Neven visits Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo, and meets head chef Stefan Matz.

Neven back with new Home Chef series

Neven Maguire Home Chef is a new 13-part series beginning on Wednesday 22nd January at 7.30pm on RTÉ ONE.

In this  brand new series, Neven demonstrates two new recipes each week in his inimitable style. One recipe each week will be a family favourite, for example chicken tikka masala or apple pie or lamb tagine, and one recipe will be taken from Neven's recipe and adapted for the home chef.

'I know how much people enjoy both making family favourites and trying something new and a little challenging, and this series has got something for everyone who enjoys cooking at home - and I stress the word enjoy,' he says.

In addition to the two recipes cooked in his own kitchen, Neven visits some of the best restaurants in the country, and gets a master class from each chef.

'Ireland's restaurants keep getting better and better and it's fascinating for me to visit some of the top chefs in their own kitchens - I never stop learning.  Some of the restaurants have Michelin stars, and some of them don't, but the point is that they are all producing really good food.'

The restaurants Neven visits during this series include Ashford Castle in Mayo, Aniar (Galway, Michelin star), Mount Juliet in Kilkenny (awarded star in 2013), Ananda Indian Restaurant in Dundrum, Dublin's Merrion Hotel for afternoon tea, Ballyfin in Co Laois, and  Les Gourmandises in Cork city.

He says: 'Quality ingredients are key and so I only source food from suppliers I know and trust and I make sure that they carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark.'

Neven also heads to the Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford (Michelin star), Sheen Falls Lodge in Co Kerry, and Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh which was the site of the G8 meeting in 2013.

And he takes a trip to Boston, to The Parker House Hotel - built in 1855, this is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the US, and the first purpose-built luxury hotel there.

 

Programme One: Neven visits beautiful Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo, and meets renowned head chef Stefan Matz who has received many accolades for his culinary expertise including Best Chef  in Ireland.  German born  Stefan, who was the first chef in the West of Ireland  to be awarded a Michelin star, prepares Organic Salmon with Scallops and a Connemara Malt Whiskey sauce.

 

At home in his McNean restaurant, Neven prepares Assiette of Pork, which includes Caramelised Pork Belly, Smoked bacon wrapped Fillet and Pork and Leek Sausage.

This is followed by a delicious dessert of Brandy Snaps with Passion Fruit Cream and Fresh Raspberry Caviar.