And they’re off…new MTU programme will help address the shortage of Home Economics teachers

And they’re off…First cohort of BA (Hons) in Home Economics & Business students at MTU

New programme will help address the shortage of Home Economics teachers

        Julie Connolly, Aoife Goulding, Lucy Lehane and Rachel Fenlon

    There are smiles all around the Tourism and Hospitality Department at
the Bishopstown campus of Munster Technological University (MTU) as
students received a warm welcome back onto campus, and there was an
extra group to welcome to MTU this year- the first cohort of BA (Hons)
in Home Economics & Business students. 32 happy and enthusiastic Home
Economics and Business Students commenced their first week of
lectures.

Sarah Carty, Aine Cremin and Marie Cantwell with lecturer Breda O’Mahony and Noel Murray,Head of Department of Tourism & Hospitality MTU.

    There has been a welcome to the addition to the offering of Home
Economics within the department and the ability to study the
disciplines of Home Economics and Business in the south of the
country. Marie Cantwell from Tullamore said that “the combination of
Home Economics and Business was of huge interest to me” while Anna
Walmsley from Mallow was delighted to be offered a place on the
programme: “I get to meet equal minded individuals with a passion for
Home Economics & Business.”



    Until now, Home Economics was only available at St. Angela’s College,
Sligo. This new offering in Cork has been hugely welcomed. Over the
course of three years, students will engage with a wide variety of
theoretical and practical based modules encompassing the
multidisciplinary nature of the discipline of Home-Economics and
Business. The programme is designed in line with the Teaching
Council’s curricular subject registration requirements. Upon
successful completion of the three-year, level 8 Honours degree,
students will have the option to enter the teaching profession through
a unique collaboration with University College Cork. This protected
pathway will enable students to study a Professional Masters in
Education (PME) over 2 years in University College Cork (UCC) allowing
students to teach both Home Economics and Business to post-primary level.


This unique offering is very appealing for students, with Kate Maddigan, from Shanagolden stating “If I decide to do the PME, I can
experience two different Universities. For Rachel Fenlon from
Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny “Home Economics & Business at MTU gives
students another choice”, while Daniella Quinn from Ballincollig added
“If I achieve a H2.2 or above, it is reassuring to know that I get
automatic entry to the PME at UCC”.



    This programme will help address the shortage of Home Economics
teachers, whilst also making a positive contribution to building
deeper knowledge, understanding, and expertise, in other key
disciplinary areas for contemporary society including food education
and environmental sustainability, where healthy eating and
environmental responsibility pose considerable challenges for future
generations.

Hannah Hayes and Brid Collins

Taste of the Week. Valentia Island “Ór” Vermouth

Taste of the Week 

Valentia Island “Ór” Vermouth, 17%

Widely available in Kerry (including local SuperValus). Other stockists include in Cork at Bradleys and in Dublin at Celtic Whiskey. RRP €35.00. Updates on their Facebook here.

Yellow/gold is the colour of this, the first commercially available Irish Vermouth, produced by duo Ann and Orla on Valentia Island. The colour is appropriate as the flowers of the furze bush is one of the many local botanicals.

I haven’t seen the botanicals listed but stockists Celtic Whiskey say that “Wormwood, nutmeg, yarrow, and orris root are just some of the 21 different botanicals that are blended with carefully selected Spanish white wine…”

Aromas are somewhat zesty. If it came from the South of France, you’d be inclined to say scents of the garrigue. Well the local garrigue contains that furze and the dandelion that the two love! There’s a good hint of sweetness on the palate, full of flavour with a mild Campari like bitterness in the background. Good finish too with a little sweetness lingering on the lips.

That was the neat taste. Now…with tonic and ice..

Everything, both in the aromas and on the palate, is smoother, except perhaps for that Campari ghost in the background. Quite a pleasant drop though whether you’re sipping it on a sunny day on the lovely Kerry island (the Bray Head is one of my favourite walks anywhere) or even on a dull day in a warm room in a city suburb.

