It seems most of us have vivid memories of August and its edible treats, thanks no doubt to the power of school holidays. For me, a countryside childhood in hot climates instilled a fearsome respect for this month, which my peers and I cherished in … [Read more...]
Early spring magic: wild garlic, radishes and the common primrose
The softness of these early spring days is heartbreakingly lovely: the birdsong, the quality of light, the gentle but perceptible warmth of the sun; and who could resist the antics of those gangs of new lambs racing in the fields for the joy of … [Read more...]
East Asian chicken salad
This salad is crunchy, clean-tasting and zingy with lime, ginger and chili, so it's great for making you feel healthier and less blah about winter. It's a delicious combination of raw vegetables (all your five-a-day), tender chicken with a crispy … [Read more...]
Mimosa salad, crunch crunch
I am a fan of winter salads. This one is an old favourite my mother used to make when we were kids, using her cast-iron skillet to fry the bacon and deglaze its dripping with cider vinegar for the dressing. I can still hear that dramatic sizzling … [Read more...]
Cambridge in December: festive partridge and pear
I’m re-thinking my holiday checklist, and perfection isn’t on it. It is mid-December and there is so much to do -- cards, presents, tree, the turkey, the cake -- and that’s not even considering work and day-to-day survival in the meantime. The only … [Read more...]