For my money, celery hasn't got a mean bit of fibre in its body, and we all need to start being much nicer to it.

I have a terrible tendency to lick my fingers when I cook. So much so that I got a telling off from my pastry teacher years ago, who said it would hinder my prospects.

Herbs deserve to be used much more liberally.

I have to admit that I can't take a whole fig and eat it on its own as I would a peach or mango. It's just too much.

Believe it or not, I'm as much a fan of a supper shortcut as the next person.

As is always the way with pancakes, the first hotcake to come out of the pan will probably be a bit misshapen. Just scoff it, and carry on with the rest.