Place on a baking sheet dusted well with flour.
  8. Score the bread by blessing it with a deep cross on top. Poke a hole in the 4 corners of the bread.
  9. Glaze the bread with the leftover bit of buttermilk in your jug and dust the top with rolled oats.
  10. Bake for 15 min. then turn down the oven to 400 F(200C) and bake for 30 min. more. When done, the loaf will sound hallow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Remove from the baking sheet and place on a wire rack to cool.


Navigate the Culinary Crossroads: 10 Strategies for Nourishing Travel

Leave a comment

Frequent travelers face a unique dietary challenge: navigating a landscape often dominated by convenience and indulgence. Airports overflow with sugary temptations, hotel breakfasts skew towards processed pastries, and hectic schedules tempt hurried, unhealthy choices. Yet, nourishing sustenance is essential for maintaining energy, focus, and overall well-being on the road. Fret not, intrepid explorer! By incorporating these ten strategic principles, you can transform travel into an opportunity for culinary exploration and mindful, delicious eating.

1. Meticulous Pre-Planning: Avoid succumbing to indecision at mealtimes by diligently planning your culinary journey. Utilize online resources to identify healthy options at airports and research restaurants near your destination. Consider requesting a refrigerator in your hotel room to facilitate the storage of fresh produce and healthy snacks. For extended journeys, explore the availability of special meals on flights, such as vegetarian or low-carb options, to ensure access to nutritious choices.

2. Banish Menu Mayhem: Cultivate a discerning eye when navigating restaurant menus. Employ a mental filter, eliminating dishes laden with excessive cream, fried elements, and cheese. Resist the siren song of calorie-laden indulgences and prioritize dishes featuring whole grains, lean proteins, and abundant vegetables.

3. Embrace the Veggie Vanguard: Let vibrant plant-based options take center stage on your plate. Start your meals with a nutrient-rich salad and actively seek additional vegetable servings throughout your meal. This approach promotes satiety while limiting calorie intake and ensuring a balanced nutritional profile.

4. Elevate Your Carb Choices: Eschew refined carbohydrates in favor of their whole-grain counterparts. Brown rice, quinoa, and barley offer sustained energy, increased fiber intake, and lower calorie content compared to their white counterparts. Enjoy these nutrient-dense options in moderation, pairing them with a variety of colorful vegetables for a satisfying and balanced meal.

5. Pack Your Portable Pantry: Empower yourself with the ability to make healthy choices regardless of external circumstances. Pack a selection of portable, shelf-stable snacks such as almonds, seaweed snacks, lentil chips, hummus, and savory granola. These options provide sustenance during travel stretches and prevent resorting to unhealthy convenience foods.

6. Indulge with Intention: Recognize that occasional indulgence is a natural part of life. When cravings arise, prioritize mindful enjoyment over blind indulgence. Savor a few bites of a desired dish, appreciating its flavor and texture without succumbing to the pressure to finish it all. This approach fosters a balanced and sustainable approach to eating while allowing room for occasional treats.

7. Hydrate Wisely: Amidst the whirlwind of travel, prioritize mindful hydration. Opt for water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee throughout the day, particularly before meals to curb the urge to overeat. Avoid sugary beverages and mixers, which contribute to empty calories and hinder healthy choices.

8. Fuel Your Day Right: Ditch the sugary breakfast routine that sets the stage for energy crashes and unhealthy snacking. Prioritize protein and fiber-rich options such as yogurt parfaits, oatmeal with berries, or eggs with spinach. These choices provide sustained energy, improved focus, and set the tone for a day of healthy eating.

9. Embrace Culinary Simplicity: Opt for dishes featuring simple, recognizable ingredients. Grilled fish, chicken, or lean meat paired with a medley of roasted vegetables offer a balanced and satisfying meal, free from the potential hidden sugars and excessive sodium often found in complex dishes. This approach promotes mindful eating and avoids unnecessary dietary pitfalls.

10. Prioritize Restful Rejuvenation: Recognize the crucial link between sleep and mindful eating. Prioritize restful sleep by avoiding caffeine after midday, opting for light dinners, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. A well-rested body makes more balanced food choices and exhibits greater self-control, empowering you to navigate the culinary crossroads with confidence.

By incorporating these ten principles, you can transform travel into an opportunity for culinary exploration and mindful nourishment. Remember, healthy eating on the road is not about deprivation, but about making informed choices and embracing the journey towards a balanced and vibrant relationship with food. Bon voyage!

Why Wellness Travel Will Be More Important Than Ever in 2024

Leave a comment

As we approach 2024, the world is still a whirlwind of change and uncertainty. But even in the midst of it all, one thing remains constant: our need for well-being. That’s why wellness travel is poised to be more important than ever in the coming year.

Beyond Relaxation: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Wellness travel used to be about escaping the daily grind for a week of massages and yoga on the beach. While those elements are still valuable, 2024 will see a shift towards a more holistic approach. Travelers will be seeking experiences that address all aspects of their well-being, from physical and mental health to emotional and spiritual balance.

Here are some of the trends that will make wellness travel so important in 2024:

  • Personalized experiences: Forget one-size-fits-all wellness retreats. In 2024, travelers will crave personalized experiences tailored to their unique needs and goals. This could include everything from biohacking consultations to custom-designed mindfulness programs.
  • Focus on longevity: Living longer and healthier is a top priority for many people. Wellness travel destinations will be offering programs that focus on longevity, with activities like cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin IV drips becoming increasingly popular.
  • Mind-body connection: The connection between our physical and mental health is well-established. In 2024, we’ll see a rise in wellness travel experiences that combine physical activities like hiking and yoga with mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling.
  • Social well-being: After years of isolation and virtual connection, people are longing for meaningful social interaction. Wellness travel will provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals through shared activities and community-building experiences.
  • Sustainable travel: Travelers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the planet. In 2024, we’ll see a rise in eco-friendly wellness travel options, such as retreats that focus on sustainable living practices and support local communities.

Investing in Yourself

Wellness travel is an investment in your most valuable asset: yourself. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday, recharge your batteries, and return home feeling better than ever.

If you’re looking for a way to make 2024 your healthiest and happiest year yet, consider making wellness travel a priority. With so many incredible options available, there’s sure to be a perfect experience waiting for you.

Ready to start planning your wellness travel adventure? Here are a few tips:

  • Do your research: There are countless wellness travel destinations and experiences to choose from. Take some time to research your options and find one that aligns with your needs and interests.
  • Set a budget: Wellness travel can range in price from budget-friendly to luxury. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to your budget.
  • Be flexible: Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re traveling. Be flexible and open to new experiences.
  • Focus on the journey: The most important thing is to enjoy the process of taking care of yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact me to start planning your wellness travel adventure today and make 2024 your best year yet!