Garlicky nuggets of pork in a fresh tomato sauce thickened with chickpeas and spinach is a terrific combination, the dish mindless to make. I used particularly meaty pork belly slices but any lean pork is suitable. The meat should have a slight chew that works well with the mealy texture of chickpeas, chilli-flecked tomato juices…

This recipe was invented specially for my grandsons who love what used to be called Jago’s soup and now is just plain Sausage Pasta. It was invented at a time when little Jago wasn’t enjoying vegetables and is rich with fresh tomato and carrot, as well as onion. He used to make it with me…

I love cauliflower cheese and have many favourite ways of making it. This is pretty much my mum’s recipe, her Desert Island dish, gratin-style, with a punchy cheese sauce. I vacillate between a breadcrumb and Parmesan crust or streaky bacon lattice, both of which add a desirable crisp contrast. It is very, very good with…

My old boss Tony Elliott likes to tease me about my predilection for chorizo so I’m thinking of him as I fry slivers cut from a whole sausage turning them into irresistible chips. They make a transforming garnish for this very simple store cupboard soup, just onion ad garlic softened in butter and vegetable oil…

Little children don’t like green bits in their food and rarely care for sauces with mustard or hard-boiled egg. Many don’t like prawns or mushrooms. Or the strong flavour of smoked haddock. All these ingredients often find their way into my fish pies but this one is plain and simple, just carefully boned white fish,…