CHEF, TV PRESENTER & AUTHOR
In this episode of "Life in Charms" we welcome the multi-talented Clodagh McKenna, chef, TV presenter, cookery book author, and farmer. Clodagh shares her inspiring journey, delving into her time at Ballymaloe, highlighting the importance of ingredients and simplicity in cooking; principles that have guided her throughout her career. Clodagh recounts her early days in the culinary world, including her hard work in restaurants and the pivotal moment when she transitioned to television and ultimately becoming a household name in Ireland.
Clodagh's personal life is also a focal point, as she discusses her close relationship with her mother, a talented Irish dancer, and how her mother's spirit and values have profoundly influenced her own life. The episode explores her love story with Harry, her husband, and their journey together at Broadspear, a sustainable farm on the Highclere Castle Estate, where they cultivate their own produce and even built a pub during the pandemic.
Each chapter and pillar of her life is captured in a charm. A , adorned with delicate garlic flowers, symbolises the skills she’s honed as a chef and her deep respect for ingredients. A three-dimensional octagonal jam jar in , dotted with tiny cognac , commemorates a poignant moment: her father’s emotional reaction to the jelly she made in her first week—an experience that solidified her understanding of the powerful connection between food and memory.
Throughout the conversation, Clodagh's warmth and passion for life shine through, emphasising the power of food, love, and connection. As the episode concludes, Clodagh is offered a charm as a token of their discussion, and she chooses a pair of Irish dancing shoes to honour her mother, beautifully reflecting their bond. This episode serves as a heartfelt exploration of Clodagh's journey, her values, and the joy she finds in cooking and community.
