The driving force behind the Co. Cavan-based Crafts of Ireland has published a book, Baking Together, Our Best Recipes, brimful of traditional Irish recipes.

Sandra Coote, whose premises is on the family beef farm in Virginia run by her husband, Alan, started Crafts of Ireland as a combination of all the things that she loves, from teaching traditional crafts to hosting afternoon tea and craft events.

The enterprise has proven to be very agile over the years.

"We have grown our social media to over 180,000 followers, focused mainly on Facebook, with over one million views per week and some of our videos hitting two million views," said Sandra, who herself grew up on a farm in Co. Longford.

She published two previous books during Covid-19.

"I have retired them and self-published our new book late this year.

"The book is printed locally. We are provided with an excellent service and delighted to be supporting another small business," she said.

Sandra outlined the types of recipes that people will find in the new publication.

"Our focus is on sharing recipes that Irish families grew up with: traditional savoury dishes like stews, boxty and potato cake; Irish soda bread; and old fashioned cakes - for example, boiled fruit cake and treacle bread. 

"We are shipping the books worldwide and are absolutely delighted with the response from the US, Canada, Australia and especially from UK," said Sandra.

Sales, she said, are split equally between Ireland and abroad.

"Plans for 2026 include interviews with older generations to gather memories of Irish food and traditions," Sandra continued.

The book is available on the Crafts of Ireland website. It contains 56 recipes and costs €17.50 including postage within Ireland.

According to Sandra: "Our most popular recipes are for Irish breads. White and brown soda are really popular.

"These recipes evoke memories of Irish kitchens and of growing up with mothers and grandmothers that baked.

"For people living abroad, it brings back memories of home."