Author: traleeculinarygangsters
Chef, food truck owner, Gardner, forager, blogger, author , columnists,
Malachy Kelly rebalance your life
Is your dinner giving you cancer?
In the UK, one in four people die of cancer. In Ireland, one in three will die from it. This is a startling statistic, and may be a damning indictment of modern lifestyles. With the wealth of research that has been carried out on all aspects of cancer, why is it still killing one in three in this country? (one in four if skin cancer is excluded).
What are the factors which cause cancer? Many associations are well known and high in the consciousness of the general public, such as tobacco smoking and excessive exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. What is much lower in the awareness of the general population is that we may very well be eating ourselves to death.
There is an ongoing trend globally towards obesity which is worrying health care service providers. This is mainly being combated by informing the general public of the health risks associated with obesity, focusing on heart disease and diabetes. Rarely if ever is cancer mentioned as a an associated risk, even though there is significant evidence to show this may be the case, as concluded by Carroll, who stated: “The evidence has been most consistent for endometrial cancer, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and renal cell cancer. More variable results have been reported for colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer.”
Researchers have been able to identify risk associated foods by looking at the varying incidences of different types of cancers which occur in regions which have traditionally had different or very different nutritional practices, eg., Japan Vs India Vs western Europe. Numerous studies have found variances in cancer levels in populations where the diet is more traditional, but when members of those respective communities adopt a western style diet themselves, cancer demographics begin to resemble those of the west. In general those consuming a western style diet have vastly elevated levels of cancers of certain types. Is this due to an over consumption of processed foods?
According to a review of the available research on heat processed foods by Jägerstad and Skog, “food-borne toxicants present in cooked foods are possibly or probably carcinogenic to humans”. This review adds weight to the arguments for moving towards fresh food. Other studies identify red meat as a high risk factor in certain types of cancer as documented in a 1995 review by Willett “recent data have supported a causative role for red meat in the development of colon and prostate cancers“.
Thankfully, some foods have been proven to have positive effects on cancer related health. Fresh fruit and vegetables, besides being excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals, also contain a number of compounds known to be beneficial in preventing or even treating cancers. Brassica vegetables, including cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower have been shown conclusively in almost 100 studies to have the effect of decreasing the risk of cancers in the lung, stomach, colon, and rectum, while broccoli consumption decreases risk of all cancers. A 1999 review by Giovannucci of studies relating Lycopene (a compound most commonly found in tomatoes) and cancer risk, reported that “The evidence for a benefit was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Data were also suggestive of a benefit for cancers of the pancreas, colon and rectum, oesophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix.”
Numerous epidemiological studies refer to a study carried out in 1976 amongst a large population of Seventh-Day Adventists who observe a strict vegan diet. One such study carried out by Jacobsen et al., 98, concluded that consumption of soya milk on a daily basis could reduce risk of prostate cancer by up to 70%, and recommended that further research be carried out on the influence of soy products on prostate cancer.
What can we take from all this research? The answer is plain.
Regardless of how healthy our lifestyles are otherwise, not paying attention to what we eat could kill us.
Vegtopia Dales dish
The tempura Broccoli salad idea came to me one day when my head chef was teaching me ways to make “the perfect batter” I made batter again and again and again and each time it got better. From using less of one ingredient or putting more of an ingredient or adding another ingredient each time I was more happy with the last , when I make pre dinner snacks I like to be creative as I can be. From making an amuse with muscles in a scallop shell being smoked from torching pine needles in a bowl under the shell to a smoked bacon, mozzarella and sweet corn samosa with tomato chili relish served on the side as a dip I make pre dinner snacks as creative as I can . One day I had an idea of trying broccoli with my batter and it tasted amazing , it was healthy , vegan and vegetarian friendly and i was really happy with how it turned out to me it had a really nice texture . But that wasn’t all I wanted to go with it I dressed a salad with wild heard pesto , freshly foraged leaves , pickled carrot and beetroot and I was really happy with the result. Everyday I’m learning and tomorrow I’ll learn more about food then I knew today but my inspiration for my tempura broccoli salad cake from a snack I created trying to make “that perfect batter” with a perfectly prepared and cooked vegetable
A chefs head by Gorka
A chefs head
Some people don’t realize the work behind the curtains, what do we think when we finish a dish ,a menu …..
What do we really think in our heads….
PRODUCT
You have to get the best quality ingredients, according with your budget and your knowledge,you can’t hide behind a bad produce no matter how , good quality speaks for itself
TASTE
We taste our food and season it…..
We know what food taste like or most of us do
SEASON
We cook what’s in season,unfortunately all foods are available all year round so it’s pretty confusing even for us , but we stay in season in the country we live in …. in this case beautiful Ireland
KM 0 or MILE 0
What’s this?
Very simple ….we are surrounded by quality suppliers!!
