Hot tip

Allotments: Demand for allotments is growing apace. Many are over-subscribed but some farmers on the edge of larger towns are beginning to offer allotments to rent.

People in the Cobh, Carrigtwohill and Midleton area should contact Siobhan Barry at 021-4883034 or 086-8238187.

* Skelligs Chocolates are offering new temptations for the festive season. Dark chocolate Christmas tree bars for Christmas and plump rum soaked figs dipped in dark chocolate are worth seeking out. www.skelligschocolates.com

* Exciting Kitchen Toys: Rachel Allen has launched a whole range of kitchen items. I love the slow cooker for making gorgeous succulent stews and the bread machine has at last converted me to the benefits of this appliance.

* Isaac’s at Mahon Point Farmers Market: When Arbutus Lodge Restaurant closed its doors in Cork it was sadly missed by its many admirers of which I was one. One of my favourite dishes was Chocolat St Emilion, a divinely rich chocolate mousse with a brandy soaked almond macaroon at the base, the stuff that nostalgic dreams are made of. Despite my best efforts I could never faithfully reproduce it. Can you imagine my delight when I discovered it at Isaac’s stall at the Mahon Point Farmers Market in Cork. It tastes as irresistible as ever.