I have a habit of celebrating other people’s birthdays when we’re not even in the same country together. My father has still never forgiven me for the shindig myself and my mother threw for him on a holiday in Spain … Continue reading
One of life’s little pleasures, the simple pairing of fresh and juicy strawberries with soft and velvety cream. Total and utter bliss and perfect for that romantic picnic. No romantic picnics happening around here at the moment though, I’m living … Continue reading
There was sheer excitement in the house last week as I received an email from Jean of Fourways Farmer’s Market. She was delivering some great news to me; that I had been offered a stall at the market. I was … Continue reading
Ireland is going mad for Spuds this week as National Potato Day kicked off today. I pine for Golden Wonders on a daily basis and I dream of my mother’s potato cakes on a lazy Saturday morning. Not to forget … Continue reading
I am still smiling after the weekend that we treated ourselves to in Kruger Park. A weekend of wilderness, game drives, Braai’s, great friends, beautiful sunshine and tasty beer. The long weekend approached with much anticipation and sheer excitement. I’ve … Continue reading
And so my final post on my time spent at Ballymaloe.
During Week 11, we were taken on a speial little tour of Ballymaloe House. Over the last 3 months, I never got the chance to go and visit the house so really loved hearing the history and imagining what it was all like back in 1963 when it all began.
The running theme over the last two weeks has certainly been butter based. We have been introduced to the wonders of Brioche, Croissants and Pain au Chocolat, Flaky and Puff Pastry. Our waste lines are feeling it and our appetites are craving it.
Can somebody tell me where the time is going to? I cannot believe we are embarking on Week 9 at Ballymaloe. Last week seems like a life time ago. So much happens on a daily basis here that you really … Continue reading
This week I came to the realisation that yes I can do anything, but not everything. All at the same time. In 3 hours. Taking on a lot of extra work to push myself and learning some new techniques to broaden my skill set seemed like a great idea, but in the moment it made me feel frazzled and overwhelmed. I’m glad I did it, I felt as though I stepped my game up a notch. I am producing more wholesome food with less effort and really loving how my food is coming together. It’s a pretty good feeling. Like when you start to learn to drive a car and everyone says one day it will just come to you and you get the knack. Cooking, for me, is a bit like that. You get the knack but you continue to keep learning and growing with the food.
♫ And I want you to show me…..♫
Ending week 6 at Ballymaloe with our first exam. We had our herb and salad leaf identification exam on Friday afternoon followed by a technique exam. 20 minutes before the exam, my nerves decided to kick in, leaving me all a fluster in the exam but I got there in the end. I was extremely lucky to have Rachel Allen as my examiner and when she saw me struggle she was there to give me that push of encouragement that I needed. By the time I walked out of the kitchen over an hour later, I was ready for a drink the weekend.
