It doesn’t seem like a year ago since the last Kerrygold Ballymaloe Literary Festival. But it’s come round again, starting today at Ballymaloe House and Ballymaloe Cookery School , and showcasing an impressive programme over this weekend. Alice Waters of Chez Pannisse in California is just one of an amazing cast of speakers, which also include Jack Monroe – author of the iconic A Girl called Jack blog and cookery book, Fuschia Dunlop, oriental food specialist, Sam & Sam Clark of Moro and Morito,renowned food writer Joanna Blythman,  and Irish names like John and Sally McKenna, Rachel Allen, Darina Allen, Hugo Arnold, JP McMahon and Kevin Thornton are just a few of the gang gracing this year’s festival programme. Litfest kicks off today with two Fabulous Food Trails and the UCC Foodwriting Workshop from 2pm to 6pm this afternoon, then the Festival Opening Party in the Big Shed this evening at 7.30pm, all welcome. The next two days promise some great cookery demonstrations, panel discussions and food and drinks workshops. If you’re into food, get yourself to where it’s all at in East Cork this weekend!