Tasted this first in Nash 19 where they added a slice of orange. Their usual serve is with tonic and that orange, and that is one of the producers’ suggestions as well. Vermouth is also a key part of the Negroni. This is my favourite cocktail - the ingredients are easy to remember! - one part vermouth, one part Campari and one part gin. While Valentia supplied the botanicals, the vermouth is based on a Verdejo wine from the Rueda region of Spain. 

Minke Vodka secures prestigious gold medal award for Clonakilty Distillery

Newest addition to Clonakilty Distillery spirits family secures prestigious gold medal award.

 

Minke Vodka trumps taste test for smooth and balanced flavour

 

 

Celebrations are in order for the team at Clonakilty Distillery as it was recently announced that their Minke Irish Vodka scooped the Gold Award in the Smooth category at The Spirits Business Vodka Masters 2021.

 

The vodka debut for the popular Cork distillery was launched just a number of months ago and was commended by judges for having a smooth taste, “with a nice creaminess and a good balance” and was also noted by the panel for being “soft with a touch of peppery spice notes.”

 

Clonakilty Distillery utilise their beautiful natural surroundings to create the perfect environment for a maritime distillery - prime land, pristine water and salt sea air.

 

The distillery boasts a reputation as one of Ireland’s best producers of award-winning whiskeys and gins, and the team have expressed their delight at receiving this most recent prestigious accolade, describing it as the “first of many” for the latest addition to their growing family of premium spirits.

 

Adam Collins, Marketing Manager at Clonakilty Distillery, said: “As the newest member to Clonakilty Distillery’s portfolio of award-winning spirits, we are absolutely delighted to see Minke Irish Vodka being recognised for its superb quality and signature smoothness.

 

He added: “We pride ourselves on being a producer of premium Irish spirits, and to be acknowledged in such a competitive category is very rewarding and is a credit to the entire team here at the distillery.”

 

Paul Corbett, Head Distiller and Blender at Clonakilty Distillery also revealed the secrets of success to creating Minke Vodka’s unique and award-winning taste.

 

He said: “We slow distil a whey-based spirit in our own pot still, through a 10-meter copper coil before it reaches our condenser.  This added reflux from the coil creates an incredibly pure and clean spirit, while the whey base alcohol delivers a rich and smooth velvety mouthfeel.”

 

“Unlike most Irish vodkas, which are distilled using a grain-based alcohol, Clonakilty Distillery’s Minke Vodka uses a whey-base spirit, derived from milk which is produced on the ninth-generation family farm located a short distance from the distillery itself,” he continued. 

 

“Using whey alcohol as the base spirit delivers a velvety mouthfeel which coats the palate,” Mr Corbett added.

 

Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business magazine and chair of The Global Spirits Masters paid tribute to the standard of entrants in the vodka category for 2021.

 

She said: "The standard entered this year was exceptional. From nuanced, classic styles, to authentic, well-made flavoured expressions, the vodka category is proving it is packed with quality expressions, diversity of flavour and exceptional value for money."

 

To celebrate this prestigious award, Clonakilty Distillery’s Minke Vodka is currently available at a discounted rate of €26 in Supervalu stores nationwide until October 13^th (usual RRP €34).

 

It is currently also available to purchase in Supervalu stores as well as on their online shop https://clonakiltydistillery.digitickets.ie/products/252099?navItem=286274

 

To keep up to date with all things Clonakilty Distillery, check out Clonakilty Distillery on Twitter @clondistillery, on Facebook @clonakiltydistillery and on Instagram @clonakiltydistillery For more information visit https://clonakiltydistillery.ie/

press release

SAVOUR FOOD PROGRAMME DEVELOPS NEW E-TOOL FOR IRISH FOODSERVICE BUSINESSES TO TACKLE FOOD WASTE

SAVOUR FOOD PROGRAMME DEVELOPS NEW E-TOOL FOR IRISH FOODSERVICE BUSINESSES TO TACKLE FOOD WASTE


Undertaking to reduce food waste is on the menu for Irish foodservice businesses this year. As part of the Savour Food Programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, a new e-tool for foodservice businesses has been launched.

