What we choose to eat as that first crucial meal of the day is so culturally specific and so telling of where we come from and where we’ve been. I know as well as the next person that breakfast is such a luxury when the train, the bus and the working day just won’t wait. But the delicious ritual of breaking the night’s fast is surely something to be cherished whenever possible.

Nothing is taken for granted in my mother’s village in Thailand. Instead of flicking a switch to turn on the stove, Aunty Niew must collect, chop and store enough wood to cook the evening’s meal. I cannot converse with them because we do not speak the same language… And yet we do: the passing of plates, the serving of rice, the joy of eating together after more than two decades. I am grateful for this. I am grateful for the language of food we share.

A great deal has been said about the pleasures of eating, but what about the pleasures of preparing? The smelling, the choosing and the buying are all part of the joy of cooking. It’s an art that’s passed down sometimes without us even knowing – the things I’ve learned from those I love.

What we choose to eat as that first crucial meal of the day is so culturally specific and so telling of where we come from and where we’ve been. I know as well as the next person that breakfast is such a luxury when the train, the bus and the working day just won’t wait. But the delicious ritual of breaking the night’s fast is surely something to be cherished whenever possible.

Nothing is taken for granted in my mother’s village in Thailand. Instead of flicking a switch to turn on the stove, Aunty Niew must collect, chop and store enough wood to cook the evening’s meal. I cannot converse with them because we do not speak the same language… And yet we do: the passing of plates, the serving of rice, the joy of eating together after more than two decades. I am grateful for this. I am grateful for the language of food we share.

A great deal has been said about the pleasures of eating, but what about the pleasures of preparing? The smelling, the choosing and the buying are all part of the joy of cooking. It’s an art that’s passed down sometimes without us even knowing – the things I’ve learned from those I love.

What will I cook today? The answer is laid out on a market stall table or in bright orange plastic tubs. Inspiration comes from a farmers’ market, an Asian market, a fish market or even a butcher’s shop. Shopping for produce means getting out there into the world and chasing inspiration.

Food should be fun and sometimes a little crazy. Don’t be scared to break the rules. Fish sauce in a dessert? Give it a go. If it doesn’t work out then you’ve taught yourself a lesson. Herein lies the joy of cooking at home. We can create and cook in our kitchens without fear.

Feed your friends and fuel your family with these menus that make my heart sing. From a Thai dinner and a summery lunch to the ultimate steak dinner and a wintery feast, this is food for the soul.

What will I cook today? The answer is laid out on a market stall table or in bright orange plastic tubs. Inspiration comes from a farmers’ market, an Asian market, a fish market or even a butcher’s shop. Shopping for produce means getting out there into the world and chasing inspiration.

Food should be fun and sometimes a little crazy. Don’t be scared to break the rules. Fish sauce in a dessert? Give it a go. If it doesn’t work out then you’ve taught yourself a lesson. Herein lies the joy of cooking at home. We can create and cook in our kitchens without fear.

Feed your friends and fuel your family with these menus that make my heart sing. From a Thai dinner and a summery lunch to the ultimate steak dinner and a wintery feast, this is food for the soul.