Start with a line of potatoes on a baking tray, roasting in a very hot oven. As they bake, I reduce double cream (or milk) in a pan, then infuse with a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, several black peppercorns and one smashed fat garlic clove. The kitchen becomes snug and fills with heady scents.

I take out the potatoes and while still piping hot, scoop the flesh out of their skins then mash it. Quickly, I beat the infused cream into the mash, closely followed by a knob, or three, of salted butter. With a sprinkle of cheese on top it is nearly, but not quite, ready. I finish it under the grill and it bubbles away sitting alongside two merguez sausages laden with fennel and spicy harissa. As I sit down and eat I feel like a more human version of myself.

Here are some mashed potato recipes for inspiration.

Cooking with eggs

Often when you get home from work with your head full of the stresses of the day, you may not immediately want to cook. Takeaways, ready meals, toast – anything can seem like a better, less time-consuming option. But once you begin it becomes easier. Start with a small step and everything becomes more straightforward, even though you may not feel like it at first.

Cooking for comfort: the culinary techniques to calm your mind