What’s your beef?

Marguerite Kiely

If you are looking for a present for the foodie in your life, 'The Irish Beef Book' by Pat Whelan & Katy McGuinness, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is the definitive guide to all things beef.

The special limited-edition reprint from Gill Books will see the proceeds going to two charity partners — Cork Penny Dinners and Dublin’s Capuchin Day Centre.

Pat Whelan is the fifth generation of his family to be involved in farming and meat production, and his focus on butchery and ethical animal husbandry are areas of knowledge that he remains focused on promoting and enhancing.

“Butchery,” says Pat Whelan, “is an art, a craft, something to be celebrated. I find myself marvelling at the animals I rear and the link they provide between us and the land. These gracious, primal animals provide us with food that keeps us healthy and strong. I am responsible for making sure that every part of that animal that is a source of nourishment can be used as such,” he said.

'The Irish Beef Book' provides a useful guide to choosing quality meat, with recipes for nose-to-tail eating. Whether you are looking for a new recipe for the perfect Sunday roast, ideas for sauces and sides, or ways to consume meat more sustainably, there is advice throughout the book suggesting new ways of thinking about beef in general, along with considering lesser-known cuts which are often good value for the cost-conscious cook.

Pat Whelan added: “It’s wonderful to see 'The Irish Beef Book' being reprinted this year to support two very worthy charities in Cork and Dublin, both charities do such incredible work for their communities.”

Speaking about being a beneficiary for the book, Cork Penny Dinners Trustees Volunteer coordinator, Caitríona Twomey said: “Our mission in Cork Penny Dinners is to provide our services free of charge to those that need them most, no questions are asked, no judgements are made.

“What allows us to do that is the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our volunteers. We are currently serving up to 2,000 freshly-made meals per week at our premises compared to approximately 150 or less per week previously, and we couldn’t do that without the support we get across the community.

“We very much appreciate being one of the charity partners of this reissue of 'The Irish Beef Book'. It will certainly help us in our ongoing objective of feeding and offering comfort and support to those most in need.”

'The Irish Beef Book' by Pat Whelan and Katy McGuinness is available at all good bookshops, online and at Dunnes Stores, priced at €22.99.