Food book of the week
Share: The cookbook that celebrates our common humanity. Published by Kyle Books, £25
War and cooking don't often share the same sentence, never mind the same book, but this lovely volume of recipes, stories and background information from some of the world's war-torn regions manages to be a joyful celebration of humanity's shared desire for nourishment and sustenance. It's in support of the charity Women for Women International, which works with women in conflict zones, and which will receive all of the publisher's profits. There a great many recipes from celebrities in support of the venture, so, if you ever wanted to know what Sir Richard Branson puts in his Bolognese, or how Emma Thompson makes her favourite meal of sausage and cabbage bake, you'll find it here. But ultimately it's the recipes from the troubled regions featured, made with produce from WfWI farming initiatives, that leave the sweetest taste.
Table toppers
Talking Tables is a party planner's delight, with co-ordinating table trimmings and accessories, including these nifty mini shades which turn a nightlight and a wine glass into a mini table lamp (€9 for six), and dainty saucer crackers (€7.50 for eight) which pop with a satisfyingly loud bang. You'll find Talking Tables in the Daintree paper emporium on Camden Street in Dublin 1, and you can shop online too, at daintree.ie.
Party time at Naas farmers' market
Teresa Garcia Pia (pictured), who works as an accountant during the week, can be found at Naas farmers' market on Saturdays, where she serves up steaming plates of paella, made to her mother's recipe, at her Paellas from Valencia stall. John Stuart, who is from Madras, also draws a crowd for his curries and gluten-free bhajis. There are just two of the varied, and all local, stallholders at this thriving market which has been running for almost 10 years and which celebrates the end of a busy summer season with a Food Tasting Party on Saturday, September 7th (11am-1pm). You can sign up to put your palate to the test in a blind tasting at the market, which takes place in the carpark of Trax Brasserie in the town.
More than a pretty name
Silver Darlings are Nordic-style marinaded and pickled Irish Atlantic herring made in Limerick by Kirsti O'Kelly, whose maiden name of Tiukkanen hints at her Finnish heritage. O'Kelly uses a variety of spices, herbs, vegetables and citrus fruits in her product, such a a Mojito herring one with mint and lime. You'll find them at the Milk Market in Limerick on Saturdays, as well as the Real Olive stalls in markets around the country. They are also on the menu at Cake Café in Dublin and Kai in Galway.
