The fields in Clare are alive with spring wild flowers, new born donkeys, calves and lambs. Poly tunnels are dotting the landscape as folks are getting back to the land and growing their own veg. It seems as if the recession, which has hit Ireland hard, has made people stop and look at their lifestyle which includes their diets. I visited friends in Creegh whose tunnel is full of different varieties of lettuce, chard, kale, herbs,edible flowers, strawberries and a gorgeous patch of cabbage and potatoes. i came home loaded up with seedlings for my own little kitchen garden. Stay away hares and slugs!
The Farmers markets have opened with farmers and gardeners selling plants and young edible greens. The Doolin Crafts Fair and Farmers Market, where I have been a vendor for the past two years, is set to open Saturday June 4 from 10 to 4 in the Russell Community Center in Doolin, Co. Clare. I will be creating a delicious gluten and dairy free entree at the Burren Slow Food Festival on Sunday May 23 at 4:00 in the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna. And, I was on Radio Corca Baisin talking about this seasons offerings and activities and my cookery book Coming Home To Cook which is still selling well around the country. So, the season has begun and I promise more recipes in the coming days. Slan, Mary