Cooking revelations

My first Pinterest food-based revelation is that pasta doesn’t just have to be a guilty quick fix meal after I’ve finished playing netball. While yes, boring pesto-from-a-jar is considered unacceptable dinner party fare, that doesn’t mean spaghetti has to be too. Our old friend Jamie Oliver turns up a treat with his impressive looking spaghetti vongole – which is actually just a matter of some nice clams, plenty of garlic and lots of sourdough for sweeping up the juices – while gnocchi with a homemade watercress mint pesto leads to a friend, who shall remain nameless, actually licking out the serving bowl. I also learn I shouldn’t avoid curries.

I’ve always believed that cooking a curry would involve dedicating an entire afternoon to pounding spices and simmering – but that doesn’t have to be the case. A simple Goan fish curry recipe I find is a flavour sensation, and you can use any white fish from your local supermarket. I’m also, thanks to the likes of Diana Henry, bringing back tray bakes. My living room and kitchen are open plan, so anything I can prepare quickly in advance – like roast vegetables – rather than running around like a wild thing while my guests try and relax is key to everyone’s enjoyment.

The toast of the town: starting a kitchen revolution with Pinterest