The potato originated in Colombia, South America, was brought to Spain in the sixteenth century and a short time later found its way to Ireland. By the end of the seventeenth century, it was established there with perhaps a third of the population living almost entirely on potatoes by the time of the Great Famine in 1840. fust before then, it was estimated that the average cottier (crofter) consumed between 7 Ib and 14 Ib of potatoes a day. Most potatoes were boiled or cooked on the griddle due to the lack of ovens, but wealthy households could rise to the baking of tarts. Rocket was not popularised in the supermarkets until the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it has a long history in Britain. It was widespread in medieval monasteries and was known for its unusual flavour in cooking and for its medicinal uses. This is a simple, very delicate and quite delicious tart which provides a trouble-free accompaniment to a large casserole or roast meal.