Ballymaloe Country Relish has secured one of the largest listings for an Irish company with Tesco which will see the brand populate the shelves of more than 900 of the retailer’s UK stores.

THE plum pudding ‘scandal’ of 1989 still haunts Darina Allen some 25 years later.

When Myrtle Allen opened a restaurant in her dining room, the self-taught chef would cook for guests on her Aga range. Today, 50 years on, the Ballymaloe brand is world-renowned.

HOME, 11.30pm.

SILVER-HAIRED Myrtle Allen, graceful as ever in a black evening dress and patterned neck scarf, takes a seat in her conservatory at Ballymaloe House.

A NEW batch of students have just arrived from far and wide to start the January 12 week cooking course.

IT IS absolutely vital to feed our children well – their energy, vitality, and ability to concentrate all depends on the quality of the food we feed them.

I READ with interest Brian O’Mahony’s article headlined ‘We must question our rushed eating habits’ (Irish Examiner, December 6).

CLODAGH McKENNA makes things happen. This swirling vivacious gastro-dame is the power behind the upcoming Slow Food Cork Festival, September 23-25, 2005.

BALLYMALOE. Once upon a time the name conjured up tantalising thoughts of all things wholesome, food and family life included. Brown bread, relish, ice-cream, chocolates.