Coconut milk is always found front and centre in my pantry because it is a cornerstone of so much of my cooking. I buy it in bulk and rely on it to bring a voluptuous, fragrant, dairy-free creaminess to so many of my favourite dishes, from curries and dals to soups and rice dishes. It’s … Read more
I’m like a giant panda in that 98% of what I eat comes from plants. It’s a long story, but the short version is that I love animals alive and vegetables on my plate. If I think about who I am and how I eat, I am built from Gujarati ingenuity and Lincolnshire produce when … Read more
Adventure has always been in my blood. Growing up in south Wales in the 60s, my dad was in the Royal Navy and I used to devour stories like Swallows and Amazons. My mum would often send me out to play in the woods to keep me busy – I suppose you could say I … Read more
It used to be that the only spending associated with pet ownership was on food, vet bills, a basket and the occasional treat or toy. No longer. These days there are glittery gold bow ties that claim to make your cat “look good, feel great”. There are Crocs and mouthwashes for dogs. There are puppy harnesses, … Read more
For the second leg of our band’s nationwide tour we’ve hired a van for all our stuff, but it only has three seats, so the rest of us are following in two cars. We have agreed that no changes will be made to the show, but halfway to Bristol a revised set list appears on … Read more
The questions 1 Which continent has the highest ratio of coastline to total area?2 Han Kang is the first Nobel literature laureate to write in what language?3 Which marine mammals hold hands while sleeping?4 Who would receive a visit from Agent Million?5 “And Robin shall restore amends” is the last line of which play?6 What … Read more
These cupcakes are a playful twist on the classic Boston cream pie. I’ve added cocoa powder to the cake, while keeping the classic custard filling really rich and luscious, but the real star is an easy creme patissiere that saves on time without sacrificing flavour. Friends have declared them “amazing”, and they’d be a strong … Read more
Erin Phillips has already kicked off her white sneakers by the time we start walking south along Tennyson Beach in Adelaide. She casually leaves them behind on the sand as we dodge seaweed and dead crabs marooned by the morning tide – this is her local, after all. “I’d say I’m here at least five … Read more
Philip, 73, Bristol Occupation Retired marketing director Voting record Usually Conservative. Intends to vote Reform next time Amuse bouche Philip ate the first-ever Viennetta. Fresh out of university, he worked at Unilever, and they placed him with Wall’s ice-cream. It was one of the happiest days of his life; he loves ice-cream Doug, 63, London Occupation Wine buyer Voting … Read more
Nettles are rarely considered a welcome sight to gardeners. With their capacity for rampant growth – they spread by rhizome (underground) as well as seed – and the tiny hairs on their stems and leaves that sting any passing bare skin, they are usually uprooted from outside spaces where people are present. Nonetheless, this defensive … Read more