Developing a taste for the black stuff isn’t the only change brought about by Sophie’s stint at Ballymaloe Cookery School. She feels calm and refreshed, and, believe it or not, has even started running. We’ve finished! It’s over! I’m devastated, but I am also thrilled. I’ll be honest, I’m feeling emotional, and I haven’t even … Read more
Week four is all about forging new friendships at the local pub, hatching feathered friends, and the joys of natural wine. It’s our second to last week at Ballymaloe and my classmates and I have become real-life mates. We are all cooking well and with greater confidence, which is reflected in a more relaxed atmosphere … Read more
Week three introduces a new character, the gregarious Rory, who’s brimming with Irish banter and clever kitchen tips. Just when I thought we couldn’t be any more thrilled with our teachers, Rory O’Connell returned from holiday and “took me to church”! Rory is Darina’s younger brother and co-founder of the cookery school. He’s a chef … Read more
Week two at Ballymaloe Cookery School saw Sophie and Camille inspired by another Irish domestic goddess as they continued to cook (and eat) up a storm. This week we’ve been taught mainly by Darina Allen’s daughter-in-law Rachel Allen, and it’s been another banger! Rachel is also one of Ireland’s best-known cooks, with a career that … Read more