What’s New at the Ruby Apron – September 2016
I keep saying it, “I can’t believe it’s September,” and now, we are nearly a week into September. I love living in a country where we have four distinct seasons, and really would miss it if I didn’t live here. I crave the routine that comes with September, even if I’m...
Simple Tomato Sauce
Where has the summer gone? It sounds terribly cliché, but I really cannot believe it is September 1st! I am definitely ready for the routine that comes with fall, as the weather starts to change I crave different food, and I’m inspired by different ingredients in the...
Shopping Thoughtfully
This blog has been on my mind for several weeks now, and I am finally sitting down to write it. My sister in law, Mirela called me and said she had a great idea for a blog post, to talk about shopping thoughtfully and why I shop the way I do. At first I didn’t quite...
Sourdough
There are a lot of food related things that I could say, “is there anything better than…?” and I’m sure I’ve said it numerous times on my blog. But, is there anything better than a slice of still warm, homemade sourdough...
The Ruby Apron, England & Ireland
I am just back from a wonderful trip to England and Ireland. Two countries most people feel wouldn’t be inspiring in the food world, but I am totally inspired and cannot wait to get back into the kitchen properly this week to recipe test for my classes. I will start...
Canning Season
This is my second year of trying to preserve the tasty fruit and veg that we have such an abundance of at this time of year. It’s the kind of thing, you do a little bit, and you are addicted and you want to continue… What else can I preserve, and how else can I...
An Update & A Rant
In Ireland I had so much to write about everyday, now that I’m home, my life seems same old same old, so it’s hard to keep up on the blog! But, thought I would write a little update about what’s been going on, and a little rant about chicken stock, and the price of...
Post Ballymaloe
Life after Ballymaloe – it might sound weird, most people that have done the course will get what it’s like and be able to relate to the fact that it’s hard to adjust back to reality after being at Ballymaloe. Twelve weeks really isn’t that long, but twelve weeks can...
To Softly Whipped Cream
And that’s a wrap, my adventure is officially over, or at least this bit. I suppose I shouldn’t look at it as an adventure coming to an end, but more what’s to come moving forward. I was still full of mixed emotions as I left Ireland Saturday afternoon . We took off...
Pop – There Goes The Bubble
I may have swollen eyes from all the tears, I may still be on the verge of tears, I may feel like I smoked about 45 cigarettes last night (don’t quite know why!), and I may have a slight ache in the old head this morning… But it was all worth it. What a send off from...
It’s All Coming to An End
Had a busy day today, and I am ready for bed! I finished my index for my recipes, packed, did some washing, revised, took my notes over to the school so they could be checked, and cleaned the house with the girls. My Ballymaloe bedroom is all tidy, there are three...
The Bubble is About to Pop
This will be another short blog, just tucked into bed after a long day. I was up early, and finished my filing, read over my order of work and headed into the kitchen for my practical exam. It went so well, even the bread I was slightly dreading turned out well! We...
Roll on Practical Exam
Well here we are… The night before the practical exam, I know I sound like a broken record, but what an experience this has been, learning from some of the most talented people around, not only Darina, Rory, and Rachel, but the teachers in the kitchens too. I am just...
Mixed Emotions
It’s been an odd day! It was our last normal day here at Ballymaloe, we were in the kitchen this morning and then had a demo this afternoon. Mixed emotions from a lot of people around here this evening, it was a long day – didn’t get out of the school until after...
A Little Bit Retro
Just back from work experience in the kitchen at Ballymaloe. I had considered not going because there have been mixed reviews from people who have done it. I am so glad I decided to go, it was the Sunday night buffet, so there were lots of bits I was able to help...
Sunshine & Vintage
Yesterday was the end of Week Eleven, how crazy is that? I had a good morning in the kitchen, baked my naan, made lemon soufflés, prepared a squid, cooked the squid with parsley, garlic and chilli oil (delish!), and made cappuccino ice cream. I managed to get quite a...
Wine vs. Beer
Just back from the city, another wonderful night with great people. I know it’s redundant by now, but I really can’t believe how many people I’ve met on this course that I hope to stay in touch with when it's over. Next week at this time, we will all be done our...
Green, White & Fabulous
Missed yesterday’s blog because of the St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans that were going on at The Couch House, bed time was a bit too late, 3:30 on a school night – silly but so much fun. I was back in Kitchen 3 yesterday morning, sadly not in Pat’s section! It is funny,...
A Weekend in Haren
Had such a lovely weekend with The Robinson’s and Mary in Haren. They spoiled me, it was so great to see them all, and I am so glad I was able to make the journey over to The Netherlands while still in Ireland and so close. The kids were so much fun, we played lots of...
Croissants & A Wine Exam
I think I said at the beginning of the week that it’s Monday morning, and then it’s Friday evening, the in between time goes way too fast! I was up bright an early this morning, met Mary at the school just after 7:00 to roll out and shape our croissants, so that they...