Celebrate Christmas at Raheen House Hotel: A Culinary Journey with Chef Ned Shoer
Nestled in the heart of Clonmel, Raheen House Hotel stands out as one of Tipperary’s most enchanting venues for Christmas celebrations. With its historic charm and warm atmosphere, the hotel transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for festive gatherings. Head Chef Ned Shoer and his dedicated team are at the helm, ready to make each dining experience extraordinary with their delectable festive dishes.
A Year-Round Preparation
As the holiday season approaches, preparations in Raheen House’s kitchen don’t start just weeks in advance; they kick off as early as May. This long lead time ensures that every dish is crafted with care, using seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes that reflect the spirit of Christmas. The hotel is gearing up to host numerous large functions and workplace Christmas dinner parties throughout December, offering patrons an unforgettable dining experience in the hotel’s elegant ballroom and two cozy dining rooms.
Christmas Traditions and Family Time
Chef Ned, a Clonmel native and son of the late Mayor Billy Shoer, cherishes his own family traditions during the Christmas season. He plans to cook a festive dinner for his wife Tricia and their three sons—Charlie, Ethan, and Brady. However, the joy of family festivities comes after a bustling Christmas Eve service. After finishing up in the kitchen, Ned will return to his family before diving back into work shortly after the holiday to cater to the next wave of Yuletide diners.
Tips from the Chef’s Kitchen
For those aspiring to create a memorable Christmas dinner at home, Ned offers some sage advice. He emphasizes the importance of preparing dishes in advance where possible, fine-tuning seasoning, and incorporating seasonal spices such as cloves and mixed spices. “If you’re trying a new dish, don’t leave it for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Practice beforehand,” he suggests. “And remember, simplicity is often the best path to success.”
A Culinary Career
Ned’s journey in the culinary world began as a teenager when he worked part-time in the kitchen at Mulcahy’s in Clonmel. This foundational experience ignited his passion for cooking, leading him to train at the former Cert School of Catering at Killarney’s Torc Great Southern Hotel and Cork Institute of Technology. Carrying a wealth of knowledge from his experiences in various restaurants and hotels in New Zealand, the UK, and prestigious venues in Ireland, he has been with Raheen House for 16 years, where he leads a tight-knit kitchen team.
Ned’s dedication to cooking and his love for nurturing his team, which includes a long-time sous chef, Greg Krugielka, create a collaborative environment rooted in loyalty and passion for high-quality dishes. The team receives tremendous support from the hotel’s owner, Elizabeth Day, and her daughter, Cathy, further enhancing their ability to create unforgettable dining experiences.
A Seasonal Delight: Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe
No Christmas dinner would be complete without Brussels sprouts, and Ned brings a unique twist with his Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe, infusing this traditional vegetable with rich seasonal flavors that will impress any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 600g of Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- Splash of rapeseed oil
- Three shallots, thinly sliced
- 100g of pancetta
- 400ml of cream
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or mixed spice
- 25g of breadcrumbs
- 75g of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C.
- In a wide base pan or pot, gently heat the rapeseed oil.
- Add the shallots and pancetta, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Introduce the crushed garlic and Brussels sprouts to the pot, along with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Pour in the cream, bringing it to a boil, and then simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by half.
- Transfer everything into a baking dish, checking for seasoning at this stage.
- Top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, baking for 20-25 minutes until the dish is bubbling and golden.
This delicious gratin is sure to become a festive favorite, bringing a hearty touch to any Christmas table.
For more information or to book your holiday gathering, visit Raheen House Hotel.
With this blend of culinary expertise and heartfelt holiday spirit, Raheen House Hotel is set to illuminate the festive season for families and friends alike, creating memories that last well beyond Christmas Day.