A Dinner Party

When I landed last night in Cork I thought I could have been in Edmonton, it was so chilly... I woke up this morning to snow - not snow like we know it, bust still snow!

I was up early baking brown yeast bread and focaccia, then it was onto lamb curry and frying papadums. As with most meals that include fish or meat here, I had to joint the lamb, and prepare it for cooking, I was done by 11:30, thankfully, and all cleaned up by noon. Mary and I headed down the road to Ballycotton seafood to pick up a few things for dinner. Several weeks ago I had been thinking of a way to say thank you to Tim and Darina for not only welcoming us into what is really their home, but also for such a wonderful experience. Why not cook them a meal? Cioppino (oh the seafood is so fresh!), home made bread, and a few different salads, with limoncello ice-cream and Jane’s Biscuits for pudding. It was lovely to have them both here, listening to them tell stories about when the school first opened, and the history of the farm, Ballymaloe and the areas that surround it. We had a delicious meal (if I do say so myself!). So glad that we were able to organize a time to do this, and that Mary was able to join us in our little house. I really cannot believe that in less than a month The White Cottage will no longer be my home…

Today’s demo was the Ballymaloe Buffet… When I came in the summer to visit the school, this was the meal we had at the school for lunch. I would love to some day have the Ballymaloe Buffet at the house – next time I’m in Ireland (they don’t start this until Easter weekend!).

I am off to bed now, busy day in the kitchen tomorrow, and possibly a sour dough party in the evening. Hoping I will have a bit of time to go meet the new cow that was born on Friday and the chicks that arrived the same day too!

“That is right Timmy Allen, that is right…” Darina talking to Tim at dinner