THE IRISH Countrywomen’s Association cookery roadshow kicked off in Carlow recently.
More than 200 women and men gathered to learn new recipes whipped up by celebrity chef Edward Hayden.
The Graignamanagh native cooked up a storm in the Lord Bagenal and proved an overwhelming hit in the kitchen with the huge crowd.
Sponsored by Avonmore and Clonakilty Black Pudding, the ICA cookery roadshow will stop at seven more counties between now and Christmas, and will continue to make its way around the country in spring 2012.
As part of the ICA back to basics mission for 2011, the cookery shows are designed to bring excitement back into the kitchen, all the time using local Irish produce.
A variety of great prizes were also up for grabs as a raffle entertained the masses while the main man took a short break.
Chef Edward Hayden, author of Easy Entertaining and a regular presenter on TV3’s Ireland AM, showed the audience how to cook dishes that can easily jazz up a dinner party or be frozen to enjoy at a later date.
Full of tips for novice and intermediate cooks alike, the crowd enjoyed Edward’s entertaining antics throughout the night.
Each of the ten recipes cooked or baked by Edward were raffled to an audience member at the end of the night. The local SuperValu and local businesses also donated huge hampers, which were raffled throughout the evening.
The ICA cookery demonstrations will hit Meath, Leitrim, Westmeath, Tipperary, Mayo, Louth and Wexford in the coming months.