Interview with Ali from Clonakenny Flower Farm in Co Tipperary

Ali is a trained chef and runs a flower farm with her husband Kenny. They live in Tipperary with their 3 children on their gorgeous flower farm

Tell me a bit about yourself, where you are from and what was your upbringing?

Originally from Kildare, we grew up with horses and spent any free time outside.

I have 2 older sisters and one brother. 

What was your favourite food/dish growing up?

Mams bacon, cabbage, spuds from the garden and parsley sauce!

Was there anything you disliked?

Anything too sweet like fudge,marzipan etc.

Any food memories, fond or otherwise?

When i was cheffing we were brought on a 2 day trip to London to eat in all the fab restaurants and to gather ideas that we could bring home. Petersham nurseries was a stand our restaurant for me.

What’s your favourite meal now? To cook? To eat?

Salad with fried Chorizo, goats cheese, pine nuts, raw broccoli, grapes and balsamic vinegar. Me and my sister eat this most times we get together. Often after a lovely whiskey sour which my sister is expert at making.

What would your death row meal be?

A big board of Irish cheeses, salamis, gherkins, relish and Sheridans brown bread crackers.

What’s the kitchen appliance you wouldn't be without?

Decent knife is great. I like zwilling knives and also as a small handy knife Trisha Lewis’ range is very good.

The one ingredient you wouldn’t be without?

Real butter, just can’t beat it for flavour.

Three ingredients, one dish..what is it?

Gnocchi, mam’s pesto and tons of parmesan.

Do you prefer to cook or to be cooked for?

I love to cook. I love when we get the call up for mams sunday roast.

 Who cooks in your house?

I do the majority of the cooking. The husband sees food and fuel and the love doesn't go into the cooking. To his credit he makes a good scrambled egg and rashers. So we will hope to expand on this at some stage!!

Do your children cook, bake?

The kids love cooking, chopping this, baking bread. And their favourite is pizza night friday. They make the dough themselves and shape into unicorns,waves, pigs and loads more.

Do you use a meal planner?…sponsored by MamaBear. (Meal planners are now available through our website….)

I don’t and I wish I did, it would be one less thing to think about and help with the food shop.

What is your go- to family meal?

Steak, garlic potatoes, carrot and peas( sometimes pepper sauce if I’m in the mood to make it)

Have you any tips to make life easier?

Cook a roast chicken, ham and pot of spuds on the Monday. 

We use this throughout the week for sambos, pies, potato cakes, curries etc.

Do you have any tips to make food tastier?

Make sure you have a pan hot enough to seal meat. 

Use salt and pepper. Stews are best the days after so cook in advance.

Healthier?

Cook food yourself. You know exactly what is in it. Choose organic or natural ingredients where possible. 

To save on food waste?

Use up leftover and use a compost bin for scraps. Or get pigs/hens which are great for using up bits.

What is your embarrassing food secret/indulgence?

I adore the cheap crisps………meanies, burger bites, monster munch, banshee bones etc.! no posh crisps for me!