Hot tip

Baylough Cheese is available at Country Choice, Nenagh; McCambridge’s, Galway; On the Pig’s Back, English Market, Cork; Urru Foods, Bandon and Mallow; Hudsons Whole Foods, Ballydehob, west Cork; Super Valu, Poppyfield, Clonmel, and farmers’ markets countrywide.

* Helena Chocolates represents Ireland in international chocolate championships.

Master chocolatier Dirk Schonkeren, of the Mayo-based company, was the first competitor invited from Ireland to take part in the World Chocolate Masters. He didn’t win but it was a fantastic competition, he says.

“The chocolate Oscars” is the light-hearted description of this event, but Dirk says it’s very serious.

Dirk, who is originally from Belgium, set up Helena Chocolates 20 years ago, manufacturing in Ballyvary, Co Mayo, and selling through his shop in Castlebar and selected outlets countrywide. Tel [phone]; email [e-mail].

* Red Stables arts, crafts and food market, St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5, and takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm.

A special Christmas market will take place each Sunday from November 26 until December 17.

Full details are available by emailing [e-mail] or phone [phone].