President of MTU Prof Maggie Cusack (left), Savour Food Programme Manager Keelin Tobin, MTU, and Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the launch.

Five facts about food waste in Ireland

It is estimated that every year the Irish food sector wastes 150,000 tonnes of food.

The main sources of food waste in the Irish foodservice sector are plate waste (38%), preparation waste (35%) and unserved food waste (27%).

A proportion of ‘unavoidable’ food waste comes from peelings and off-cuts. On average, this waste accounts for just 25% of food waste thrown away.

Food waste has been calculated to cost €2.73 - €3.50 per kilogram.

If food waste cannot be prevented, donating or distributing to people is the next best option. More information is available from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

(Information from the Less Food Waste More Profit publication from the Clean Technology Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU).


Savour Food is a food waste reduction programme for businesses and it aims to bring about sustained change in Irish businesses in terms of food waste prevention. Savour Food is now offering a free online facility where foodservice businesses can assess how much food waste might be costing and what they can do across the business to reduce it. The e-tool is free to use and can be found at savourfood.ie.



The Cost of Food Waste

The user can (a) identify the true cost of food waste generated by their business (b) obtain a food waste benchmark which can be compared against national standards for good practice and (c) identify the cost saving that could be achieved by reducing food waste to good practice standards.



Bins: The Basics

This section focuses on waste segregation, awareness and training, and waste management.

The Quick Fixes

This section outlines simple and low-cost food waste prevention actions that the user will apply and these will then be provided in a downloadable action plan for the kitchen team.

Advice from the kitchen

Find out what some of Ireland’s most respected industry professionals have to say about food waste, including: JB Dubois of Grow HQ, Victor Murphy of O’Mahony’s Watergrasshill, Michael Lennon of Westport Woods Hotel, Pat Ferriter of Ferrit & Lee Restaurant and Eunice Power of Eunice Power Catering.



Announcing the launch of the e-tool, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, TD, said “Last Wednesday marked International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Food Waste so it is an ideal time to announce the launch of the Savour Food E-Tool which can be used free of charge by all food service businesses to assist with food waste reduction. This ties in with the ambition of the Departments strategy “Food Vision 2030” which provides a path forward to half food waste in Ireland by 2030. The hospitality and food services sector is responsible for over 200,000 tonnes of food waste generated each year. Across the Irish food service sector approximately two-thirds of food waste is potentially avoidable. Total food waste equates to an annual cost well in excess of €300 million for the food service sector as a whole so this e-tool is a vital resource for any food business. I am delighted that my Department is in a position to continue to fund this worthwhile initiative”.


Savour Food Programme Manager, Keelin Tobin says “Chefs and staff in hospitality are so skilled. They are important stakeholders in the fight against food waste and that is why I am delighted that this online tool both showcases what is already being done in the sector, as well as providing a support for any foodservice business endeavouring to reduce food waste. It’s good for business and it’s good for our planet.”


The Savour Food programme provides a free service to food businesses that includes direct consultancy, food waste prevention training and advice on legal obligations in relation to food waste management. The Savour Food Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The programme is managed by the by the Clean Technology Centre, MTU Cork, and supported by stakeholders.

The Amazing Irish Dresser and Folklore Calendar

The Irish Dresser and Folklore Calendar

Following the success of last year’s publication, Michael Fortune from folklore.ie has produced a 2022 edition of

The Irish Dresser and Folklore Calendar featuring new dressers, stories and more folklore dates. This year’s calendar features forty six dressers from counties Tipperary, Carlow, Wexford, Waterford, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Wicklow, Cork and Limerick. It also contains a special pull-out feature on dressers from Co. Cork and abandoned dressers from around the country.

Speaking about the publication,  Rosa Meehan, Curator at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life 

“Dressers, their makers and owners, the objects displayed are beautifully captured by Michael Fortune. Functional and beautiful, dressers are evocative and prompt memories.  Through image and interview Michael weaves andshares the story of the Irish dresser. Enjoy!”

