weekend bites

This week I’ll be eating… leeks, because they are now at their height. Literally. Mine are now over two feet long! I like to sweat them in butter, add cream, beaten eggs and lots of cheese, then bake in the oven. This dish is even better if you add some crisped bacon and, if you have it to hand, some chopped tarragon. It’s great with a simple green salad.

The time has come to take the wines of Beaujolais seriously. I spent a week recently in this beautiful wine region just north of Lyons and was amazed at the quality of what’s being produced there now, the average age of the vines (60 years is common) and the subtle differences between the sub-regions or crus such as Fleurie, Morgon or Julienas. I also tasted some aged examples and was impressed with how the Gamay grape can come to taste very like Pinot Noir given time.

Greta McCarthy O’Brien of Greta’s Herbs in Annascaul, Co Kerry is the woman to consult if you want to create a herb garden or even have a decent collection in pots on the windowsill. She runs regular courses on herb gardening and recently published Greta’s Herb Book which contains much of her accumulated knoweldge from years of experience. It costs €15 and you can get it through her website: gretasherbs.com

I was sorry to miss the Galway Food Festival last weekend, especially as it seems to have established itself as the premier event of this kind. I gather that there is now talk of a permanent covered market in the city, the kind of thing that every town of sufficient size should be able to support. It’s good to see the City of Tribes leading by example.