Summer Gorging
Days out and Peaches
We’re pretty much bang in the middle of the summer holidays and there’s a certain pace to it, a palpable speeding up where you feel constantly on the go with so much to pack into the long days. I want to gorge on it; summer fruits and salad, barefoot outside eating, trips to the beach, swims in the sea, long cycles, catching up with friends over garden beers, sunsets and special events marked on the calendar. Nonstop gorging.
The children have been checking off their ‘Summer List,’ a tradition where they write down the things they’d like to do during July and August. I like to influence them a little bit if I can, trying to keep a handle on realistic expectation and maybe suggesting places that happen to have a great café nearby. In the summer we share our north coast with thousands of other people who come to enjoy it too; our secluded spots become busy and car parks are crowded. But there’s loads of amazing things to do and plenty of space on our beaches, woods and headlands for everyone.
As an advocate for our beautiful coastline I thought I’d share with you two totally different days out we’ve had recently; one with the kids and one without-get these on your summer list! Firstly, let’s make sure we are on the same page; if you’re on holiday or visiting the coast you have not come for the good weather. I remember a dark, cold afternoon, way back in our first tiny café space, a young family popped in for coffee and cakes. They had enjoyed a short break on the coast where they spent the time mainly in waterproofs and wellies; still smiling ear to ear with pure gladness to be out in the countryside and wildness of it all. The mum (lovely Sophie) said ‘we always pack our adventure clothes,’ BEST quote ever and many times repeated in this house. Whilst both these days out could most definitely be affected by weather, try not to let it put you off and do what Sophie says and be prepared; after all there’s always a cure for getting abysmally battered by the rain and wind.
ONE
The first of these glorious days was to the Hotbox Sea Sauna at Benone. We don’t usually venture as far as this gorgeous stretch of beach for a splash but it is stunning; with views to the left over the Foyle to Inishowen in Donegal and to the right to Mussenden temple, Portstewart, the cliffs at the Giants Causeway and Rathlin Island in the distance.
After enjoying many a cold dip with friends, Anna and Karl built their mobile sauna inspired by the Scandinavian treat of having a place to warm up after a freezing swim. And what a treat. We swam and sweated with my brothers and their partners, and it was the most fun, relaxing and soul soothing day. The Sauna is beautiful inside and out with a long landscape window framing the waves; the Atlantic stretching out to the horizon. We watched Gannets fishing far out and dark, dark clouds moving in. We dipped in and out of the water and back into the heat, bashing ourselves with the birch branches; each time walking into the water seemed different, messing about in the waves in the lashing rain and ending in bright sunshine. A really beautiful, grounding experience. We made a beeline afterwards for hot drinks at Seashed which is right on the beach too.
TWO
My main recommendations for Rathlin are to book your ferry in advance to avoid disappointment and stay longer than you think, it is magical. We try and get to the island at least once a year, there’s something about it that calms me, it’s quiet and tranquil and the pace of life slightly slower (though the islanders are a diverse and hardworking community). If you enjoy walking there are lots of beautiful routes on the island, if not there’s cycle hire and there is also a bus which loops about. There’s plenty to do and see and I always find it important to spend some money on the island even if it’s just a pint in the bar, food in the Manor House or buying from one of the shops, more info here. This time we decided on the Craigmacagan walk, a newish trail managed by the RSPB. It is short enough for little legs with only a bit of carrying on the way back. We picnicked halfway round looking out to Kintyre and were lucky to spot a pod of Bottlenose dolphins, somersaulting out of the water. We spent the last part of the day in the bay with our Rathlin friends, with a swim then pints and bags of Tayto out on the green watching the children play in the sand. Sure, perfect…days like that where the end is bitterweet. More gorging on great days out please!
Speaking of gorging let’s talk about peaches. If I had to pick a favourite fruit it’d be a perfectly ripe peach. Something about that fuzzy fragrant skin, so tactile and pleasing in an eye closed, deep breath joyful way. The soft, super juicy orange flesh with slurpy sweet liquid running down the chin. Peach season is now! I was born in the wrong country to enjoy a local peach, though there are mythical whispers of polytunnels and walled gardens where stone fruit ripens but growers rightly keep the bounty for themselves. The ripeness is paramount- your local greengrocer might be the best place to pick up ‘ready to eat right away’ and I will gorge and not tire of the taste of peach (or incidentally its non-furry sister Nectarine).
Of course, a peach in the hand as it is, in all its glory, is perfection but it also lends itself so well to both sweet and savoury dishes both cooked and raw, super versatile.
Peach Breakfast for one
Slice of sourdough
Half a peach
Thin slices of Killeens Goat Cheese or similar
Fresh basil leaves
Oilve oil
Toast your bread and drizzle over some olive oil, cut your peach into wedges and arrange along with the cheese, tuck in the basil leaves, drizzle with more oil and a little bit of salt and pepper. Eat immediately, a great breakfast.
Peach and Halloumi salad, serves 2-4
Block of halloumi, chopped/sliced into bitesize pieces Ballyhubbock is delicious
Two perfectly ripe peaches
Juice of half a lemon/lime
Big handful rocket leaves
Handful of soft summer herbs; Basil, tarragon, chives, marjoram and mint
Garlic clove, thinly sliced
Optional; toasted nuts/seeds and chopped fresh chilli
Olive oil, salt and pepper
First chop your peaches not bitesize pieces and put into a bowl, trying to keep the juices in the bowl too. Chop the herbs and add to the peaches along with salt, pepper, olive oil and the lemon juice, set aside while you cook the halloumi. In a medium pan over a medium to high heat add a little oil and fry the halloumi and garlic until lightly browned. Add the hot cheese to the peaches bowl and mix through. Assemble the salad with the leaves first then using your hands gently add the peach mix ensuring all the delicious sweet fruit and salty cheese juices layer the leaves. Add chopped nuts or seeds (pistachio or pumpkin seed would be delicious) and if you like a bit of heat I love a chopped fresh green or red chilli on top. Serve as part of a meal or as a main with lots of bread for moppage.
For a vegan version switch the Halloumi for fried tofu or roasted cauliflower/potatoes.
Peach crumble
One peach per person
120g plain flour
90g cold butter, chopped
30g oats
40g sugar- demerara is good here
40g dark chocolate, chopped
40g chopped hazelnuts
Pinch sea salt
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. In a medium bowl rub the flour and butter together until it ressembles breadcrumbs, add the sugar and mix again briefly, then add the rest and quickly mix through. Cut the peaches in half and remove the stone, place in an ovenproof dish cut side up. Spoon the crumble over the top and bake for 25 minutes. Serve as is or with some cold cream or crème fraiche.
Vegan butter works great for this too.
Amazing tips - we’re heading to castle rock for 4 weeks on Friday, so will defo be doing ONE at least! Can not wait!!!