Seasonal Bounty – Rhubarb, Blood Oranges and Artichokes
We may be in the bleak mid winter, but that does not leave us short of mouth watering seasonal produce. While everyone was sulking in short dark days, I was roasting rhubarb, baking and braising artichokes to my hearts content and eating blood oranges galore. My motto? Eat your way through January blues.
Cookbook of the month –Dinner at the Long Table
This month’s book choice is the first from Andrew Tarlow and Anna Dunn, the dynamic duo behind their ever increasing number of Brooklyn restaurants including Diner, Marlow & Sons and the Wyeth Hotel. This book’s appeal is its collection of celebratory menus from birthdays to a change of season, none of them fussy, all of them with the aim of bringing friends and family around a table together. A concept I adore. All round winner.
Kitchen Essential – Le Creuset 30cm Sautee Pan
This is my kitchen pot essential. It is my most loved pan in the house as it can be used both on the hob and in the oven, and is good looking enough to serve food straight out at the table. I use it for everything from blanching vegetables, to cooking grains, to shakshuka, to searing and cooking meat and fish and even for crumble. The base doubles as a roasting tin If you don’t have one already, I think you need one.
Winter Skin Saviour – Dr Jacksons Face Oil
I am a delicate soul, and so is my skin. I am also a huge fan of natural products, and this is literally my winter skin miracle cure, dousing it on everything from my face to my psoriasis patches and if I could I would drink it too. The icing on the cake? The packaging of my dreams – minimal, sleek and perfectly designed, it not only feels good on the skin, it looks great on the shelf. Shallow but true.
Stationary Love –Bovary & Co.
Abi and I met a few years ago through Emma Parlons, and I was taken with her brilliantly whity illustrations and cards. So when it came to designing invitations for my oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah next month there was no doubt where to go. But even if you have no event to organise, check out her collection of cards. They are brilliant. I am so sending this one to my next new parent.