If watching The Great British Bake Off has inspired you to get into the kitchen, there is no better time to explore Northern Ireland’s glorious baking tradition with National Baking Week coming up on October 14 – 20.
From having fun baking gingerbread men with the kids, to a trip down memory lane learning how to make soda farls ‘the way granny made them’ or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, there is no shortage of inspiration across every region this autumn.
These activities are part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative, which will see Northern Ireland play host to over 150 gastronomic events and experiences to tickle the taste buds throughout September, October and November.
Discover NI has provided a tasty array of baking inspiration to get you started this October.
Wee Buns Cookery School, County Tyrone – Located in idyllic countryside in County Tyrone, Wee Buns Cookery School hosts baking classes for adults and kids run by Mary-Anne Mackle. The expert chef (having worked at Michelin starred restaurants) will enthuse classes with her passion for superb local produce and traditional Northern Irish baking recipes. Want the kids to continue our famous baking tradition? There are specific workshops for children too. A range of classes are taking place including 9th, 23rd and 30th November 2019.
The Bakehouse Baking Classes, County Derry~Londonderry – From making scones and jam to baking the most delicious chocolate cake and dedicated soda bread classes, you can join resident baker Bronagh in Bellaghy for a series of baking workshops. Learn new skills and take home what you make to enjoy with your family and friends. 23rd & 30th October and 13th November 2019.
Mountains of Mourne Country Cottages Hannas’ Close – Travel back in time to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea before an old Mourne granite fireplace in a 1600s cottage in the heart of the Mournes, County Down. Join Ruth Hanna in the ancient Hanna’s Cottages as she teaches you to make soda farls the way granny made them. Try your hand at turning the farls or deciding what herbs would be good to add. 15th November 2019.
Titanic Belfast Sunday Afternoon Tea – For a truly spectacular setting, try a special afternoon tea at the world’s greatest Titanic attraction. Experience a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service. When you’ve finished the delicious finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering sweet treats and tasty savoury bites at Titanic Belfast, take a trip to the famous Staircase to make your movie magic moment! 20th October 2019.
Edwardian Tea Room at Whitehead Railway Museum – Equally special is a nostalgic afternoon tea on a vintage railway carriage at Whitehead Railway Museum in County Antrim with all kinds of home baked treats. As with all Taste the Island events, early booking is recommended! 19th October and 23rd November 2019.
The Krazi Baker Baking Classes – The Krazi Braker (AKA Mark Douglas) from Dromore, County Down, has been wowing customers with his griddle baked breads at markets across Northern Ireland. The award-winning baker (who has Great Taste Awards for his potato apple bread and butter shortbread) hosts classes making everything from soda bread and fruit brack to apple tart, oven wheaten and potato bread. Enquire directly to book.
Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen – In the kitchen of her 18th century thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down, Tracey Jeffery’s farmhouse table will be laden with homemade treats, including soda and wheaten breads and the award-winning butters used for Harry and Meghan’s Wedding. It’s the perfect setting to make wheaten and soda breads on the griddle – the traditional way with no weighing and measuring – while learning about the history of our wonderful food. 19th October and 14th and 23rd November.
For more details and to plan your Taste the Island trip, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/explore/taste-the-island-events or follow #TasteTheIsland
