18 special recipes for celebrating Leaving Cert results

The Leaving Cert results are in, after a tumultuous year for students. No matter how many points have been clocked up, everyone who sat the Leaving under the unique stresses of 2020 deserves to be lauded — and, here at Easy Food, we believe no celebration is complete without good food. If your family chooses to celebrate at home, here are some extra-special (extra-delicious!) recipes for the occasion.

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Say cheers!

You'll definitely need to toast to the sheer amount of hard work that goes into a Leaving Cert, especially in 2020. Make that Prosecco extra special by adding some strawberries and elderflower cordial, and raise a glass with pride.

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An elegant way to raise a glass.[/caption]

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Steak dinner

Does anything say "special occasion?" like a truly great steak? Whether you're a fan of red wine sauce, something with a kick of mustard or the creamy mushroom sauce below, don't forget the homemade chips. For something really impressive, try our ultimate T-bone steak — bring your appetite!

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The classic creamy mushroom pan sauce: never not good.[/caption]

If your family likes blue cheese, they'll adore this combination of melted Wicklow Blue, caramelised onions and tender fillet steak.

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Pure indulgence.[/caption]

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Roast dinner

If the not-so-summery weather has you in the mood for something hearty, a roast dinner with all the trimmings may be the perfect way to celebrate. The whole family is sure to love the sweet touch in this roast pork with sausage stuffing and apples, while this mustard and tarragon roast beef is worthy of any special event.

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The sweetness of apples is the ideal counterfoil for this beautiful sausage-stuffed pork.[/caption]

Looking for a unique take on the roast? This Indian-spiced roast chicken puts a delicious new spin on an old favourite.

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The aromas of this Indian-inspired roast chicken are guaranteed to have mouths watering.[/caption]

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Keep it chill

Maybe your family's not really into fancy dinners, and that's okay too! If deliciously messy and relaxed meals are more your speed, we highly recommend you try our all-time favourite barbacoa recipe and plan a celebratory taco night — add margaritas for a bit of extra craic!

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Cooked low 'n' slow, this barbacoa is tender, flavoursome and perfect for taco night.[/caption]

Not in the mood for tacos? Try our homemade scampi, sticky ribs or wings, all classics for a reason — just make sure you've got plenty of napkins to hand.

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You'll be pleasantly surprised at our secret method for making the best-ever chicken wings.[/caption]

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Something sweet

When it's time for dessert, we could tell you this passion fruit and peach pavlova is a stunning centrepiece and a fresh taste of summer (and it is). We could recommend this Oreo fudge ice cream sandwich cake and tell you it never fails to wow (which it doesn't). Or we could show off our gooey, mousse-like flourless chocolate coffee cake, and promise you'd adore it. (You would.) But really, when it comes to celebrations, nothing beats our best-ever chocolate cake. We've been obsessed with it ever since we perfected it in the Test Kitchen. You will be, too.

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*cake whispers, "Why are you so obsessed with me?"[/caption]

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Congratulations to every one of Ireland's Leaving Cert students 2020, on behalf of Easy Food; if you can get through that, you can get through anything. Now go eat something great — you've earned it!