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.

Everyone at O’Connell’s Restaurant in Ballsbridge in Dublin was celebrating last week; they have just been awarded The “Just Ask!” Georgina Campbell Restaurant of the Month Award for October 2009.

I HAVEN’T been to Wales for so long, I’d forgotten how easy it is to get there. Just throw a few things into the car, pack a picnic and head for Rosslare.

SEPTEMBER was all about school books, bags and uniforms and trying to find digs. Children are apprehensive and excited, parents usually relieved and comfortable to be back into a routine.