Terra Madre Day in Hosford

Terra Madre Day was celebrated last night by West Cork Slow Food Convivium in Hosford. Headchef of Geranium Cafe, Olive Brennan and Frank Krawcyzk cooked a lovely meal for about 30 attending foodies. Sue was my 'date' for the night and we met some lovely people. Anthony Creswell from Ummera Smokehouse was not only in attendance but sponsored his famous smoked salmon. Sally Barnes, a power woman on my eyes, also came along. It is always a pleasure to meet the producers who still - after so many years, have such a passion for their craft.

We were treated to some canapes of smoked salmon on homebaked bread, spiced beef from Frank Krawcyzk with beetroot and lovely pate with gherkins.....the empty plates were proof enough of the quality and taste.

The main course was a cassoulet with sausages,pork, beans and lots of other goodies. Olive took pity on us poor veggies and made a lovely dish of spiced puy lentils with roasted pumpkin and feta cheese, served with pesto and homebaked bread. The bread of the night was supplied by Alan Tennison....saying that his lovely wife had to do the baking this time as Alan was down with 'man-flu' (hope you are feeling better soon).

Dessert was a massive mince pie and wow what a treat.....juicy yummy mincemeat covered with a crisp pastry....I was able to finish mine ... but Sascha made sure that the plate was emptied anyway :-)

All in all, a great night. Dianne welcomed everyone with her usual warm hugs and everyone felt part of a big family.

John Hosford told us all about the winter duties of a gardener and how to start growing your own...make sure you get down there to get the new seeds that just came in.

Slow Food West Cork are launching together with Rose Holland (town counsellor in Bandon) a box scheme for deserving families in the Deerpark area to make sure they are having a great Christmas. Ruth Healy of Urru Bandon sponsored a Hamper which was won by Jeremy. Check West Cork's website to see how much money was raised for this great cause.