Senseo – the stylish coffee maker for the home

The Senseo looks stylish, works efficiently and has lights that tell you when to run the cleaning cycle, descale and wash out plus other helpful automated features. So easy is it to use, and so fast, that I keep making myself cups of coffee every ten minutes and then jabbering wildly at people whilst rushing around the office finding unnecessary things to do. I think it’s the caffeine overload causing it, but you never know.

Michel Roux’s ‘Sauces: Sweet and Savoury, Classic and New’

Michel Roux’s re-published ‘Sauces’ – the latest in a line of publications including ‘Eggs’ and ‘Pastry’, which was short-listed for the André Simon award last year – highlights the importance of merely one aspect of cookery, which is frequently added as an afterthought or an as-well-as, more out of habit (gravy with a roast dinner) or necessity (custard for a dry sponge) than respected as the important component it can be in its own right.

Spiced Lamb Koftas

So many countries around the world have their own version of these meaty patties and it just goes to show you how versatile they can be. I love every single version of them, but here is my own version that borrows its earthy spices from the middle east, but takes its heat from the fiery chillies that the Indians use to flavour their version. I like to serve mine with aromatic Basmati rice, which makes the perfect accompaniment.