When Cirio Tomatoes invited me to a live cooking class with the legendary Antonio Carluccio in celebration of the 160th birthday, they did not have to ask me twice. Carluccio is one of my favourite cooks EVER (he doesn't call himself a chef) and I'm a massive Italophile anyway. I practically ran there - as you can see... I literally couldn't believe my luck. Cirio tomatoes are the oldest brand of tinned tomatoes going - founded in Italy in 1856 to make the most of the incredi

This is a lighter take on a ragu, so perfect for after work while it's still warm-ish in the evening. Some people balk at veal, which is a shame as the veal production in the UK is completely ethical (well, as ethical as meat eating can be) and is technically 'rose veal'. Abroad, it's often a different story, with horrendous tales of baby cows having constricted movement and light to keep the meal white and tender: avoid if in doubt. Here though, if not eaten for meat then ma

Birthdays are always a good excuse to push the boat out a bit, so this year I chose The Typing Room for a little celebration dinner. How this place isn't Michelin starred is beyond me, as chef Lee Westcott (Great British Menu, Masterchef) is doing everything right. Situated in Bethnal Green's Town Hall Hotel, the surroundings are certainly grandiose enough. There's a good little bar to sit and have an aperitif at first, too, which makes a lot of their own spirits and has a co

A quick healthy recipe for you, with quick being the very operative work. It's a perfectly balanced summer style braised chicken in peas, pancetta and peal barley with charred lettuce and takes 20 minutes all in; promise. Also, it's incredibly simple and really yummy thanks to the white wine and chicken stock broth that takes on the smokey flavour of the pancetta - and everything is simmered in one pan so minimal washing up :) You will need: (Serves 2) 1-2 chicken pieces per

Recently Burts Chips - they of the hand cooked potato crisps - got in touch and asked me how I felt about crisp sandwiches. Funnily enough, I said, I'm heavily pregnant and they have been my go-to craving throughout - even though I can't normally abide a crisp. I've been having them mostly with tuna mayo on white bread and opting for a ready salted or salt and vinegar variety and can't get enough of them - as evidenced here. Burts said that they'd put together a list of the u