Month: November 2016

St Francis Uncensored by Patrick Noonan OFM   (Choice Publishing, €10.99; visit www.choicepublishing.ie) Since the election of the present Pope there has been an increase of interest in St Francis himself. But over the centuries the saint has become covered up with the sort of sentimental piety that obscures the real man and his associates,…

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Toffee apples are my favourite thing about Autumn, having gorged on them every Halloween when I was a child. And yet it doesn’t seem right to have them when Halloween is over. This sticky pear and butterscotch cake is inspired by a much-loved Halloween snack, and makes a delicious dessert for Autumn. It’s just the…

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I remember a conversation in our house when our children were small about where they would live when they were ‘big’. Our youngest daughter even at the age of six was keen on New York, so that she could sing on Broadway. Our son, two years younger, announced that he would be living ‘here, in…

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Primary and secondary schools reopened a couple of months ago after the Summer break to begin a new academic year. There is an ongoing debate in educational circles and amongst parents about the value of homework – is homework a good idea overall and does it improve academic achievement? Research in this area gives a…

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A hedgehog without its spines would certainly look odd, but not this prickly pal who will mind all of your sewing pins and needles.  Pin cushions are usually quite small but if you have a very large collection of sewing needles, then make a few hedghehogs in different colours and patterns so you have a…

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