Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton, Pike’s Beach
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton, Pike’s Beach
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
January 7, 2023

Margaret Johnson: Irish Cook of the Hamptons

Shay Siegelby Shay Siegel
in Dining, Featured, Trending
Home Featured
Margaret Johnson: Irish Cook of the Hamptons

Margaret Johnson, aka the Irish cook, served up A Winter Tea program at John Jermain Memorial Library this past weekend. She is the author of thirteen cookbooks, including Teatime in Ireland, and she will be holding more tea-themed events in the spring.

 

Margaret has been a resident of the Hamptons since the 80s. The East End has become like a hometown to her despite her background—especially when it comes to cooking—maintaining her Irish roots. She occasionally holds in-person events and programs across Long Island where she teaches about the history of tea and how to present afternoon tea.

 

She spoke more about her cookbooks, favorite recipes, how her Irish background has influenced her work, and what she loves most about living on the East End. Margaret even shares her recipe for Beef and Guinness stew (see below)!

 

Can you tell us about your cookbooks and how you got started writing them?

 

MJ: The cookbooks are all Irish, with the exception of one tea cookbook titled Tea & Crumpets, which focuses more on the ritual of afternoon tea in England, although it does contain several recipes from Irish locations. I started writing Irish cookbooks in the early 1990s as much due to my interest in Ireland (I have 100% Irish heritage) as to my love of cooking. I’m a teacher by profession (high school English and Journalism) and combined by writing and cooking interests in cookbook writing.  

 

Would you tell us a bit about your Irish background and how it influences your creations? 

 

MJ: Initially it was the only catalyst! I began to travel to Ireland a few times a year and realized the “gastronomic revolution” of the 1990s was the way to go for me. 

  

What are your favorite types of recipes to explore? 

 

MJ: Initially I was interested in traditional Irish food but when I delved into it more, especially in the 90s, I realized that chefs there were using traditional ingredients to create a very modern cuisine.

 

I’ve written books with all kinds of themes: cooking with Irish spirits, Irish desserts, modern Irish food, seasonal recipes, afternoon tea, Christmas recipes.

 

Do you have a favorite scone recipe in particular?

 

MJ: Yes, I have one that I use exclusively that has golden raisins, lemon zest, and ginger chips. I love it because they’re easy to freeze, unbaked, and then pop in the oven on the day I plan to serve them.

 

Can you talk a bit about what a “cream tea” is and the idea behind it?

 

MJ: A cream tea is an informal offering, usually just a cup of tea and a scone with clotted cream/jam. An afternoon tea is a very formal affair with dainty food set on a three-tiered stand—sandwiches and savories, scones, elegant sweets.

   

Do you find inspiration from the Hamptons?

 

MJ: Not for Irish cooking!

 

What’s your favorite pastime in the Hamptons?

 

MJ: I’ve lived here full-time since 1982 and enjoy everything about living here, but treat it like a hometown rather than a vacation destination.

 

Do you have any fun Irish traditions, whether they be food or tea related, or otherwise?

 

MJ: I used to always make a traditional Irish meal for St. Patrick’s Day parade day, sometimes corned beef and cabbage, which by the way is totally Irish-American; bacon and cabbage is the traditional version, but now I just bake Irish soda bread for friends and family.

 

How do you define success?

 

MJ: If I were on the Food Network like Ina Garten I’d consider myself VERY successful; however, I feel I’m quite successful doing what I do promoting Irish food and serving tea to very appreciative library patrons.

 

What do you like most about in-person events?

 

MJ: I guess it brings me back to the classroom, so I like the idea of teaching people about tea history and how to present an afternoon tea.

  

Signed copies of Margaret’s three latest cookbooks Favorite Flavors of Ireland, Teatime in Ireland, and Festive Flavors of Ireland are available on her website www.irishcook.com. Margaret also writes weekly food/travel articles in the Irish Echo newspaper. Her next events on the East End are at Mattituck-Laurel Library on March 16th and Southold Free Library on April 29th. Check out her recipe for Beef and Guinness stew below!

 

Beef and Guinness Stew:

Serves 6 to 8

 

Nothing warms the heart (and the stomach) in winter more than hearty soups and stew. I love Irish Stew, which is made with lamb, but you’ll love this hearty beef stew, too, enriched with Ireland’s favorite drink, Guinness Stout. You can omit the beer and replace it with red wine for a more French effect, substitute more broth for the beer, or save this recipe to serve around St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a great make-ahead meal for a busy family, and the raisins and caraway seeds offer a unique flavor. Feel free to add more or less of the vegetables to suit personal taste. Serve it with boiled new potatoes. –Margaret M. Johnson

 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 pounds boneless chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium onions, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

4 cups homemade beef stock or canned low-salt beef broth

1 (11.2 oz.) bottle Guinness draught

1 teaspoon caraway seeds

1 tablespoon raisins

Salt

Ground black pepper

5 to 6 large carrots, thickly sliced

4 to 5 large parsnips, thickly sliced

1 medium turnip, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Boiled new potatoes, for serving

 

To make:

  1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil and butter.
  2. Dredge beef in flour. Working in batches, cook for about 5 minutes, or until all the meat is browned. With a slotted spoon, remove meat to a plate.
  3. Add onions to pan; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned. Stir in tomato paste. Add broth and beer, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Return meat to pan; stir in caraway seeds and raisins. Season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
  4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover; cook for about 20 minutes or until it thickens. Add carrots, parsnips, and turnips. Cover, reduce heat to low; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Uncover; cook for 10 to 15 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.
  6. To serve, ladle stew into shallow bowls, sprinkle with parsley. Serve with potatoes.

