Here are some of my favourite “from scratch” recipes. Unless otherwise specified all recipes are my own – either my own creation or adapted from classics.

As ever, I am keen to get your feedback. If a recipe doesn’t work for you, if you can’t find an ingredient and would like a suggested alternative or if you have a suggested improvement or tips that others might find useful, please feel free to leave feedback using the “Comments” feature.

Based on feedback from readers, all my recipes now include measurements in both grams and ounces. Liquid measurements are in litres and US pints (where 1 litre = 2.11 pints). Any rounding done as part of the conversion will not impact the outcome of the recipe. I find cup measurements to be imprecise, especially for baking, so I don’t use them. However, if you wish to convert to cup measurements I have found this site to be the most comprehensive and the easiest to use.

To search for a particular recipe or ingredient, please use the “Search” function at the bottom of the side menu.

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Lithuanian Recipes

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NEW! Lithuanian Cookbook:
You can now find all the Lithuanian recipes featured on this site in my new cookbook. This beautiful 77 page book also contains stunning photos of the Lithuanian countryside. Available from just $2.99 here.

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To preview the book click here.

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LITHUANIAN KUGELIS | POTATO PUDDING:
A national dish of Lithuania, kugelis is a rich and hearty potato pudding. My version is made with chicken pieces, which steam inside the potato mixture, making them moist and delicious. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN CEPELINAI | POTATO DUMPLINGS:
Another national dish of Lithuania, cepelinai are hearty, nourishing and delicious. Written for cooks making cepelinai for the first time, this recipe includes step-by-step instructions. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN BALANDĖLIAI | CABBAGE ROLLS:
Another of Lithuania’s national dishes, these cabbage rolls are stuffed with seasoned ground pork and served with a creamy, tangy tomato sauce. Recipe includes step-by-step photos. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN COLD BEET SOUP | ŠALTIBARŠČIAI:
This garishly pink soup is both light and nutritious, perfect for warm sunny days or for weekday lunches when your tummy needs a little TLC. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN KOLDŪNAI | MEAT DUMPLINGS:
These delicious dumplings are the perfect comfort food – quick to cook, mild in flavour and served with a dollop of sour cream and a salty bacon and onion topping. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN SAUERKRAUT | RAUGINTI KOPŪSTAI:
This perfectly crunchy and tangy sauerkraut is made in the Lithuanian style, using carrot and caraway. It is a perfect side dish on its own or use in soups and stews. (View recipe)

 

HALF-SOUR PICKLES | RAUGINTI AGURKAI:
These crunchy and delicious half-sour pickles are easy to make, with as few as 3 ingredients. The hardest part is waiting for them to ferment!. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN CURD CHEESE DOUGHNUTS | VARŠKĖS SPURGOS:
These Lithuanian-style doughnuts are light and airy and not at all cheesy! They do not require yeast and so are quick and easy to prepare. (View recipe)

 

LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE BISCUITS | KŪČIUKAI:
These tiny biscuits are an essential part of Kūčios, the traditional Christmas Eve celebration. These biscuits are very easy to make and are delicious served with a glass of cold milk. (View recipe)

 

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Irish Recipes

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COLCANNON:
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potato and kale or dark green cabbage. It is often served at Halloween but is eaten throughout the autumn and winter months. (View recipe)

 

CINNAMON & RAISIN SODA SCONES:
Ready is less than 30 minutes, these quick & easy scones are perfect for unexpected guests. (View Recipe)

 

HOMEMADE BARNBRACK (RICH FRUIT CAKE):
This is my mam’s recipe for a classic Irish Barnbrack, traditionally served in Ireland for Halloween. (View Recipe)

 

HOMEMADE IRISH SODA BREAD:
A slight twist on traditional Irish Soda Bread, this recipe uses yoghurt instead of buttermilk, giving the bread a lovely crumbly texture. I’ve also added seeds for flavour & crunch. You can substitute buttermilk for the yoghurt or leave the seeds out, as you prefer. (View video)

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Soup Recipes

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CREAMY BROCCOLI & CHEDDAR SOUP:
This nutritious and filling soup is wonderfully creamy and has a rich flavour from the sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect on its own as a lunch or as a hearty appetizer. (View recipe)

 

CREAMY ZUCCHINI / COURGETTE SOUP:
This super-easy recipe contains just 5 ingredients and is dairy free, but produces a rich and luxuriously creamy soup. Definitely worth trying.(View recipe)

 

QUICK & EASY TOMATO LENTIL SOUP:
This quick & easy soup requires no peeling or chopping whatsoever. It is warming and nourishing – perfect for cold winter days. (View recipe)

