In the early 2000′s the technology era was booming and Dublin was open for business. The city filled with young go-getters who shook loose the dirt of their sleepy villages eager to get degrees in computers and technology. After graduation they stayed in the city to work in shiny new business parks springing up in … Continue reading »
When I think about the meat I ate in Ireland the first thing that comes to mind is bacon. Not the long thin strips of bacon common in the U.S. The bacon I think of is called rashers or back bacon. This is a slightly leaner cut from a different part of the pig. Rashers … Continue reading »
St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday but my brain is already far away in the land of rolling hills and dramatic seaside cliffs. Without even closing my eyes I conjure images of endless stone walls and flocks of wooly sheep in emerald pastures. It has been 7 years since I had my feet on Irish … Continue reading »
In my mind a traditional dessert seemed like the best way to wrap up this series of Irish travel narratives. However, when I think about sweets what stands out are chocolate treats from the corner shop. Don’t get me wrong I love to indulge in something crafted by Cadbury’s but it just isn’t a dessert. … Continue reading »
Last week I had grand hopes of wrapping up my Ireland travel narratives with a decadent dessert, Whiskied Brown Bread Pudding. Unfortunately I hadn’t finalized the recipe. However, it did come in handy that we had a bottle of whiskey in the house. We needed it for medicinal purposes. I was first served a hot whiskey in … Continue reading »
Healthy living is all about balance. While I was staying in Dublin I fell happily into a balanced lifestyle. My feet provided the majority of my transportation and anything I acquired along the way I had to carry home in my backpack. The foods I ate were higher in fat but far less processed than … Continue reading »
Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day so I hope you decked out in green just for the craic¹! Our family dressed like we were headed to Croke Park for the All Ireland² and attended a party where nearly everything was green from the vegetables to the Rice Krispy treats. Mr. Second Helpings and I indulged … Continue reading »
July 4th is nothing more than a day on the calendar for the Irish. Knowing my family and friends back in the U.S. would be celebrating Independence Day motivated me to organize a little celebration of my own. Preparing an authentic American meal stood out as the easiest way to celebrate. I was able to buy a … Continue reading »
[Editor's note: I have had two incredible opportunities for extended stays in Ireland: first, in 2002 with a work visa, and again from 2003-2004 as a student at University College Dublin. This week I thought it would be fun to change gears a little with a few stories from my time on the Emerald Isle. … Continue reading »