Midleton, Ireland

Today in Midleton I found myself wanting to go back to Ballymaloe almost immediately. However, there was only one bus that could take me back and it wasn't leaving until 4pm, so I did my best to enjoy the day. The thing about Ballymaloe is, it's so beautiful everywhere and the city isn't. Midleton isn't a large city, but more like a town. It's quaint in some areas and not in others. The Farmer's Market was packed with people ,especially little children running around. That was fun watching them. The pictures included are different snap shots of areas that reflect parts of the town.


I went to lunch at a place called Sage. The menu had some nice vegetarian dishes and what I ordered was very good. A veggie wrap with spiced chick peas and a pesto sauce with greens.



Later, I visted a jeweler who owns his own studio. His name is Shmuel Yolzari and he's from Isreal. He use to be a diamond cutter and sculpture but decided to try silversmithing. He's good and his work is beautiful. http://www.sdyolzari.com/ He works in gold and silver and his concept of kinetics coupled with dimention is brilliant in my opinion. Each piece is multi dimentional and can be worn in more then just one way.


After that I decided to visit St Mary's Church. This is a beautiful church and I had the opportunity to take pictures inside. The photos aren't that great as far as being centered and lighting, but my time was limited because I wasn't sure who was going to come in and pray. I loved all the different symbols and the stained glass. The face of Mother Mary I think is absolutely beautiful. It was so peaceful inside, I ended up staying a couple hours and just sitting, mediatating and reflecting.


4pm arrived and back to Ballymaloe. More reflecting, walking and reading this evening.


Tomorrow is a day at the beach, Ballycotton (tiny little seaside village) and dinner with Darina and family at Ballymaloe House.


Thanks for following and stay tune!

BALLYMALOE DAY 5

Today I went to the greenhouses which are HUGH. I'll try taking some pictures to give you an idea of how big and how many rows of herbs and produce grow in there.
On my way to the greenhouses I took pictures of the many flowers I saw on the way.
Was able to attend another demo class this afternoon. We learned how to make:

Banana Bread with Cherries* (it was soooo good)
Lemon Drizzle Squares*
Old Fashion Rice Pudding
Chocolate Mousse*
Traditional Roast Stuffed Chicken
Roasted Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Lebonese Cold Cucumber Soup*
Irrish Cheddar Cheese Croquettes
Frittata with Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Summer Herbs.

The food pictures are from some of the lunch menu and some from the demonstration. The picture of my friend Corrine and her girls, Dominique and Michaela, was taken right before they set off to Kilkenny, Ireland. Happy and Safe travels!

Tomorrow I go to Midleton to see the Farmer's Market and sip coffee while people watching. Will also check out the boutique shops. I hear they have some good ones.

Stay tuned!

Ballymaloe Day 4

Today I made Sweet Chili Sauce*. I'm also learning how to make Lemon Curd* which is exceptionally good in taste and practical in so many uses.
After lunch today I had the opportunity to sit in on a demonstration. Rory O'Connell, Darina's brother is a master chef and taught the class. It was fasinating. We learned how to make an ice bowl*, Ballymaloe Praline Ice Cream, Kerry Pie, Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Mushroom a la Creme* and White Soda Bread Pizza*. All wonderful and simple recipes that I'll be posting. Pictures below.
Went for an evening stroll around the gardens and took some pictures. The photos of the two dogs sleeping is a regular sighting every afternoon. It's quite funny because they just plop themselves down in the middle of a walkway or on a bench and fall asleep.
I can't report much about the lunch menu today because I wasn't with the students. I do know that it mainly consisted of prawns, shrimp and beef dishes. There was a green salad and green beans. Dessert was Vanilla Custard with Cream and Caramel Sauce.

Stay tune for Day 5