After 15 years in Dublin, it’s time for a new start for my family and I in West Cork. Since our move I’ve come over all Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, growing my own vegetables in the back garden and getting to know the people I buy my meat and vegetables from again. I’ve even bought a few books on growing your own food and the first salad leaves are beginning to take off.

Lest the  1m x 1m patch at the back of the semi-d doesn’t work out,  I’m lucky my father in-law is an avid gardener.   Here are two recipes using his rhubarb and apples, as well as some fresh blackberries picked with my daughter last night.  Buttermilk Panacotta with Poached Rhubarb and Strawberries and an Apple and Blackberry Tart.