Calso Cooks: Real Food Made Easy

This is a no-nonsense guide to producing delicious, nutritious meals.

Paul O'Callaghan (Calso) came late to the discovery that real food can be produced with very little effort and be tastier and healthier than the convenience foods he'd survived on up until then. He is now making up for lost time and decided to spread the word by establishing a blog, Calso Cooks from the Sustainable Larder. He has an extensive following and has made many contacts in local and national media and is keen to share his brand of hearty, rustic cooking and his enthusiasm for the mental and physical benefits of real food with the wider community.

The book includes lots of ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts and treats including: cherry tomato and herb heart-healthy omlette; courgette carbonara; pork, beetroot and orange salad; beef and Guinness pie; fruity oat-crusted chicken; smoked haddock lasagne; After Eight cheescake; and guilt-free panna cotta.



Paul O'Callaghan ran his own plastering business in his native Armagh until the recession hit and he lost everything. He moved to Co. Clare for a new start and struggled at first with depression and feelings of helplessness. However, when he rented a house with some land attached and decided to try growing some of his own food, he became hooked on cooking (and eating!) the ingredients he produced. He started his blog in 2011 and now divides his time between plastering work and running his own food business. He also has a column in 'EasyFood' magazine and a regular slot on 'The Irish Sun' website.



Introduction 5

A Healthy, Balanced Diet 8

Good Fats v. Bad Fats 11

Herbs and Spices 12

Growing Your Own 19

Cooking Essentials 20

Conversion charts 21

BREAKFAST 25

Soups and Chowders 55

LUNCH 77

STARTERs 131

DINNERS 147

SIDES 211

DESSERTS AND TREATS 233

HOME-MADE ALTERNATIVES 269

THank you 285

INDEX of recipes 286



[This book has] simply laid out, no-nonsense recipes, lush photographs and a wealth of information on growing your own, home-made alternatives.



Promoting a healthy, balanced diet, Paul provides delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, which will allow even the most reluctant cook to produce a meal to remember.



The book is a lovely production with a cheerful design...it's also full of appetising photos.



"beautifully presented, rustic style guide to hearty and delicious cosy meals"



"Every recipe is impressive, yet simple to cook"



"A brilliant gift for the hungry college student"