Sharon has Winning Recipe!
In an attempt to safeguard the expertise and skills of grandparents in Ireland and in many parts of the world, Darina Allen helped to launch the first Slow Food International Grandmother’s Day, last year which was celebrated on April 25th. It is an opportunity for grandmothers and grandfathers to bring together their grandchildren in order to impart their knowledge, experience and to reminisce about their own childhoods. These occasions allow precious life skills to be shared and not forgotten.
The Irish Examiner newspaper in conjunction with Slow Food Ireland welcomed and supported the initiative for the second year running. Home Economics students were encouraged by Ms. Daly to enter the competition by submitting their favourite grannies’ recipe along with reasons for their choice. The winning recipe chosen by Darina was that of Sharon Geary, a 5th Year student in Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher.
Part of Sharon’s prize was a cookery demonstration in Hazelwood College by none other than Darina Allen of the internationally acclaimed Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry Co. Cork. There was great excitement around the school as preparations were made for the visit on Tuesday 18th May 2010.
Ready steady cook! Tuesday the 18th May finally arrived and the Home Economics room was laid out so that every possible vantage point was secured. Darina Allen the world renowned chef, author and T.V. personality glided into the room and was met by over eighty excited students. Another eighty pupils watched the demonstration via wireless video link in an adjoining room thanks to the expertise of 5th year pupil Paudie Walsh. Darina and her lightening quick assistant Soricha demonstrated a vast array of culinary skills as a selection of delicious recipes were prepared, cookThe dishes included yeast pizza base topped with chorizo sausage, olives and mozzarella, white soda bread, tomato fondue, crunchy orange butter scones, oatmeal biscuits, Rachel’s drop scones and raspberry jam.
Darinas’ energy, passion and flare was mesmerising as she wowed both students and staff with her culinary expertise and knowledge. Students strained to see her every move such was the speed and ease at which she worked. Her energy and vigour inspired us and left us wanting more! She placed huge emphasis on promoting and using locally sourced produce while also, encouraging us to keep in touch with our indigenous roots.
Sharon’s grandmother who was the source of the winning recipe was present at the demonstration and watched with pride as Darina presented Sharon with a signed copy of her latest cookery book “Forgotten Skills”. As a small token of our appreciation Sharon presented Darina with a Hazel sapling which was provided by An T-Ionad Glas, the Organic College in Dromcollogher. This was a wonderful experience for the students of Hazelwood College and one they will treasure for years to come.
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