how to fry and egg

Ballymaloe Week 1 / Humble Beginnings and World Travels

Where to begin? The first week is finally over and all the students are thrilled. Ballymaloe Cookery School is a 'full-on' (as they say) 8:30-5:30 day with a lunch break in the middle. That is, if you don't have any of the 'farm to table' duties which may include:

  • picking salad greens, herbs and vegetables bright and early (actually when it's dark)
  • washing up dishes after demo
  • feeding the chickens kitchen scraps
  • serving the students lunch that we all cooked together in the day

A typical day starts with kitchen work in pairs. We cook the food assigned to us that was demoed the day before. The night before we have to write out an 'order of work' before we start cooking. An 'order of work' is a schedule of what to cook so that you can serve up 3 fresh courses at the same time. Then, the kitchen teachers come around and grade your work based on cooking technique, presentation and taste. I have to say that I've been having to 'un-learn' many of the bad kitchen habits I got myself into being self-taught at cooking. I'm learning such basic skills that improve the flavour of the food immensely! I can't recommend this course enough to aspiring chefs or people just wanting a greater appreciation for food.

I say 'humble beginnings' because as much as I already know about the food industry and how unsustainable it is.. as much as I already how how good local food can taste.. I am completely blown away by the attention to detail and new skills I'm learning to make myself a better cook.

Below is a sample of photos from the trip so far!

Lesson 1. Organic Farming = tasty food. ps. Check out those Wellies #style!!
Lesson 1. Organic Farming = tasty food. ps. Check out those Wellies #style!!
A dragon.
A dragon.
Planing a lettuce. I called her Penelope.
Planing a lettuce. I called her Penelope.
Welcome meal. FYI to anyone wanting to make me my favourite foods..
Welcome meal. FYI to anyone wanting to make me my favourite foods..
The beautiful mirror above the demo counter for all the students to see. Brilliant!
The beautiful mirror above the demo counter for all the students to see. Brilliant!
After demo, we taste the food, see how it's plated and then try to recreate it for the next day.
After demo, we taste the food, see how it's plated and then try to recreate it for the next day.
Perssimom and Pecan Salad.
Perssimom and Pecan Salad.
Goat Cheese, Dried Local Fig Salad.
Goat Cheese, Dried Local Fig Salad.
Chorizo Arrabiatta Penne
Chorizo Arrabiatta Penne
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart as Demoed by Rachel Allen.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart as Demoed by Rachel Allen.
Our homework sheet.
Our homework sheet.
Studying at Coach House (our cottage)
Studying at Coach House (our cottage)
Friday celebrations at Blackbird Pub in the costal town of Ballycotton.
Friday celebrations at Blackbird Pub in the costal town of Ballycotton.
Ruins behind the pub.
Ruins behind the pub.
Locals getting sassy.
Locals getting sassy.
Local at the Blackbird pub.
Local at the Blackbird pub.
Walking down to say hello to the Atlantic Ocean.
Walking down to say hello to the Atlantic Ocean.
Spooky church in Ballycotton.
Spooky church in Ballycotton.
Live guitar and flute!
Live guitar and flute!
Pub Grub
Pub Grub
Food stand out the back of the pub. They serve sushi and dumplings! Blackbird Pub.
Food stand out the back of the pub. They serve sushi and dumplings! Blackbird Pub.
Hot Toddie at the Pub!
Hot Toddie at the Pub!
Out in Midleton, the town where Jameson Whiskey is brewed.
Out in Midleton, the town where Jameson Whiskey is brewed.
Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Goat Cheese Bruschetta