The arrival of August brings with it the true taste of summer, even if the weather refuses to play ball. Ignore the lack of sunshine and instead enjoy peaches (if they are too firm try roasting them with a little orange zest and juice, brown sugar an
d cinnamon), blackberries, strawberries, tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, peas, lobster, sea bass, rabbit… the list goes on!
Ask gingergirl:
Hello Gingergirl,
I have recently started to visit the farmers' markets and I'm delighted to report that I am planning my family's meals around what I pick up. I am however a little concerned that I don't have the creative streak when it comes to cooking! I would appreciate your help.
Catherine, Monaleen.
Hello Catherine,
Farmers' markets continue to grow in popularity across the country with most towns and villages hosting their own weekly market.
I have written extensively about the positive impact such markets have; creating a community outlet, supporting local producers and using seasonal produce to name just a few. When visiting your local market I recommend you talk to the traders and ask them for suggestions on how to cook their produce. Traders love to talk (believe me!)
Courgettes are in season at the moment, are very versatile and easy to cook. These little cakes are always a big hit and are great served with salsa or tzatziki (cucumber and yoghurt) and salad.
Courgette & feta potato cakes.
3 medium courgettes
2 potatoes, peeled
1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
2 spring onions, chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh mint, roughly chopped
200g of feta cheese, crumbled
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon of plain flour
The zest of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Coarsely grate the courgettes and place in a colander with a teaspoon of salt - this will draw out the excess the moisture - leave to drain for half and hour.
Meanwhile, parboil the potatoes in salted water for ten minutes, drain and set aside to cool. Once cooled, grate the potatoes using the coarse side of a grater, into a large bowl and season.
Rinse the courgettes under cold water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Spread the courgettes over a clean tea towel, roll it up and wring out every drop of moisture.
Add the courgettes to the potato along with the spring onion, chilli, feta cheese, lemon zest, mint and the beaten egg. Gently mix together with a fork, divide the mixture into eight and shape into rounds about 1cm thick before lightly dusting the cakes with flour.
Place a baking tray the oven and heat the oven to 220ºc. Brush the cakes on both sides with a little olive oil and once the oven and trays are heated bake for fifteen minutes. Carefully turn over each cake and return to the oven for another ten to fifteen minutes until golden. Serve immediately.
Write to me at gingergirl c/o The Limerick Leader, 54 O'Connell St. Limerick or email
helen@gingergirl.ie Award-winning coffee.
Congratulations to Jennifer and Tommy Ryan from Ponaire Coffee in Annacotty who recently won Gold Star for their Connoisseur Espresso Blend Coffee at the UK Great Taste Awards. Ponaire beat stiff competition from the UK and Ireland to achieve Gold Star status. For more detail including a list of stockists go to: www.ponaire.ie
Be sure to visit gingergirl at: U.L.'s Farmer's Market in the student's union courtyard every Tuesday from 12 – 5.30pm and at: The Riverside Market on Bedford Row (Limerick City) every Sunday from 12.30 – 5.30pm
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