There are days when we all lack a little inspiration in the kitchen. Even the most competent home cooks resort to flicking through recipe books now and again. Someone else’s take on things is always a useful tool when you are struggling for ideas. Feeding the family day in day out, or throwing a dinner party that doesn’t rely on the same old favourites you always serve,  needs a little thought to keep things interesting. Recipe books have their place. But there’s nothing like practical instruction to make the methods sink in. At Belle Isle Cookery School in Co. Fermanagh, lots of hands on demonstrations covering a wide variety of food topics make for enjoyable cookery classes,  conducted by professionals, in a very picturesque environment. For a start, this purpose built school sits on a country estate of 470 acres. There is a school kitchen garden, plus access to seasonal game and fish from the land and waters around. For those who want to take a culinary break, accommodation on site combines relaxation with learning. Coming up in the coming spring months,  Good Food Fast incorporates a range of 20 minute suppers. 30 Minute Meals for Weeknights is also an eye opener for busy working cooks. On the entertaining side, February schedules include Casual Entertaining for Family and Friends. So you can turn out dinner party food in style.  All Belle Isle’s courses this year have been reduced in price – an eye to recessionary times and the need for cookery learning at a reasonable price.  The above courses last a day, all hands on, led by an expert tutor in Joe Kelly,  with a chance to sit down in the pretty dining room and enjoy the fruits of your labour afterwards. Along with those views across country and mountains. What a great way to be educated!