A New Year’s Resolution of sorts came about when I realised I could no longer reply on Waitrose to have the spices in stock that I need and I am unhappy with the prices they charge. In particular, sumac. This chicken dish calls for over 1½ tablespoons of sumac.That’s more than in a single pot…

Inspired by the turkey stuffings sold in local stores around New York, there could be many variations on this recipe but this one works particularly well. Sourdough is the key ingredient. It made a good accompaniment to our Christmas Day turkey and the left overs were even better served with fried eggs for breakfast on…

I am more of a slow cook than a fast one and meals in minutes rarely work for me. If I am that short of time an omelette or pesto with spaghetti would be dishes I could resort to without needing 15 minutes of frenzied activity. Now I have found a meal that is delicious,…

This recipe for a ‘classy salad’ was inspired by the Sam Clarks at Casa Moro and given to me by Diana Cray. It is another good way to serve cauliflower and makes a refreshing salad. Without doubt, cauliflowers are having a renaissance though Cauliflower Wellington, offered this Christmas by Tesco as a vegan option at…

This is our traditional meal to serve at the pre-Christmas get-together with my four stepsons and their families. It takes a long time to cook and could be started overnight. It has all the advantages of not needing much attention, being easy to serve and pleasing everyone. There should be enough for 8-10 servings. Oven…

This recipe, based on Yotam Ottolenghi’s from Saturday’s Guardian, gives a new twist to roast potatoes. As he writes, ‘they are especially good with spiced roast meat’ and a firm favourite in this household. 8 cloves garlic, peeled 120g goose or duck fat (or rapeseed oil) 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2kg…

I spent Thanksgiving with Imogen and Pierre at their house on the North Fork of Long Island. We had two pecan pies, one made in Brooklyn and the other in Orient. Both were excellent. This is my take, based on recipes I could find and what was to hand. It was a bonus to have…

‘Nibbles’ is a horrible word and ‘canapés’ precocious but these pastry biscuits are so easy to make and perfect with a glass of wine. I have to thank my friend Penny for the inspiration. A sheet of ready made all butter puff pastry either 75g of finely grated hard cheese. A mixture of Cheddar and…

Cauliflower purée makes a great dish served with pan fried cod loin flavoured with pieces of chorizo. 1 cauliflower 50g butter 1 tbsp double cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 pieces cod loin 150g chorizo cut into 2 cm slices and halved or quartered Olive oil Juice of ½ lemon A little parsley,…

I’m going out to New York for Thanksgiving and taking these biscuits with me. Coals to Newcastle? I know that Yotam Ottolenghi’s Sweet book, from where this recipe originates, is a best seller in the US and cranberries are really their thing but these biscuits are delicious and very festive. They would make a good…