This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
"…I was wondering if I drove back this way and made you a Caesar salad would you cook those potato cakes?'"
Is this cold weather lasting forever or what? I won't say how much I'm longing for Spring – after all I think we're all feeling it, but instead I'll draw your attention to one of the positives of these bleak, bitter elements. It is perfect for snuggling down with the comforting hug of a Maeve Binchy novel and some of the cheering food featured within.
All of Binchy's books are like a truly satisfying meal; comforting like home cooking and a roaring fire. Quentins, Scarlet Feather, Circle of Friends. They all contains Maeve's trademark magic warmth. Take Tara Road. Ria had been married for years. She's devoted her life to her husband, her children and her house. The smell of baking wafts from Ria's home and from the pages.
It's the smell of home. The smell of welcome.
When Ria's husband drops a huge bombshell, Ria demonstrates her real strength. The strength she has used to raise her family and support her husband goes into putting herself first. She doesn't just dissolve and let the world come crashing down. She goes to America after a chance phone call and starts to piece her life and herself back together. But always there is food surrounding her. It surrounds her and it centres her.
MAKES AROUND 15 RATHER LARGE POTATO CAKES
We served ours with baked beans and bacon. Something hot to take away the chills. But you could, of course, try it with a Caesar salad.
So simple to make. You just need a bit of elbow grease for the mashing.
4 large potatoes – aprox 800g (this came out to be 600g when peeled and cooked
60g butter
100g plain flour
salt and pepper
Saucepan, masher, sieve, rolling pin, baking tray lined with baking parchment.
- Peel, chop and cook the potatoes in salted water.
- When cooked, drain and allow to cool (make sure excess water is drained away).
- Heat oven to 200/ 180 fan.
- Mash with the butter. Press through a sieve or potato ricer for a smooth mash.
- Stir in the flour and salt and pepper
- Flour a work surface and roll out the potato dough. Leave quite thick.
- Cut into squares and lift onto a baking sheet with baking parchment.
- Place in oven for 20 minutes.
Voilà!