IN RECENT years I have become increasingly fascinated by the Muslim culture and am eager to learn more about the way of life and of course the food. I have enjoyed delicious Syrian and Lebanese food in several London restaurants, most notably Le Mignon in Delancey Street and Yalla Yalla Restaurant just off Brewer Street in Soho.

AWARDS are two a penny these times, so much so that they often come and go with minimum publicity.

AS PEOPLE dig out their winter attire in preparation for the cold dark nights ahead, many thousands of holiday makers will actually be packing their swimsuits and sun-tan lotions to fly off to the sun.

HALLOWEEN creates almost as much excitement as Christmas nowadays. For weeks shop windows have been packed with witches, broomsticks, pumpkins and scary masks to tantalise the kids.

Serves 5.

A simple and totally delicious barnbrack, suitable for coeliacs or those with a wheat intolerance. This loaf keeps very well and is delicious cut into slices spread with butter.

Pumpkins galore – if you want to find a pumpkin David and Siobhan Barry, Ballintubber Farm have a terrific selection at the Midleton Farmers Market today. Contact 086 8238187.

THIS year we have had our best crop of aubergines ever in the greenhouse. Our Black Pearl and Falcon plants from Vitalis Organic Seeds have produced with a vengeance.

IF you can get them, use ‘finger’ aubergines for this. They are shaped rather like small courgettes and hold their shape well during cooking. This is a simple curry, but interesting as it uses a lot of fennel seeds, a common flavour in Bangladeshi food.

These are delicious as a snack or served with roast lamb — courgettes work very well also.