wave

[image error]

I know you have a dozen other things to do, but if you don’t have any in the cupboard, remember to buy a bag of white beans today. Then later – not yet – sit down with a cup of tea, or glass of sherry and read this. Next week, on one of the in-between days that thread Christmas to New year, put the beans in a bowl and cover them with water. The day after cook them, or rather let the oven cook them. But before you put the sage in the pan, don’t forget to rub it, and wave it before your nose.

It’s rather late in the day to link you to my Christmas recipe suggestions, which rather like our decorations are from three places, some old, some new, a few precious, most sparkling. Like the decorations our traditions, food and otherwise, are strung together differently each year! And I am a cautious enthusiast when it come to Christmas! It will all be fine.

‘Lookout for winking lights and the smell of clementines, listen for the music drifting from a radio behind the shop counter, keep expectations flexible, laugh, give more than you take, sing and dance at least once – even if it makes you cry, do something for someone without expecting anything back, don’t worry about having enough food – you have too much, read a poem, make a jelly, take yourself off for a walk’.

I used to pour scorn on this sort of Christmas advice, now I try to take it. Also if you fold and squeeze hard a piece of clementine peel right next to a candle flame, the essential oils sparkle and crackle like tiny fireworks, and the scent is even stronger.

[image error]

On the subject of citrus, have seen a cover for my next book. We are using a picture of oranges and lemons I took last winter. Not the one above I hasten to add – who the hell  would put a sink on a cookbook cover!  I am looking at first edits now, and gathering pictures, mine and Nick’s, of Rome and Sicily, two kitchens, while still writing! But I am nearly finished and excited at the thought of sharing ‘Two Kitchens’ with you in July next year.

Meanwhile Five Quarters won both the André Simon food book award 2015 and the Guild of food writers First book award 2015. Best of all it has made its way into many kitchens, and dare I say it, beds. In bed with Five Quarters – I like that. Many of you have let me know how much you have enjoyed reading and cooking, which makes me immensely happy, thank you.

[image error]

I am sorry not to be here more, I miss it. Meanwhile my Guardian Column is weekly and I know many of you read there. Next week there is a recipe for peposo, a simple joy, so when you pick up the white beans, get 1 kg of braising beef for the freezer too, and clementines, get lots of them, and look out for winking lights.

Merry Christmas and warmest wishes to you all – R