Closing out

Rosie, Rosie and I celebrating at our leaving dinner

My time at Ballymaloe came to an abrupt end. Abrupt meaning it snuck up on me ... I was driving off the property before it sunk in that i was actually leaving. I think it hit me as I was flying over the Atlantic. Exams were.... well... they were a blur.. I remember something about menu planning, gazing over cuts of meat that to me looked all the same, munching on lettuces leaves I didn't know the names of and smelling herbs till my nose was numb. It was like information overload i can only pray my practical success pulled me over the pass mark :) My pork and profiteroles were a success... or so I thought so and I managed to finish under the 3 hour mark... really by the skin of my teeth. It was tough but exciting. Saying goodbye to friends and house mates was hard and sad. I really made some wonderful friends. I've already been swapping post Ballymaloe cooking stories and swapping ideas for holiday party ideas. Friends are starting cheffing jobs under intense pressure and I'm just so impressed and envious that they had the guts to apply to do something like that. I've learned its a combination of skill and confidence... if you are not confident in what you are doing people won't be confident in you.. and the food you are producing...

Our leaving party was amazing. I was a little sick so i didn't eat much other than the new seasons olive oil.. maybe I was sick because of that.. I was drinking it like it was water.... so delicious.... we all hit the black bird afterwards and danced the night away... even Rory and Darina made an appearance... it was a great night to cap off an incredible 12 weeks.

 I am going to miss Ballymaloe... badly. I'm trying to use my skills so I don't loose them. First thing when I landed in Bermuda was hit the grocery store. I found Chorizo which was a miracle and cream which comes in a tiny carton.. .not like the jugs you find in Ireland. It also cost about twice the price :) TIB (This is Bermuda)

Penne with Chorizo

I made Penne with Spicy Chorizo Sausage and it was a hit. Really delicious. I made some Chicken Satay for a party and tomorrow night I plan to make some millionaire squares and a savory flaky pastry starter for another party. I'm also on Christmas dinner duty.... so i'm trying to figure how to fit the turkey, ham, potatoes and veges into one oven! Where is my order of work sheet...?

Bermuda was lovely when I first landed... its quite stormy now... like hurricane weather. Its still good to be home though. I'm itching to cook cook cook... I want to get jams and chutneys made and start selling them when i'm back in Belfast. I need a job asap... so i'm constantly online looking for anything and anyone who is hiring..

Okay i'll keep you posted on Christmas dinner.... cross fingers its a success... there really isn't any room for error... the pressure is ON! :-)

For anyone who is considering Ballymaloe... DO IT! Its one of the best things you can ever do. The knowledge and even relationships you make there are life lasting. Its really one of these bucket list deals that is totally totally worth ticking off.

If you need convincing send me an e-mail and i'll be happy to get the ball rolling.

Off to make some flaky pastry.