 

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

Top Hamptons Events This Weekend: October 10th, 2025
Community

Stroll to the Sea: ARF’s Beloved Dog Walk Returns to East Hampton

October 10, 2025
Writer/Director Ari Selinger on “On the End”: Inspiration, Process, and Filming
Entertainment

Writer/Director Ari Selinger on “On the End”: Inspiration, Process, and Filming

October 10, 2025
Top Hamptons Events This Weekend: October 10th, 2025
Entertainment

Top Hamptons Events This Weekend: October 10th, 2025

October 9, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

11
Oct
11
Oct
-
11
Oct

ARF’s Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk

October 11 @ 09:00 AM - October 11 @ 12:00 PM
Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton, NY
11
Oct
11
Oct
-
11
Oct

Family Drip Painting Workshop

October 11 @ 10:00 AM - October 11 @ 11:30 AM
830 Springs Fireplace Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
11
Oct
11
Oct
-
11
Oct

Free Family Fun: 26th Annual Long Pond Greenbelt Celebration

October 11 @ 10:00 AM - October 11 @ 01:00 PM
SOFO Museum, 377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike
11
Oct
11
Oct
-
11
Oct

CMEE’S Big Birthday Bash!

October 11 @ 10:00 AM - October 11 @ 12:00 PM
376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
11
Oct
11
Oct
-
11
Oct

Chowdah Chowdown – to benefit Springs Food Pantry

October 11 @ 12:00 PM - October 11 @ 03:00 PM
Springs Tavern and Grill, 15 Fort Pond Blvd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Load more listings
Next Post
Parrish Art Museum Presents Mel Kendrick: Seeing Things in Things Exhibit and Talk

Parrish Art Museum Presents Mel Kendrick: Seeing Things in Things Exhibit and Talk

  • Grab your furry friend and take a stroll to Main Beach with ARF!

Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!

🐾 ARF’s Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk
📅 When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 9AM–12PM
📍 Where: Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton, NY

Enjoy vendors, contests, and giveaways before strolling to Main Beach.

🥣 Chowdah Chowdown
📅 When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12PM–3PM
📍 Where: Springs Tavern and Grill, 15 Fort Pond Blvd, East Hampton, NY

All-you-can-eat chowder and soup from 20 local chefs, plus live music and a mocktail bar — all to benefit the Springs Food Pantry!

🍺 SagtoberFest
📅 When: Sat, Oct 11 – Sun, Oct 12, 2025 | 12PM–8PM
📍 Where: Kidd Squid, 11 Spring St, Sag Harbor, NY

Celebrate Oktoberfest Sag Harbor–style! Enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, oysters, pumpkin stew, and live music by Jon Divello, Woody Boley, Greg McMullen & Jake Lear.

🎬 33rd Hamptons International Film Festival
📅 When: Thurs, Oct 9 – Mon, Oct 13, 2025 | 9AM–10PM
📍 Where: Various Locations

The 33rd edition of HIFF brings a world-class lineup of narrative and documentary films, features, and shorts from around the globe. 

🍪 Levain Bakery: Book Talk & Signing
📅 When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12PM–1PM
📍 Where: BookHampton, 41 Main Street, East Hampton, NY

Meet Levain Bakery cofounders Pam Weekes & Connie McDonald and grab their new book.

🌿 26th Annual Long Pond Greenbelt Celebration
📅 When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10AM–1PM
📍 Where: SOFO Museum, 377 Bridgehampton–Sag Harbor Tpk, Bridgehampton, NY

Enjoy games, crafts, guided walks, face painting, and ice cream!

🎉 CMEE’s Big Birthday Bash!
📅 When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10AM–12PM
📍 Where: SOFO, 376 Bridgehampton–Sag Harbor Tpk, Bridgehampton, NY

Join for crafts, treats, dance, and play!

🛋️ Hub Home Grand Opening Party & Open House
📅 When: Friday, October 10, 2025 | 6PM–9PM
📍 Where: HUB Home, 2183 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY

Celebrate the grand opening of HUB Home, a curated consignment shop with luxury furnishings, art, and décor.

Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)
.
.
.
.
.
#hamptons #arf #community #stephentalkhouse #dining #hamptonsfilmfestival
  • The 33rd Hamptons International Film Festival kicked off last Friday with the U.S. premiere of A24’s Eternity starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner.⁠
⁠
Elizabeth Olsen attended the premiere on Friday, and on Saturday sat down with IndieWire’s Editorial Director Kate Erbland at the Sag Harbor Cinema as a part of the festival’s “A Conversation With” series. Later that day, the second “A Conversation With” took place as Ethan Hawke and moderator Alison Stewart talked about Blue Moon, as well as Hawke’s filmography. ⁠
⁠
Sydney Sweeney received the festival’s Achievement in Acting Award following the U.S. premiere of her film Christy in East Hampton. ⁠
⁠
Notable Guests included: Alessandro Nivola, Alec Baldwin, Amanda Peet, Tonatiuh, Miriam Shor, Lois Smith, Tim Blake Nelson, Mareille Enos, Bob Balaban, E. Jean Carroll, Roberta Kaplan, Ellen Barkin, Bernie Telsie, Bill Condon.⁠
⁠
📸: Jess Dalene⁠
⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#hiff #hamptonsinternationalfilmfestival #film #elizabetholsen #sydneysweeney #hamptons #hamptonsfilm⁠
  • When: Fri, Oct 3rd – Sun, Oct 5th, 2025
8am – 5pm

Where: Levain Bakery, 354 Montauk Hwy, Wainscott, NY

Levain Bakery is introducing a new cookie for a limited time: Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip – a decadent mix of creamy and chunky peanut butter with rich dark chocolate chunks. Originally created to celebrate the opening of Levain’s Beverly Hills Bakery, this indulgent new flavor will now be available for just three days only, October 3–5, at all retail bakery locations.

To make the weekend even sweeter, guests who purchase a cookie will receive a Levain Bakery mini tote (while supplies last), a fan-favorite collectible sure to go quickly.

#levain #levainbakery #cookie #minitote #tote #hamptons
  • From world premieres at the Hamptons International Film Festival to SouthamptonFest! ⁠
⁠
Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
⁠
🎬 33rd Hamptons International Film Festival⁠
📅 Oct 3 – 13, 2025 | 9AM – 10PM⁠
📍 Various Locations⁠
A global lineup of films, shorts & documentaries.⁠
⁠
🍪 Levain Bakery⁠
📅 Oct 3 – 5, 2025 | 8AM – 5PM⁠
📍 354 Montauk Hwy, Wainscott⁠
Try the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip cookie + snag a mini tote (while supplies last).⁠
⁠
🎉 13th Annual SouthamptonFest⁠
📅 Oct 3 – 5, 2025 | 10AM – 7PM⁠
📍 Southampton Village⁠
Arts, culture, food & family fun all weekend long!⁠
⁠
🎶 SpringsFest⁠
📅 Oct 4, 2025⁠
📍 1 Parsons Pl, East Hampton⁠
Live music, raffles, crafts, blacksmith demos & more.⁠
⁠
💃 Salsa Social @ The Clubhouse Hamptons⁠
📅 Oct 4, 2025 | 9PM – 11:30PM⁠
📍 East Hampton⁠
Dance the night away w/ DJ Chile & more!⁠
⁠
🐚 34th Annual Largest Clam Contest⁠
📅 Oct 5, 2025 | 12PM – 3PM⁠
📍 Amagansett Life Saving Station⁠
Taste clam chowder, clam pies & cheer on the winners!⁠
⁠
🎷 East Meets West Jazz Jam Session⁠
📅 Oct 5, 2025 | 2PM – 5PM⁠
📍 Southampton Cultural Center⁠
Free community jazz jam – all are welcome.⁠
⁠
🌕 Full Hunter’s Super Moon Hike⁠
📅 Oct 6, 2025 | 6:30PM – 7:30PM⁠
📍 SOFO Museum Parking Lot⁠
Guided evening hike under the moonlight.⁠
⁠
✨ Which event are you most excited for?⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#hamptons #hamptonsinternationalfilfestival #hiff #jazz #fullmoon #hike #film #levainbakery #community
  • So many fun fall activities in the Hamptons 🎃

@fairviewfarmatmecox 
@corwithsfarmstand 
@milkpailfarmorchard 

Check out our fall guide at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)

#hamptons #fall #applepicking🍎 #pumpkin #maze #pettingfarm
  • As summer winds down and the cool breezes of fall approach, jewelry enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike are looking for the latest seasonal trends. Yael Fraynd, founder and president of Yaya Publicity, offers an insider’s perspective on what to expect this fall — especially for those embracing the chic lifestyle of the Hamptons.⁠
⁠
Looking ahead to fall, Fraynd described the evolving styles with enthusiasm. For fall, expect to see bold statement pieces, rich gemstone colors like orange and a playful mix of metals. ⁠
⁠
She also noted the influence of pop culture on jewelry trends, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, who is recently engaged, saying, “It could also be just, you know, with Taylor Swift, who has such a big effect on what people like.”⁠
⁠
On the seamless transition from summer to fall styles, she observed, “In the summer, you see a bit of Western-inspired pieces, and I think that they really do kind of transition into fall really nicely. ⁠
⁠
@yayapublicity⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio) ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#fall #falltrend #falljewelry #hamptons⁠
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton, Pike’s Beach
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us