On Saturday, it was the February meet-up for the Oak & Oolite Book Club and as the book chosen was Joanne Harris’ Chocolat, I decided it might be nice to get some chocolates to enjoy through our coffee and afternoon chat about the book. As a coeliac, I had to find gluten-free chocolates. You might think this would be easy, but nothing is simple in the coeliac world. Anyway, not one to give up, I thought I could try making some myself. A lot of googling later I found The Chocolate Garden of Ireland with shops, cafés, and courses in Wicklow and Kilkenny. As they’re just over the Kildare border I thought, why not do one of their chocolate making courses?! The book club meet-up was scheduled for 2.30pm and the chocolate course was rostered from 10am-1pm. Yes, I could do it!
So, on Saturday morning I set off through the heartland of Co. Kildare. The sun rising over the misty Curragh, the granite glistening in Castledermot’s village buildings, and the Wicklow Mountains to the east stretched in a stunning patchwork of purples, yellows, and greens, hugging Kildare as they have for millennia.
I arrived to a beautifully decorated café, greeted by barista Zara before enjoying a rather delicious flat white. The chocolate course followed, led by the owners, Jim and Mary. They told us how they came to setting up the business and in part were inspired by their daughter who is gluten-intolerant.
We began with a bit of theory, learning where cocoa beans come from and how cocoa nibs are produced. Then came the practical element, which was surprisingly uncomplicated. I was thrilled I had chosen to do the course. As a coeliac, it’s not often that I get to be a part of food culture, not to mention the best food of all – chocolate, so it was something extra special for me to experience.
In addition to chocolate, there is also a selection of ice-creams that are gluten-free too! It was such a lovely place, warm staff, and an informative experience. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, children’s playground, and doggies are welcome. What more could you want?! Loved it!
We ran slightly over as the chocolates were setting so it was a race up to north Kildare to the Rye River Café in Kilcock for the book club meet-up.
Chocolates, and all smiles!
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