"Tara Was the Ideal Choice"
"We received a grant from EPA’s “Stop Food Waste” campaign in 2018 and 2019 towards a waste prevention project. We felt a cookery course was an ideal way to get the message across to people. Tara was the ideal choice as she has a high profile locally and would be a draw to the participants.
The classes were a real success. The feedback we received from the attendees was all extremely positive, particularly in relation to the impact which their cooking of healthier food was having on all their family. The participants replicated Tara’s weekly recipes and took great pride in sharing their photos on Tara’s social media. There were full attendances at each weekly class which reflected the level of enjoyment. The staff of St. John’s and St. Paul’s schools in Drogheda fully appreciated the impact of the course in terms of social inclusion.
The level of interest and positivity which the classes generated, Tara fully understood her audience and they bought into her narrative that healthier food can be produced on a budget. She also made sure that all the recipes were easy to follow, with very few unusual ingredients. The courses were run over a 4-6 week period and attendance numbers never dropped. Gerry Kelly from LMFM visited on the last day of course in Drogheda and did a lengthy radio broadcast which featured Tara, the participants and representatives of the school and Louth County Council. The broadcast focused on the how the stakeholders were working together to run the programme, the impact in terms of social inclusion and how healthier eating was having an impact on the local families.
As part of the course each week we gave a piece of equipment and some ingredients relevant to that week’s recipe to each participant. Each week was focused on particular ingredients that you could make a few different meals from. Tara gave great tips on how to get the best out of your ingredients and some storage tips to help with less food waste. The participants left the course hugely motivated and determined to continue to focus on providing healthier meals for their families.
Tara fully understood her audience and engaged positively with her audience. She made the course fun for the participants who looked forward to the weekly lessons and built up a great rapport with Tara."
Barry Eaton, Louth County Council Community Office
Micheal Lehane
Environmental Protection Agency, February 2023
“I have taken part in many of Tara’s classes online over the past number of years - with family, friends and also with work colleagues. The classes are really enjoyable, easily accessible and done from the comfort of your own kitchen. Tara’s relaxed and engaging style makes them both fun and entertaining while also being highly interactive. I have learned so many new techniques and new recipes – a lot of which have now become family favourites.  Highly recommended.”
Aideen Kerr
Celbridge Community Library February 2023
“Tara’s cooking workshops are always fun, innovative and engaging. They are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to master a recipe and create a delicious new meal or treat. Tara sends out the ingredients in advance and you always have the recipe to keep recreating your new special dish. Family workshops are especially fun and bring together all ages in the kitchen to share in this unique experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tara’s cooking classes.”
Eimear Fortune
HR Business Partner, Flogas January 2023
“I attended the taste of Mexico class with Tara, I really enjoy Mexican cuisine but was hesitant about tackling a recipe myself. Tara instantly put me at ease, her class was so fun, engaging and I would recommend her to anyone wanting to improve their cookery skills or just have an enjoyable evening!”
Edel Ní Bhroin
Principal, Scoil Aonghusa, Drogheda, January 2023
“Tara’s online family cookery classes were enjoyed by children, parents and school staff alike. The best thing about the cookery classes with Tara is that they can be a shared learning and fun experience for all age groups and abilities. The ingredient lists and recipes were informative and easy to follow and a good resource to have following the class. Families liked the fact that they could sit down at the end of the class and enjoy the food they had prepared together. Tara’s excellent demonstrations and quality interactions with participants throughout the cookery class allows for a very positive and worthwhile learning experience for all and a celebration of good food and the joys of sharing food together.”
Fiona
Wellbeing Team, Dept of Foreign Affairs December 2022
“TThanks so much Tara. The class was brilliant! Learned so much and many thanks again. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ”
