In many communities in the Arab and Ottoman worlds, cracked wheat is served as an alternative to rice and as a filling or accompaniment to poultry such as pigeons, chickens and turkey. The raisins and nuts turn the grain into a festive dish. This is a quick and easy way of preparing it. Serve with chicken or lamb.

Most “Jewish” dishes are Sabbath (Saturday) dishes because the Sabbath was the only time during the week Jews prepared special dishes.

Derryvilla Blueberry Farm, Portarlington, Co Offaly.

Great for breakfast or dessert.

Play around with whatever ingredients you have to hand.

Serves 6

There are two kinds of tarragon, French and Russian, but we prefer to use French in this recipe, because it has a better flavour.

French onion soup is probably the best known and loved of all French soups.

This cake has an irresistible crispy topping — the crumb is moist and rich with coconut and almonds so, needless to say, it will keep well if stored in an airtight tin.