Strolling by the river in Limerick City is hardly the place you'd expect to find some home-grown Garrison goodness.

But, thanks to the entrepreneurial steps taken by Helen Keown, who comes originally from Garrison that is exactly what is on offer to canny Limerick shoppers keen for a little taste of heaven in a jar.

Helen recently opened her own culinary business, 'Gingergirl', and sells everything from brownies and cookies to home-made preserves and bread. In fact plums, apples, and sloes from her family's farm in Garrison regularly make it into Helen's creations.

Working from her website and weekly stall in Limerick's Riverside Market on Sundays, Helen reported business as 'booming' but she explained that this was only part of why she decided to found Gingergirl.

"I always had a love for food, and that came from my family because we produced our own vegetables and milk. I'm one of 10 children and life in the house revolved around the kitchen. I studied marketing and got a job in that area. But, my passion was always food, so six months ago I decided to go it alone and set up the company."

Helen emphasised that the concept of Gingergirl is that food should be, "local, seasonal and simple" and she firmly believes in the old adage, "good ingredients speak for themselves and need no fancy dress".

"I love the idea of organic food and farmers' markets because people can see the product and talk to the producer. All the food I make is down to earth and comforting almost, especially as we're coming into the Autumn and Winter. People ask for and give out cooking tips and email me with questions. I want to cultivate an interest in good and healthy food, and cut out the hype," she added with enthusiasm.

As well as selling products individually, Helen also produces tasty hampers, which she feels would make the ideal gift for anyone who loves food.

"I decided to start making hampers because there is such a demand for that. No one knows what to buy anyone, and I think giving someone a basket of lovely food is more thoughtful. I also do mentoring for restaurants or food companies to offer them a neutral perspective and guidance."

Helen also feels people in general are becoming more health conscious, which is why she is advocates, 'slow food', the opposite of expensive, mass-produced offerings. This change in eating habits is why 'Gingergirl' looks to have all the ingredients for cooking up a success story.