 

PUMPKIN & PEANUT BUTTER SOUP:
The addition of peanut butter (homemade, of course – see my recipe here) makes this a creamy, silky soup, perfect for cold evenings. Delicious with a slice of soda bread – see above. (View recipe)

 

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Jams, Sauces & Condiments

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HOMEMADE HUMMUS:
Creamy, tangy homemade hummus. A simple blend of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and tahini (sesame paste) with olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning. So tasty and so versatile!! (View Recipe)

 

EASY HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE:
Mayonnaise is easy to make & keeps for weeks in the fridge. I’ve given tips to ensure you get perfect mayonnaise every time. Once you’ve tasted it you will never eat the stuff in the jars again! (View Recipe)

 

GROUND ELDER PESTO:
Ground Elder, also known as Goutweed, grows wild in many countries in spring and early summer. Picked young, the leaves are great in salads or can be used to make this delicious pesto. (View Recipe)

 

APPLE & ANISE JELLY:
This deep amber jelly will fill your home with a warm & comforting smell of autumn. With its tangy taste, smooth jelly texture and hint of aromatic anise, this jelly is the perfect way to use up that glut of apples from the garden. (View Recipe)

 

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER:
Homemade peanut butter is so simple to make and far superior to anything you’ll find in the supermarket. There are just two ingredients – peanuts and a pinch of salt. (View recipe)

 

QUICK HOMEMADE PICKLES:
The crunchy, tangy pickles are quick and easy to make and incredibly versatile – use with burgers, salads, cold beet soup and as an ingredient in tartare sauce. (View recipe)

 

HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER:
This easy homemade garlic powder is made from nothing but home dried garlic. Use the same process to make homemade onion powder. (View recipe)

 

HOW TO SPROUT LENTILS:
Sprouting beans and lentils at home is easy and only takes a few days. These nutritious sprouts are perfect sprinkled on salads. (View recipe)

 

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Baking & Desserts

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MAM’S CHRISTMAS CAKE:
My mam made this cake every year for as long as I can remember, always decorated the same way. Rich with fruit, it keeps well for a long time. (View Recipe)

 

SALT, PEPPER & ROSEMARY CHEESE CRACKERS:
Buttery, crumbly, savoury & totally addictive, these crackers are perfect with cheese, hummus, as a base for canapés or even just on their own. (View Recipe)

 

3-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:
This super-easy mousse contains only 3 ingredients and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. Rich in flavour but light in texture, it is the perfect after-dinner treat. (View Recipe)

 

ZUCCHINI BREAD/MUFFINS:
These deliciously moist muffins are very easy to make and are a great way to use up that glut of zucchini (courgette) from the garden. You can also make this as a bread if you prefer. (View recipe)

 

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIRS:
Make your own luxurious chocolate éclairs with this straightforward recipe. A treat for special occasions. (View recipe)

 

15 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM:
This is the easiest ice cream ever! It requires no cooking or churning and can be in the freezer in just 15 minutes. (View Recipe)

 

CREEPY PUMPKIN CUPCAKES:
These pumpkin cupcakes are absolutely delicious. They’re a bit like carrot cake, but even nicer. I’ve topped them with a cream cheese frosting and a spider’s web and spider for Halloween. (View recipe)

 

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Friday Favourites

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THAI CHICKEN CURRY:
A delicious, fragrant & creamy coconut curry. Make the paste in advance and you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes (View recipe)

 

HOMEMADE BEEF BURGERS:
To ensure you know exactly what’s in your burgers you can make your own. This simple recipe contains just three ingredients. (View recipe)

 

HOMEMADE PIZZA:
Make this delicious pizza from scratch using homemade dough and sauce and your own choice of toppings. A Friday evening favourite! (View recipe)

 

HOMEMADE FAJITAS (INC. HOMEMADE TORTILLAS):
These homemade fajitas take only slightly longer than using a dinner kit but are far superior in terms of taste & nutrition. With my “make ahead” tips you’ll have these family favourites on the table in no time! (View recipe)

HOMEMADE TOFFEE POPCORN:
Perfect for a children’s party or at-home movie night, this popcorn tastes miles better than any commercial version. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make! (View Recipe)

 

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Breakfast Recipes

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SIMPLE CRUNCHY GRANOLA:
In this recipe I have kept the ingredients as simple as possible while still delivering a delicious, crunchy homemade granola. (View recipe)

 

PANCAKES:
These thin and crispy pancakes will have you coming back for more! Serve with syrup and lemon or with a tasty filling for a more substantial meal. (View recipe)

 

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