Bia Sásta

Sometimes you have to give into cravings … chocolate brownies on a sunny afternoon just the way I like them: rich, gooey and nutty ….

A trip to Di**le wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the - now enjoying a trip of Kelly’s Bay, Young Buck and Carraigna Muc with a small jar of elderberry jelly by my favourite . Tasty afternoon at the cottage. And in case anyone is in Di**le, pop into and try their prawn & lemongrass risotto (still drooling).

Nibbles made for the match. Do t think I have to explain what match 😉 caramelised onions with feta tarts - haven’t made them in ages so thought today was a perfect excuse. Fingers crossed for the team

In case you are looking for an easy to drink summer afternoon wine - look no further! Malbotti by Cork man Jack Crotty (of ) is a light but flavoursome natural wine that is perfect for sunny summer afternoons. Jack is now living in Italy growing wine and this wine is a perfect example of the creativity that Jack has shown the food world over the years. Available in

Just found an old photo of my first ever decorated cake. I took a course in the UK with a lovely couple who taught me a lot in the week I spent with them. I gave this cake to my English Nan and have made many in the following years. Might even make a collage of a few

It has been a week …. And I deserve a treat. Beautiful rose from Provence with a plate of fresh bread and Irish butter (obviously)… great end to the week in

Supangle is a Turkish chocolate pudding that I used to get in Turkish cafes while living in Germany. The last time I visited Berlin, my friend Gülgün gave me a mix to take home. It’s is very rich in chocolate flavour and towards the end of cooking it gets even richer with the addition of butter. When you are in Turkey you’ll get it served with biscuits on the bottom of the dish and sprinkled with pistachios. I didn’t have pistachios but marshmallow… Mr T loves it

Lazy afternoon at The Cottage watching sport with our haul from with delicious cheese from olives from - also trying the first of the apple liquors we got from Bilbao …

Trying out new cocktail ideas for an article … this one made the list. Check it out in this week’s the beautiful glass is from

If you are on the lookout for beautiful looking and deliciously tasting food for breakfast - look no further cause you’ve arrived… having breakfast with Mr T at the Bryan knows a thing or two about food. Not sure if I can move after the feast

We have a new gadget … a mini gas-fired pizza oven and it’s a treat. Pizza being served at the cottage as we speak

I was sad to see the cookery shop Brennan’s go but boy am I happy that the has opened… an interesting wine list, great menu and a excellent service by Frank and his team… Mr T and I might have just found a new favourite for our date night

Summer seems to have arrived at The Cottage - everything looks just so much better in the sunshine (even me) … wishing you little possums a great weekend

I could get used to this …. Researching some recipes for an article while enjoying tea I got from in the and reading Tacos by again (love that book) - it’s published by Irish publisher (check out their catalog of Irish chefs). It’s a blissful day at the cottage

Lovely start to the evening in with the No Name Trio playing traditional music. Talented musicians, great atmosphere and Mr T next to me … I call that a perfect evening

Just returned from the beautiful city of Bilbao - what an amazing place. Found my tribe and soul there. Trying to prolong the feeling by using the few rays of sunshine with a light lunch of produce we bought at the markets. Thank you to for his guidance of the best places. Articles in coming soon.

What an amazing concert with the powerful voice of Karen Underwood organised by the equally talented and her choir in Blarney

What a beautiful evening at CineCafe at - The Taste of Things is a beautiful film, accompanied by wines from Burgundy and food by the amazing Simone Kelly and hosted by … a perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening

Out with the crew of who won Business of the Year T this year’s business awards at

Our haul from today’s Caroline Robinson’s stall. Fresh radishes that are simply divine. Mini turnips, kale and poor man’s asparagus. Finished up with local honey and duck eggs. Yes, we know how to feast

Wonderful lunch at … wine recommendations were spot on and the quality of the food outstanding. I am coming here for years when I am in Dublin and have never been disappointed. Today was no exception

In town for our Christmas tradition - relaxing now in .ie with a winter warmer cocktail Fine Pear with and pear purée - perfect for tired feet.

And since I was already baking … I just kept going. Hello my little friends

A bit late to the party - Christmas cake in the baking. Fruit was soaking nicely in Calvados and the aroma is amazing…

Every December, The Christmas Chronicles by moves from the bookshelf to my nightstand. I love his writing anyway but with this book it’s something different. It makes you stop, think & feel for a while. It has become one of my recent Christmas traditions.

A trip to town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to . Now settling in front of the stove with its roaring fire warming up the cold feet while enjoying our treasures from & from , a beautiful and some delicious Brie with a truffle centre. We finished our visit at where we stocked up on flavoured tea and finally shared a pizza at . Pop in and ask for their utterly delicious mulled cider.

Since I was a child, my mum would always buy me an advent calendar without fail - even as an adult I was looking forward to it. Since my mum isn’t with me anymore, my wonderful Mr T took up the tradition. This year he got me the big one. But for the first time ever, I treated myself to a non-chocolate version by … oh my excitement - here’s to a very happy 1st December my darlings

In case you are looking for some creativity today - make sure to pop down to the Blarney Christmas Craft Fair at the Blarney Golf Club. Get your Christmas shopping down early. Men crèche at the Butter Road Bar and Restaurant is open from noon.

Sparkle like a unicorn… these sisters definitely do add sparkles to our craft fair. Thank you all for coming