Category Archives: family
French Farce…
Stuffed peppers have steadfastly kept their place in my pantheon of “least favourite dishes” As I grow older I have found so many “least favourite dishes” that I am searching for a new duo of comparative and superlative to replace “lesser” and “least”; I … Continue reading
Cat under a hot tin roof…
The day before the one in question, we had become aware of another presence insinuating itself into the tranquil peace of our home. This is a rare period of the year when there are very few birds in the garden and so … Continue reading
A warm hand on your opening….
The old ones are always the best and so it turned out to be with this elegant bottle of 1984 Chateau de Rayne-Vigneau Sauternes that I could no longer resist opening. One Christmas, some fifteen years ago, my cousin, who is also partial … Continue reading
I got the bleus..du ciel, de la mer..the summertime bleus.
It might surprise you to hear that I’ve been ranting quite a lot over the last day or two, although surprise may not be first among the emotions felt, by those of you who know me well, on hearing that unsurprising news. I’ve … Continue reading
I say tahmayto…and I would advise you to do the same…
It is well known that the tomato has a colourful history, filled with misunderstanding, suspicion and rumour. However, it has now not only found acceptance but has become so deeply ingrained in our food tradition that several highly seasoned purées of … Continue reading
The letter “C” is wasted on custard…
The letter C has many good connotations, some of which Nigella has allegedly tried, but this normally optimistic initial is wasted on such a lumpen sauce as traditional custard. There is an element of the English psyche that is firmly … Continue reading
Last summer whine..
The silence after the hubbub of Sunday lunch is like the white noise that fills the brain as a general anaesthetic takes effect. There’s a mixture of narcotic pleasure in the cushioned lushness of the collapse from consciousness, combined with … Continue reading
There is a season……
A reputation in tatters is what you see before you. Years of studiously practising to be a grumpy Grandad has gone by the board. Be warned, this is what happens when you’re surrounded by the amazing children of your own … Continue reading
Looking back over my shoulder..
I’ve become conditioned to conjure words in the quiet of the early morning, confined within the four walls of my office where, with a cup of coffee in my hand, an idea is sparked by a thought, a picture, a … Continue reading
Something in the air…
Standing in the garden, early this beautiful morning, there’s no question but that there’s change in the air. We’re enjoying an August the like of which I can’t remember for a good ten years. This is true, sulky, summer holiday … Continue reading