We’re all going on a Summer Holiday …

Well actually Sir Cliff we are just back from our summer holidays in Killarney and would definitely go back again. There’s so much to do and I must mention the excellent Kennedy’s All Weather Pet Farm (the important words here being ‘all’ and ‘weather’!), bike hire from the friendly O’ Sullivans, and the NP.

The jarveys were out protesting against horse nappies … HoneyB was definitely on their side saying ‘horsies no wear nappy mom, nooh’. The disruption increased our drive to Lorge by 20mins but it was worth it. A small cottage at the side of the road in the middle of the countryside we found Lorge happily chocolatiering.

We tasted some excellent truffles, my favourite was the Dark Chocolate and Lime and a very close second was Valrhona Guanaja ganache. The truffles had a thin coating which allowed the filling to take center stage. So unlike many mass produced confections, the filling was not hidden under a thick shell of chocolate. They were delicate some dipped, some molded. The praline was strongly nutty with a sweet hit, rather than vice versa. But they were so fresh … the freshest truffles ever.

And if that was not enough, we had to have a Hot Chocolate, with a hint of Ginger. It shortened the trip home ;-) Himself wiled the time away taking photos of the truffles balancing on the gear stick!

We also visited Murphy’s Ice Cream cafe on Main St. It is such a fun relaxed place, the staff are so friendly and enthusiastic. On our first visit we chose Dark Chocolate, Chocolate & Whiskey and Strawberry. The girls’ favourite was the Dark Chocolate, the boy’s favourite was the Whiskey.

Next visit we went for a tasting plate i.e. a selection of 5 ice creams: Honeycomb, Raspberry Sorbet, Peanut, Milk Chocolate, Guinness. My favourite was the Peanut … chocolate chips, peanuts and vanilla ice cream … divine. Ha ha would you believe I just checked out their website and the recipe is there !!

Unfortunately we did not get to CocoaBean and Skellig factory … next year hopefully.

Treats at the National Crafts Fair

The National Crafts Fair is held each December in the RDS and has become for many a traditional day out. It is shopping with a difference; the stalls here are crammed full of designer crafts. Last year I was lucky enough that Himself bought me a necklace from Pol. This year I went on my own because it is really not the place for Honeyb to be foot loose.

I was looking forward to visiting the Food Emporium which was bigger and better this time around. I came home with a pain in my tummy after tasting so many great chutneys, relishes, jams, meats, cheeses and of course chocolate. The irish chocolatiers were out in force: Wilde Irish Chocolates, Co Couture, Cocoa Bean, Skelligs, Chez Emily, Lorge, Fosters, Adam Chocolates for Men and Garden of Ireland Chocolate.

First stop was Wilde Irish Chocolate for some White Chocolate Hazelnut spread for my nephews, a bar of Super Chocolate (80%) topped with nibs pour moi and a special gift of a chocolate bunny lollipop for HoneyB. I would highly recommend the Super Bar, it is a bar to nibble and savour.

Co Couture made my visit to the fair astounding. This chocolatier’s brother and father happily (and proudly) manned the stand while she was at home making more truffles for the show. I tasted a 70% caramel truffle which was a bold strong caramel (not a gooey sweet substance). Wowed by that one, I tasted the next truffle and only when I had it in my mouth was I told it was a Black Bush whiskey truffle. Surprise! I could not believe that a whisky truffle could taste so divine, smooth subtle malty flavor. A thin layer of chocolate surrounded the truffle and a sprinkling of gold dust finished it elegantly.

Cocoa Bean (who have joined forces with Skellig Chcolates) lured me to their stand with their funky, energetic packaging. And their chocolate matches this, the Gin & Tonic 70% bar is full of flavour and a little giddiness that goes with G&T.

I love these fairs because I get to meet the faces behind the products and chat to them about their passion. And the Cooks Academy were no different. Maybe if I am good Santa will send me off on their courses, the chocolate one I hope.