Pasta Making Cookery Class with Clodagh McKenna

I have had a pasta machine in the press for over a year now and as much as I love fresh pasta somehow I always find a reason not to make my own. Well after last Saturday I am determined to make good use of this gadget as I  had a master class, on pasta making, with the lovely Clodagh Mckenna at her stunning cookery school at The Village at Lyons - which is located just outside Cellbridge.

The location of the cookery school is simply beautiful and really magnificent! There is a long, well maintained driveway which brings you straight up to the main building.  A small foot bridge is crossed before entering a truly magnificent drawing room. It is like stepping back in time and more comparable to a stately home than a hotel reception. At the back of the hotel in the courtyard is where Clodagh's cookery school, store and cafe are situated. I have met Clodagh on previous occasions so upon arrival I was greeted with a friendly smile and welcoming hug. While awaiting on other class participants a pot of tea was served up to me in an impressive silver tea pot with a pretty china teacup. The day was certainly off to a good start!

As there were some late cancellations there were only two others in the class. Of course this was unfortunate for Clodagh but fabulous for me- a one on one tutorial with one of Ireland's top celebrity chefs! Seemingly there are many other courses which are more popular.

It was a busy day in the kitchen making Ravioli, Pepperonata, Puttanesca, Pesto, Lasagne and naturally  most of the day was spent making delicious fresh pasta of many varieties! I found the 'hands-on' class so beneficial and I think extremely important when learning a new skill such as pasta making.

For lunch Clodagh treated us to a platter of toasted sour dough bread and her award winning pate which was so tasty! When the class was over we got to take home absolutely everything that we had made. I could hardly believe that I was leaving with enough food for my crew for at least four dinners! It was really fantastic value and if, like me, you enjoy a day out with a difference I can completely recommend a day at Clodagh's cookery school.

Clodagh's cafe is also really beautiful and the food is fantastic. If you are ever near Cellbridge this would certainly be the perfect location for lunch! The classes are very well priced but there are constantly special offers cropping up on the Internet for Clodagh's classes- so go on, treat yourself!!