Fish ,meat , vegetables…. you name it …. we have to support them , they are passionate about what they do and have the knowledge, they are a key factor in our food change they battle bad weather , hot weather, heavy seas ….. and work really hard for it!!
COLORS
People eat with eyes too, and contrast in colors is important
Now saying that balsamic vinegar doesn’t taste as good as it looks in a plate for some reason , so everything has to make sense
TECHNICAL
This is due to your training and ability to understand products and cooking products, for a long time or really short time but that requires skills that are earned by experience and knowledge, doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional method or new techniques, we try to apply them correctly
TEXTURE
Contrast in texture, soft , crunchy, crispy …… understanding of mixing ingredients, sour, sweet , spicy, bitter….. BALANCE
CUSTOMERS
Cook to please your customers not yourself, they are paying for … set boundaries between you and them earn their loyalty and respect and challenge and surprise them every time
CONSISTENCY
We have our days off and holidays like everyone else , so dishes should look , taste …. the same when we are on or off …….
Do we think of everything here?
For every dish!!!!
Mad???? Well we also have the gift of enjoying what we do and remember one thing we are our worst critic and we are human …. so sometimes we make mistakes like everyone else!!!!
Just thinking of my next menu so pretty busy at moment 😂 as you can read!!!
Guest blog piece by Sean Martin
Very flowery language aheaf
Future of food??? By Kevin
What does the future and food hold?
We have gone through several stages of evolution of food by now and well a good question to ask now while people gain knowledge of food and sourcing is, I suppose what way is it heading? Humans have depleted the Amazon, cutting down the rain forrests to plant soya to feed agricultural animals to feed humans, which is so counter productive but it does keep the trillionaires at the top. We have no idea in this country of what’s going on in the rest of the world. The rain forrests in Indonesia have been devastated to plant corn so we can eat chilli Doritos. Africa is hardly the garden of the planet considering most of the land is scorched. America according to Netflix is a drug infested turbulent spot to be in what with all the drug inc. tv shows etc etc. They’ll do good at some point but at the moment their a bit preoccupied with presidents, poverty and the filthy rich. China has without question the highest rate of pollution in the world. So that leaves the middle East, Russia and Europe. From a distance too it looks like good aul Vlad in Russia is trying his best to do what’s right to protect his interests which he clearly knows are his people because let’s face it if war does come, he’ll want a few of the boyz to stand by him. All that being said he has ramped up honey production by spending and hiring his bee keepers to do so and apparently the country wants to be completely eco friendly by 2022. The middle East are working on a concept called eco cities where before when cities were built it was with cars as transport in mind. Now they build cities without roads because the cities are built on top of underground commuter systems. Narrow streets mean not so much sunlight which actually makes it easier for plants to have a chance to grow.
That leaves us with Europe, which at the moment seems stuck. Extremely caught up by financial dept and seems to me still working on an identity what with Brexit and the divides. The big thing that has happened for our industry in Europe at the moment is chefs ARE in demand. A lesson we should take a look at because if it keeps getting worse then your food gets worse. Your food will be bought by governments and accountants and well that didn’t go so well for Indonesia now did it.
Chefs are not passionate about money at the start but by the time government’s are finished with them it’s all they can think of. Chefs are passionate about food, local food because chefs are guess what, from places too. Chefs love to be creative, chefs love to inspire and chefs love to get rewards that are anything but money to get the message from us that we are really very satisfied with what they have produced for us as aposed to well I suppose we just have to accept it because it’s the government. We just need to believe in the chefs we have when it comes to our food. You don’t go to the opticians when you need a new washing machine so why go to a politician when we want to buy or grow food. The message is simple, we all have chefs in our town, so maybe we should talk to them more about how to live better, healthier, more satisfied lives and them let them shine the light on the direction food on our small floating globe is heading.
Traditional vs trends by Gorka
Tradition versus new trends
As chefs that we are , no matter from where in the world one thing should join us together and is the love of food , seasons , produce & joy of sharing with our customers or friends or family gatherings…… no matter the situation is all about what we eat.
Nobody can argue that technology is having a massive effect on our lives somethings are positive and others are really worrying
Why tradition is important?
Well obviously is our dna , our memories from our parents passed on by their parents , how we eat , when do we eat …..and recipes passed on from generations and this is the worrying part about technology….. has made us lazy ….. we are losing our taste buds and are not passed on to our kids,we google recipes, we buy anything in a supermarket wherever it comes from just because is handy and affordable…… we have become lazy!!!!!
It’s just too easy
Who suffers ?
Everyone !!!! That shortcuts are taking just to make money for big companies …. it’s all about money!!
