PORTRAIT: PAUL MITCHELL
If ever there was a time to do some comfort cooking, this is it. Honestly, everything feels a little relentless at the moment, doesn’t it? If I could send each one of you a warm cinnamon bun, fresh from my kitchen, I’d do that right now. Sadly I can’t do that, but this comfort-packed issue is as close as I can get. First of all, there IS light at the end of the pandemic tunnel so let’s keep on looking towards that glow, go out for brisk walks to spark a rush of endorphins and put colour in our cheeks – and remember to take proper lunch breaks (I need a bowl of soul soup right now; see p92).
Apart from that, February is my designated month for list making, and I highly recommend this hope-filled activity. Anyone who knows me will testify to the fact that I don’t believe in January resolutions. For one thing, there’s still stilton in the fridge, port and fizz to be drunk and Christmas cake in the tin – especially this year, even though I’ve already given away three chunks of it... I know, I know: why do I feel compelled to make a 23cm cake? Answer: I’ve no idea.