The dressers that are recorded here are more than just dry pieces of folk furniture or relics of the past. Instead they are an evolving and ever-changing display reflecting the experiences, lives and values of their keepers, serving as shrines as well as practical pieces of furniture. It is clear that the dresser has secured its place in the Irish kitchen for many years to come and for many of us, they are at the heart of our homes.

Online Ordering

Due to incredible demand, the  2021 edition sold out three times, with three re-prints produced in the matter of weeks.This year, the publication has been produced early and orders can be made online at www.thedresserproject.ie.

More

You can find out more by visiting the project website, www.thedresserproject.ie or on facebook at facebook.com/folklore.ie

or facebook.com/theirishdresserproject

Support

The publication has been supported by the Arts Offices of Carlow County Council, Mayo County Council, Cork County Council,

Waterford City & County Council, Limerick City & County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Tipperary County Council, Wexford

County Council, the Folklore Department of University College Cork, the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life and folklore.ie.

Brewery Nooze🍺🍻 Cidery, Meadery too. With Eight Degrees, Wicklow Wolf, Mescan, Canvas, Rascals, Yellowbelly, Ballykilcavan, Brú, JJs, Maharani, Kinsale Mead, Beer Cloud, O'Hara's, Kinnegar, Rising Sons.

Brewery Nooze🍺🍻

Cidery, Meadery too..

with Eight Degrees, Wicklow Wolf, Mescan, Canvas, Rascals, Yellowbelly, Ballykilcavan, Brú, JJs, Maharani, Kinsale Mead, Beer Cloud, O'Hara's, Kinnegar, Rising Sons.

#211008 

(if you'd like to be included in this weekly round-up, it is easy: DM a line or two with photo and link).

EightDegreesBrewing

NEW BEER! #OriginalGravityHoppyLager is the third in our #EDBOriginalGravity series, with beautiful can artwork by Yellow Lion Studio, formatted for print by

@Studio_Neworld

. Tasting notes for this autumnal hoppy harvest lager: https://eightdegrees.ie/original-gravity-hoppy-lager/…

*********

Canvas Brewery is in Aglish, Tipperary, Ireland.

 

Hops Harvested and safely dried and stored... Ready for another years production. We could order hosp online but would they make the same beers with a sense of place or ceantar? #hops #farmhousebeer #saisonbrewery

*********

Latest Development!

Michelle Cowbourne

@Glastomichelle

Replying to

@RadicalBrewingM

Did you know you can develop photographic film in beer? Amazing article in

@AP_Magazine

A study of brewers portraits, all developed in film.

*********

Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company

We are delighted to welcome our friends, Brian and Rachel from @_nobo_ to the brewery to finally brew something special together. We first met Brian and Rachel not long after we formed the brewery and have stayed in touch ever since, sharing advice and stories of two young Irish start-ups. Brewing a beer together is something that we have discussed ever since the first time they visited our brewery in Bray.

Using their Smooth & Creamy Chocolate bar and button as the inspiration, we came up with a recipe to bring the bar to life, putting a new twist on our Apex Oatmeal Stout. Brewed with as much oats as the mash tun could take and using the same Congolese Cocoa nibs and toasted flaked Coconut used to give Nobó's Smooth & Creamy bar it's delicious signature flavour.

Tours are also back at the Wolf - details here

********

Mescan Brewery

NEW MESCAN BEER!

The next release in our 7 Virtues Series will be available from next week. We are really excited about this beer - Old Brown, or Oud Bruin in Flemish, is a dark beer with a mild sourness that has been brewed in West Flanders since the 17th century.

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Rising SONS brewery

Rising SONS brewery

tSto1oeh  · 

Now isn't that a sight for sore eyes? Midaza stout bottled. Off the shelf or cold; the choice is yours

Available from ourselves next Monday and from Cork Heritage Pubs and select off licences from Wednesday

Www.corkheritagepubs.com …

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Rascals Brewing Co.

Buzzin' for this: Freedom FM live radio show from Rascals HQ

Come join Freedom FM as they return to the airwaves with a heap of bangers from the 90s and 00s. DJ Aidan Power will be presenting from 6pm - 8pm, Thurs 7 Oct.

