I’ve been dreaming of Ireland lately, not sure what it is. The cooler temps, all this wind, a craving to get on a plane and travel? One of the most common questions I get asked is why did I go to culinary school in Ireland? It’s funny because lots of people don’t give...
I often sit at my computer with the goal of writing a blog, but I get distracted and think about how I sat (nearly) every night in my bed at Ballymaloe and wrote a blog. I don’t know how I did it, yes of course I had a lot to talk about. But I have a list on my...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
