PORTRAIT: TREVOR LEIGHTON. PHOTOGRAPH: MIKE ENGLISH
How do you view the second month of the year? Do you see it as an endurance test, one step closer to spring, a moment to celebrate the fact that January is over? You may (or not, depending on your point of view) be surprised to know there are a few valiant, glass-half-full souls who consider February the best month of the year – a month for celebrating all that’s good about inside warmth, slouchy socks, marmalade-making, cake-baking, film-watching and a general appreciation of all home can offer. Need convincing? Turn to p32 for Kate Young’s perspective. Even if you don’t agree, her viewpoint challenges perceptions about what so many people see as a bleak month.
My view is that February needs an antidote of warming recipes: food to make you smile, while nourishing body and soul. It also needs stories that inform, pique your interest, make you chuckle, challenge you to agree – or disagree vehemently. You’ve guessed it: there couldn’t be a better time to cosy on down with your favourite magazine. If you’d like a steer towards which recipe to try first, my top choices are the 10-minute halloumi fries on p7, the cassoulet on p100 (you can’t get more warming than that) and, for a sweet treat, the simple biscuits on p63.
Often, the difference between okay and great cooking is nailing a few key techniques, which is why we’ve created our new Masterclass section, starting on p99. During 2020 you can build a wealth of knowledge and collect a set of recipes we hope you’ll see as invaluable. If there’s a dish you’d like us to cover, please write to me at readers@deliciousmagazine.co.uk. This is your magazine and I love to hear from you.
Here’s wishing you a great February, where the days are frosty and bright, the cooking is a joy and the eating is GOOD