Arcadia Ireland

The first piece of good news for foodie lovers in Ireland came this week when restaurants and bars reopened their doors after about 13 weeks of being closed! Even if you only want to have one pint of the black stuff in your local, you must order food to the value of nine euro and vacate the premises after 90 minutes. A bit of an adjustment for most but still, a welcome release following lockdown restrictions.

The other piece of good news is that during this Summer’s virtual Europe programme, students have an opportunity to learn how to cook a new dish from Europe. All free of charge and an excellent way to learn something new about the history of food and an exploration of its importance in a given culture.  What is not to love about that! Did you know that research shows if you try learning one new activity or skill (cooking for example) that it can boost levels of confidence and self-esteem and in turn make you a happier person? I like the sound of that.

Even though our lovely cousins in Scotland are only a stone throw away from us, I had never heard of Scottish Stovies so when I received an invite to attend last week as part of our line up of events, I was eager and excited to learn more! Dr Hamish Thompson took to the stage in his kitchen to demonstrate how a simple mix of potatoes, onions, bacon, butter and stock cube, can be turned into a delicious, wholesome, budget and student friendly meal. Anything can be added instead of bacon – meat, chicken, other types of pork such as sausages. For the vegetarians or vegans, one could easily just use vegetables without meat and still produce a filling tasty meal. As the food was bubbling, the very enthusiastic and confident chef began making the second course, desert called Cranachan. Another favourite of the Scots which I must admit, I had never heard of! It consists of fruit at the bottom (he used raspberries), a layer of whipped cream, another layer of fruit, some toasted oatmeal over the final layer of cream and last but not least, some honey and Scottish Whisky. Notice how the “e” is not included in the Scottish Whisky. In America and Ireland we include the “e”. Another thing I had never thought of before! I left the call and took to my own kitchen to try the stovies and I was not disappointed! What a great experience overall.

Next one is to Ireland where on the 15^th of July we will talk about the history of Irish food and in particular the importance of traditional Irish soda bread in our culture. We will have a cookery demonstration and show you exactly how to make a loaf of what has always been a favourite with many meals here. Watch out for the recipe sent to you so that you can give it a go along side other students and staff.