Darina Allen Shares Comforting Recipes During Recovery Journey

Chef and food writer Darina Allen is currently recovering from a knee replacement surgery she underwent three weeks ago. In a recent column, she reflects on her recovery experience and shares comforting recipes that are assisting her healing process. Allen expresses gratitude for the medical advancements that allow for such procedures, noting how her ‘bionic knee’ was even manufactured locally.

Post-surgery, Allen returned home with a regimen of painkillers and physiotherapy instructions. While she finds physiotherapy challenging, she is committed to her recovery, motivated by the prospect of enjoying a more active lifestyle in the coming months. “I’ll be a ‘new woman’ in three or four months,” she shares, hoping for a significant improvement.

Comforting Foods for Recovery

During her healing phase, Allen emphasizes the importance of nutrition and has turned to several nourishing dishes. She highlights the benefits of consuming bone broth, which she enjoys with thick slices of buttered bread. This comforting combination, she believes, will be beneficial for her bones.

In addition to bone broth, Allen is enjoying natural yogurt and honey topped with crunchy ashura, a Middle Eastern breakfast cereal made from puffed rice, dried fruits, and nuts. She also recommends Macroom Oatmeal porridge, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, as a nutritious way to kickstart the day.

Beyond traditional comfort foods, Allen is exploring seasonal ingredients. She mentions the opening of shrimp season in Ballycotton, where small grey shrimps turn bright pink when cooked. These shrimps are a source of omega-3 and calcium when consumed with their shells. She also praises Carrageen Moss, a seaweed rich in iodine and minerals, often enjoyed with soft brown sugar and Jersey cream.

Seasonal Delights and Recipes

One of Allen’s favorite treats during this time is a blackberry and sweet geranium posset made from wild blackberries, which are abundant in hedgerows at present. She encourages readers to pick and use these berries in various recipes, including breakfasts, smoothies, and jams. Notably, blackberries freeze well, allowing for enjoyment throughout the winter.

Allen provides several recipes to share her culinary journey, including:

Macroom Oatmeal Porridge

Ingredients include 155g of Macroom oatmeal, 1.4 liters of water, and a level teaspoon of salt. Allen suggests serving it with Jersey cream or whole milk and soft brown sugar.

Ashura Cereal

This traditional Turkish dessert recipe features ingredients such as 95ml of vegetable oil, 110g of honey, and 160g of puffed rice, creating a crunchy and delicious breakfast option.

Blackberry & Sweet Geranium Posset

This delightful dessert comprises 400ml of cream, 90g of caster sugar, and freshly picked blackberries, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful treat.

As she navigates her recovery journey, Allen remains hopeful and determined. She plans to participate in the upcoming Climate Carnival on September 29-30, 2023, in Co Laois, where she will engage in a panel discussion about food insecurity in Ireland. With a focus on sustainable living and community engagement, Allen’s participation reflects her commitment to both personal health and environmental awareness.

In her personal and professional life, Darina Allen continues to inspire others through her culinary expertise and resilience in the face of challenges. Her emphasis on the healing power of food and community will resonate with many as she shares both her journey and delicious recipes.