Listen: Culture File – James Hoffman de-snobs your coffee
Once upon a time, it was enough to have a favoured brand of instant coffee; now it’s all Sumatra Gegarang this, natural process that, small batch roast the other. Things have come a long,...
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Launching Sláinte: a whirlwind week
The writing of Sláinte? That’s something that was mainly done in splendid isolation. When the girls were out of the house for preschool mornings, or late at night, with everyone else tucked up in...
Listen – Culture File: Alys Fowler’s Letters to a Beekeeper
To paraphrase the Lorax, Alys Fowler ‘speaks for the bees.’ She was at the Ballymaloe Litfest in May, talking about self-funding her latest book Letters to a Beekeeper through internet publisher Unbound. It’s a...
Five favourite children’s storybooks for cooking inspiration
Summer holiday time is fine when the weather is good and we’re all outdoors with sun hats and shorts. But, when the wind changes, the showers arrive and a general air of grumpiness pervades...
Sláinte: The Complete Guide to Irish Craft Beer and Cider
We have a cover. And a name. And – almost! – a book. That little project* that I mentioned way back in February? It’s so close to becoming something real, something tangible that Kristin and...
Listen: Culture File – Diana Kennedy at Ballymaloe Litfest
Ever wondered if a 91-year-old cookery writer can rock? Wonder no longer. Diana Kennedy is that woman. A small but indomitable lady in leather trousers who visited Ballymaloe for the recent Literary Festival of...
Listen: Nick Strangeway at Ballymaloe Litfest
It wasn’t all chefs and cookery writers at this year’s Ballymaloe LitFest; there was also a very lively drinks theatre which featured good Irish craft beer, natural wines, glorious sherry and unusual cocktails. London-based...
Three Irish books for summer eating: No-Bake Baking, Wholesome, Where to Eat & Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way
Summer’s here, kids – what are we going to eat? There are a few Irish books floating round at the moment which might help you to make some decisions in that regard. 1. The...