Graham Donovan, based in Crosshaven in Co. Cork, started out cheffing from a young age.

Over the past 20 years, he has cooked in bars, restaurants and even worked in a private nursing home during the pandemic.

He is now a freelance chef with a catering business called Chef Grizz.

Graham shares some of his favourite recipes in this month’s RSVP Magazine - including his Juicy Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad and Zesty Carrot, Apple and Beetroot Slaw.

Read more: How to make tasty Carne Asada on the BBQ with Nico Reynolds' simple recipe

Juicy Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Serves 4-6 as a summery side dish

Ingredients

• 330g plain flour
• Half a large watermelon or 1 whole mini watermelon (cut into large rough dices)
• 1 medium red onion (finely sliced into half moons)
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g mixed lettuce leaves or 1 head of lettuce of your choice (roughly chopped)
• 1 x block of feta cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 100g fresh mint (finely chopped)

Method

1. In a large serving bowl, mix the melon, feta, leaves and mint.
2. In a separate bowl, stir the lime juice together with the red onion and leave to sit for 10 minutes.
3. Toss the lime and onion mix through the main mixture.
4. Drizzle with the olive oil, give a final mix and serve.

Zesty Carrot, Apple and Beetroot Slaw

Prep time: 10 minutes

Serves 4-6 as a generous side dish

Ingredients

• 2 raw beetroot
• 4 green eating apples (Granny Smiths are perfect)
• 4 medium raw carrots
• Handful of fresh coriander
• Handful of fresh parsley
• 100ml orange juice
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 100g fresh mint (finely chopped)

Method

1. Grate the carrot, beetroot and apple into a large bowl using the large side of the grater.
2. Roughly chop the herbs and mix them through the carrot
3. mixture.
4. Mix the orange juice and balsamic vinegar together and add to the bowl and mix.
5. Finally, season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Graham and his team can cater for a variety of events, from small private garden parties to larger corporate gatherings. For more recipes from Graham, check out IG: @graham.donovan

READ MORE

• The most up-to-date headlines and stories on our site rsvplive.ie

• How to make Black pudding flatbread with pickled onions, hummus, hollandaise and a fried egg for brunch

• Make delicious chicken wings in the air fryer