All welcome: have a pint, maybe a pizza, enjoy the show and the tunes, bring your mates!…

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Yellowbelly Got Cider!

On tap at

@Yellowbelly

Brewery!Please meet our new wee cider, Black and Blue. A beauty indeed. Crafted with blackberries and a whack of local blueberries from @brownsfamilyfarm, it is off dry (~1.5oBrix), purple, tart and delicious. 5.5% ABV. Enjoy!

*********

Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery

Great to meet up with Niamh and Ruairi from BiaSol in person again. Niamh and Ruairi take some of our spent brewers' grains and convert them into sustainable

flour for baking. Delighted to hear that they're expanding and moving into bigger premises in Tullamore.

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BRÚ Brewery

No matter what time of year it is, a good lager is an easy choice!

Our core BRÚ Lager isn't just delicious, but it also happens to be gluten-free and vegan, making it even more tempting!

Plus it's available in bottle or can, so this really is the lager for everyone

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JJ's Craft Brewing A wise man once said: “You’re not really drinking alone if your dog  is home” No one can win hearts like dogs, if you don’t believe us  take a look at two of our beers that were named after #dogs.  ********* Maharani Gin launches with Supervalu! We are delighted to announce that Maharani Gin is now available with Supervalu  nationwide and online. To celebrate we are running a special introductory offer  of €35 (normally €45) with Supervalu. This special offer is for a limited time only  and ends on Friday 15 October.  ********* Kinsale Mead won the Irish Drink of the Year award from the  Irish Food Writers’ Guild. This was a fantastic achievement for us...but there was  a slight problem: The drink than won this massive accolade, our Wild Red Mead -  Merlot Barrel Aged - we had run out and couldn't send it out to anyone who wanted  to taste the greatest Irish drink of 2021.  You know what's coming next though, don't you? Our award-winning Wild Red Mead -  Merlot Barrel Aged Mead is back! ********* Beer Cloud's October Fest Pack For Oktoberfest this year, we're talking things up a notch! Working with Studio 93, Dead Centre Brewing and Craic Beer Community, we're bringing you the absolute ultimate Oktoberfest box. Packed full of German styles, The Live Oktoberfest is available from BeerCloud.ie now.It features a range of beers from great brewers all over the country, but if you hang on to 3 of your beers, you'll be in for  a real treat! On October 23rd this year, Dead Centre Brewing is having their huge Oktoberfest event, and on the night BeerCloud.ie, Studio 93 and Craic Beer Community will host a live streamed tasting direct from the Dead Centre brewery in Athlone. We'll be catching up with: Liam Hanlon of St Mel's talking about their malty Bock Lager Stephen Clinch of Trouble Brewing who will chat about their Helles Lager Roger Rotheroe of Dead Centre who will bring us through their Weissbier The Live Oktoberfest will be shipped direct to your door and access for the live stream will be sent via email ahead of October 23rd. Boxes are  limited so grab yours now! ********* O'Hara's Irish Craft Beers is at Carlow Brewing Company. It is with great excitement that we announce the release of O’Hara’s Irish Red Nitro cans. Widget technology allows you to experience the same brilliant cascading effect and smooth creamy head as a draught pour. Launching in independent off licences in Ireland this week. ********* BRÚ Brewery We're delighted to announce that our venue The Bridge Bar & Eatery has reopened! The kitchen will be open soon, but they're now open for drinks Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm. Visit The Bridge in Chapelizod for a perfectly pulled pint of BRÚ beer,or maybe a delicious cocktail...They've got a fantastic drinks menu with a wide range of choices! ********* Kinnegar Brewing Just scraping into its allotted space in our September schedule, here's a beer many of us at Kinnegar thought we'd never see. Please welcome No.19, our American Brown Ale. We can't understand why we waited so long. ******** ********* Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company On Friday the brewers were busy sampling this year's crop of Strata from @indiehops thanks to our friends  @loughranbrewingstores What we are looking for in Strata is a hop full of dank resin, citrus and grapefruit that will come through in the dry hop of our Elevation Pale Ale and Mammoth IPA. *********