We had a wine presentation by Penfolds at 6pm yesterday and they were also having a meal in Ballymaloe House and presenting more wine so I decided to go along and enjoy some wine - therefore no blog! I got to taste a Penfolds Grange (the most expensive wine I have ever tasted & quite nice too) so well worth it!!

Anyway back to yesterday mornings cooking.

Monkfish with Red Pepper Vinaigrette - Fillet the slipperly fish first then poached it & drizzled with vinaigrette of tiny cubed red peppers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with 2 dipping sauces - These took so long you would not believe it!!

First I made the sauces:
The first was a thin sweet, sour & hot dip with chilli, fish sauce, lime juice, water & sugar
The second a peanut sauce with Hoisin sauce, peanut butter, chilli, carrot, rice vinegar

I soaked some rice noodles in warm water to cook them through.

Then I prepared the veg - carrot & cucumber julienne (sliced with a mandolin - really sharp slicer thingy that scares me!). These were then soaked seperately in salt, pepper & sugar plus vinegar for the cucumber.

Next I shelled the shrimp and got some mint leaves, coriander leaves, lettuce & wraps. Each wrap had to be dipped in hot water to soften but not too much because they fall apart really easily then carefully fill them with all of the above and roll. The idea is that you can see the fresh coriander & the shrimp perfectly - I didnt quiet get that down! They were yummy tho