Una’s new book aims to celebrate simple joys of life

Regan Kelly

Mullingar businesswoman, Una Leonard, has released her new book, ‘Good Together: Delicious Recipes for the Moments that Matter’. Una is the founder of the popular 2210 Patisserie, which has just recently moved to a landmark location on the Market Square.

This is Una’s second book, after ‘Sweet Therapy: The Joy of Baking’, where she outlines more than 100 recipes for baked items.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, following a busy lunch hour at the new premises, Una said: “Back in November, my mam was really sick and was in the hospital. We met another lady on the ward, and the two of them spoke about being able to enjoy food again; it was one of the simplest things ever.

“I sat there for two hours listening to them talking, and I thought, we get that every single day, and we take it for granted.

“I wanted to write a book that wasn’t just about baking, but was about really simple recipes that would bring you and your favourite people around.”

Una is a busy woman, juggling a thriving business and renovating an iconic Westmeath building, as well as releasing the book and doing the accompanying publicity interviews. Asked how she balances the different elements, Una said:, “I cried a lot. I suppose it took me away from what was going on at home as well. I had the creative thing to do – this thing that I love to do.

“Every time you are writing a recipe, it needs to be tested three or four times to make sure it’s correct. I was in the kitchen frequently while writing the book, and I tried to strike a good balance between those, so I wasn’t doing loads of writing and then spending loads of time in the kitchen.

“I was doing a little bit of both, and when I get into the kitchen, that’s when I’m happy, and my mind is at ease.”

Una described how much she loves doing what she does, thriving in the chaos of a hectic business, as it is controllable in her life.

She concluded by saying: “I love the challenges; everything in here is controllable. Nothing overly worries me because everything can be changed or fixed, it’s enjoyable, and I get to do that.

“I hope that people will create the recipes in this book and create memories, similar to what I had growing up around the table.”

Una marked 10 years in business last week with a party for family and friends.