As we look at what we put on our menu boards for our shops in 2008, I was wondering about flavoured lattes. We already have the option of a Latte al Caramello (caramel latte), have played around with other flavours, and should we offer them all the time?
Please take part in the following poll, and feel free to comment if it is too restricting!
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Instead of the usual, we decided to do a 5 star Christmas breakfast this year for our staff party. We went to the Aghadoe Heights Hotel in Killarney for a great feed and lovely views.
Afterwards, we went skating. Well, at least we tried!
Technorati tags: Christmas, Killarney, skating, Aghadoe Heights, Kerry
This morning in Dingle, we had the Radio Kerry mobile broadcast unit in town to highlight Dingle’s Christmas shopping options.
Good as this was, it was amazing to go to Killarney this afternoon to visit our shop and see Christmas in Killarney in operation. That town operates on a totally different level, and it’s very impressive.
Not only are there numerous events including markets, dancing competitions and a skating rink, but I came across a fire juggler (photo above) and other entertainments. They know how to throw a party.
In the national park, the committee had set up a Santa’s grotto, with a twist. Kids could go in and visit Santa, but instead of receiving gifts from the man in red, they BROUGHT gifts for children less well off than themselves. There was a huge line of people waiting their turn to deliver presents – quite a heart-warming spectacle.
Technorati tags: Christmas, Killarney, shop, ice cream, Kerry
I received a phone call yesterday to advise me that Ice Cream Ireland has been shortlisted for the 2008 Digital Media Awards in the blogging category. It seems like the ice cream man will need to procure a tux for the event in Dublin (Feb, 2008). I’d be much more comfortable in an old jumper!
The other blogs shortlisted (and congratulations to them!) are:
Technorati Tags: Digital Media Awards, Ireland, Dublin, 2008,
Following on from the Winter Hot Chocolate, here’s an idea for the holidays – you can create spiced sugar to serve with coffee to your guests and loved ones for the entire holidays.
This was Sean’s idea, and he was going for a variation on a gingerbread taste to create a Christmas Latte (photo above) for our shops. The dark brown sugar makes it really tasty. Of course, as I have said, it could work in any coffee, or could even simply be added to warm milk for those off caffeine.
I am going to suggest all ground spices (as opposed to fresh) so that it will still taste good on New Year’s if you make it in the next week!
Spiced Brown Sugar for Coffee
Ingredients:
What to do:
Technorati tags: coffee, spice, sugar, christmas, latte, holiday
My brother and I sometimes argue about hot chocolate. He likes his made with cocoa, and I like mine with melted chocolate. Cocoa is chocolate with most of the cocoa butter squeezed out, so it’s a powder. Hot chocolates made with unsweetened cocoa are light with a lot of kick (I’ve already given a recipe for Sean’s favourite – our Extreme Cocoa). Hot chocolates made with melted chocolate, are rich and silky (think hot chocolates in Paris and see this recipe).
I started wondering what happened if you joined “light with a lot of kick” (cocoa) with “rich and silky” (melted chocolate). So I made it, and both of us are happy. The recipe is below, and I’ve added a bit of cinnamon for Christmas cheer.
Murphys Hot Melted Chocolate with Cocoa Kick
Ingredients:
What to do:
Six servings.
Note: If you don’t like cinnamon, leave it away!
Technorati tags: hot chocolate, chocolate, hot, cocoa, recipe
I spent today in Killarney, where “Christmas in Killarney” is in full swing. I really have to hand it to the South Kerry town – everyone pulls together on such events and the community spirit is immense.
They blocked off Main Street and had food markets and other traders (on again tomorrow and in two weeks time), and there was quite a buzz, in spite of the gales. The festival committee had also set up a charity kitchen/service area, and that’s where I was – giving away ice cream and hot chocolates for charity. And before you say anything – yes, people do eat ice cream in such cold conditions!
A day well spent, and I think I have a new dark hot chocolate (might appeal to Markham), and it certainly was a hit with the crowds, but more on that later…
Technorati tags: Christmas, Killarney, shop, ice cream, Kerry
Wondering how, in rural Ireland, you might get your hands on balsamic vinegar from Osteria Francescana in Modena or some verjus? I found out via Caroline that Anne of Greatfood.ie has launched an Irish Gourmet food store, which you will find here.
Technorati tags: Great Food, gourmet, food, Ireland