Our bodies have become intolerant to so many things because we are trying to make food so safe that there is no bacteria whatsoever that our bodies can react and learn to deal with it …. and our inmune systems are weak….. apart from amount of shit that we are using to preserve food for lasting longer, look shinier, grow faster……
No doubt the are good things from technology, lots of it too……
Media, internet , Connection with people, sharing opinions or blogs, …. kitchen equipment, accessories, cooking methods, chefs techniques……lots of it!!!!
So for that you have to admire people that actually care and do something about it , and you support them and put your words into actions, that’s one of the things that I see in this group people that do care and do their part and I like it!!!
We as chefs admire chefs creativity and blend of ingredients, techniques and talent …… from escoffier first innovative chef to Ferran adria , a person that change our point of view about food and open a limitless book of creation
My last reflection is that what would I prefer a roasted pepper on a wooden barbecue…. the smell , the memories, how my mum told me to peel them and preserve them ….
Ducks tongue cooked for 40 hours , low temperature, foam , air, deconstruction……
A mass produce apple tarte with “custard “ from lidl to put and example…..
Just a little reflection on a fine summer morning!!!!
Kevin on foraging
Foraging
2 days in a row now I have been out in the woods foraging with Dale our apprentice chef. First we headed off to cockle shell (in Kerry) to do a little coastal forage. When we arrived I could see nothing but walls full of what I can only describe as coastal gold, (samphire). Being out by the sea, picking ingredients to put on plates for costumers and then knowing that I have done what’s best for the people that pay me to do so. We picked up seabeet, sea Astra. All this grows in every place by our sea and is so healthy for us that companies are coming to Ireland and pillage the coast. The best thing is Dale and I got to spend time together knowing what we were doing was our best for your plate.
On day 2 we went to the woods to get some delicious woodland herbs to garnish your dishes putting the freshest herbs on a plate that cost petrol. I have watched Dale now for 10 months and it is sensational to watch the youth I spire me. His ability to do what’s right is fantastic. His heart has what we call Croí but that’s not what this is about, it’s about spending time in nature so as not to forget not to abuse it and I don’t consider golfing spending time in nature. Pre-occupation is you considering the golf ball. Foraging is spending time with your thoughts while using the beauty of nature as inspiration. I thank Noel, Paul, David and Dale for inspiring me everyday.
At your service by Diarmuid ring
Im all for the fine weather & the business it brings the excitement the craic for the guest & the production of management of people. We in our business are the willing we are the purveyor of food & drink & the creators of peoples experience. We are dedicated hard working and consistant to our trade. Our experience in hospitality will not be found on any certification from a college or school. We think on our feet we forward plan & are always fore-armed for any eventualities. We are given a blank canvas of the business and we create a new picture everyday. No day or night is the same no moment is the same nobody is the same. We are skilled to adapt and react and deliver. We are the Willing. We are Dedicated. We are a Unique highly skilled individuals. I pay my respects to All in Our industry who go to work do their job to the best of their ability To ensure Our guests enjoy the experience of Hospitality at the highest standards there are. #atyourservice 👤
BBQ. Master Wayne van Dee veer Ribs
Char Siu BBQ Sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup rice wine or sake
2 tablespoons Asian dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
Step 1: Place the ingredients in a saucepan. Gently simmer until richly flavored, 5 minutes, then let cool to room temperature. Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups
Step 2: Baste meats every 35 – 45 minutes after smoking meat at 225 F for 2 hours till reaches proper temperature.
Char Siu Marinade
• 2 Pork tenderloins or 2 Racks of Pork Ribs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
Step One: Take meat and trim any heavy fatty portions, make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. If using boneless loin trim off any silver skin so marinade can penetrate the meat.
Step Two: Place meat in Non-conductive dish or gallon plastic bags add the marinade to the meat and place in fridge 6 – 24 hours.
Step Three: Prep Grill or Smoker to manufactures specifications. If using a grill, we will be using the indirect method. Place coals on one side place wood chips in a foil pack and poke a few holes to allow smoke to come out. I like to use fruit wood like apple or cherry both work equally well. Place the meat on the opposite side we are looking for a temperature of 225 F or 107 C, we are going low and slow no hurrying on this one. We are looking for an internal temp of 165 F or 73 C on the meat. If doing ribs, we will use a little different method called the 2-2-1 method this is 2 hours of smoke wrap ribs in foil add ½ a cup apple juice to each rib and coat with a nice thin layer of the sauce for 2 hours. Open and drain juices out in a pan add the rest of the sauce to pan and whisk till combined this is your glaze to use for the last hour and makes a nice dipping sauce as well. If using loin, we will use the sauce as the glaze as well except we will coat meat in a thin layer after cooking for a hour then every 35-45 minutes after keep layering and building that nice mahogany color. Remember that the loin needs pulled at 160F or 70C and covered and let to rest before slicing. Carry over heat when covered with foil should rise about 5 degrees.
Make a nice white rice to serve with asparagus or fresh green beans.
traleeculinarygangsters 