My daughter’s been learning to ‘magpie’ her writing at school. It’s a cute way to summarise: if you read something that you like, a turn of phrase that’s cool, or a way of describing in an interesting way, borrow it – magpie it. Just like the bird, take something you like and stitch it into something else to make it […]
Read moreI am a sucker for a sandwich – not paper-thin ham or simpering coleslaw but gutsy, no-punches-pulled sandwiches that America in particular seems to get right. This Jamie Oliver sarnie is styled that way and is darn close to being great. Plump meatballs and creamy cheese, lovely fresh cabbage and salty bacon… but there’s something missing. I reckon a sharp, […]
Read moreSometimes, I just crave pork belly. The gelatinous texture and tender meat send me giddy with excitement. But the really interesting part of this recipe is the red cabbage. I’ve always stewed red cabbage for ever, but I saw the avuncular Nigel Howarth on Saturday Kitchen this week and he prepared it by salting and then quick frying. It’s a […]
Read moreLast week I watched a great series from the wonderful Hardeep Singh Kohli, Chefs and the City, where norms bring their signature dish to battle against a pro chef. One guy lost in a brazen fashion, daring to take on a French chef at something right up their street. He was destroyed, but there was something promising in his quail wrapped in […]
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