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!!

9 Comments:

Imen McDonnell said...

Hi Nessa,
I had been wondering how it all went. Wow, a two on one with Clodagh must have been wonderful! The place looks amazing and I am sure you learned a ton. I will have to book in one of these days. Thanks for sharing. Imen x

Nessa Robins said...

Well I enjoy any day out that involves plenty of food so it was just perfect! Imen, there are so many courses to choose from I'm sure there are plenty that you would relish!

Chocolate Here said...

Wow lucky you to have teacher nearly all to yourself. Mind you that breakie looks like reason enough to visit!

Nessa Robins said...

Gillian, It was just scrumpious and i think it was only 7 euro. Both breakfast and lunch menu was super!

Arlene said...

This looks great, I would love to do this course. I too have a pasta machine wallowing in the cupboard (just since Xmas though) - I really need a push-start to get me using it!
(Love the blog btw, I'm a long time lurker!)

cocoa and coconut said...

I really enjoy the process of pasta-making. A cooking class in it always helps too!

cocoa and coconut said...

Ps. I'm your latest follower! Your blog is really lovely

Nessa Robins said...

Thanks Arleen! It was really worth doing the course- I'm not sure when Clodagh's next one is on but they seem to be repeated every few months. The fresh pasta is quite time consuming but so delicious!

Nessa Robins said...

Hi Brittany. Thanks for following the blog-I'm glad you like it! I agree the process of pasta making is really nice and very relaxing!