Sometimes meals just come together and this was a great success. The bulgar and tomatoes could be used in different ways. 2 aubergines cut into quarters, lengthwaysOlive oil2 onions, finely sliced2 cloves garlic, crushed1 tsp ground allspice4 large plum tomatoes (or San Marzano tomatoes), skinned200g bulgar wheat1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)Mint leavesGreek yoghurtSalt and freshly…

Neighbours recently lent me Feast Days Recipes from The Spectator by Jennifer Paterson. One of the Fat Ladies along with Clarissa Dickson Wright! It’s a lovely book, a reminiscent of Keith Floyd for all its quirkiness. I loved the Fat Ladies. two very bright ladies zooming around on a motor bike and sidecar, full of…

An evening walk around the allotment to pick salad ingredients. The sorrel had been cut down and its new growth was fresh and tender, the broad beans are still small. Self-seeded rocket, Chinese leaves and nasturtiums were to be found. Add, thinnings from the rows of mixed salad and beetroot, some herbs and the makings…

A recipe from Penny Dalrymple-Smith All sorts of delicious pairings go with this summery vinegar. It is especially good used in salad dressings and mixed with honey to serve on strawberries. Fill a jar loosely with elderflowers, and then top up with cider vinegar. Leave in a sunny place for 3-4 days. Decant through a…

I love hummus and all through summer there will always be a pot in the fridge. Simple hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice and garlic is a great start but why not also try to make alternatives? My favourites at the moment are inspired by recipes from Rick Stein and Sabrina Ghayour. It…

Impromptu, alfresco, Asparagus Mimosa, is the perfect dish to serve in May or early June on a warm day when friends happen to call. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare. 24 spears asparagus3 eggs, hard boiled, peeled and chopped finelyOlive oil2 tsp capers, drainedSalt and freshly ground black pepper Trim the asparagus and cook…

Late May and, after a long dry hot spell, the elderflowers are smelling wonderful. Perfect time to pick just the few needed to make elderflower cordial. I am very grateful to Diana Cray for this excellent recipe which I haveused for many years. 25 heads of elderflower1.5kg granulated sugar1.2 litres water4 lemons50g citric acid Collect…

I have much enjoyed a series of discussions on 20th century Chinese literature, held in the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath. Lu Xun’s story about Kong Yiji was the main subject this week. It concerns an elderly, impoverished scholar living in Luzhen, Shaoxing. He drank in the ‘public bar’ and always ordered two bowls…

We are having a wonderful spell of fine weather and bottles of rosé and invites are springing up for impromptu gatherings on the allotments and in gardens. Asparagus cigars are surprisingly easy to make and always welcome. 16 asparagus spears, woody ends removed1 pack filo pastryOlive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper1 tsp sesame seeds1…

Early May and I am back from a break in the walled Tuscan city of Lucca with Anna, a friend from university days. We had a great time and some excellent meals but I returned to an empty fridge. However, I did bring back a large piece of pecorino and a tour of the allotment…