The main event in my November kitchen is the always the boy’s birthday cake. This year (his 13th - can you believe it?) he requested an orange cake. I think that’s pretty orange …

Most of my food inspiration lately has been influenced by our recent trip to Rome. It’s all very simple stuff - pastas, bruschetta, antipasti - just a few ingredients, but oh so delicious. There’s been more warming dishes too, stews, curries and soups, as befits the season.

I absolutely adored the potato and mozzarella pizza from the cafe near our holiday apartment, and what can I say about the pistachio gelato? Di-vine!

We had the most incredible time on holiday. In many ways it was overwhelming - so much to see and take in. I was going to do a separate post, but I honestly didn’t know where to start. There are quite a few images on my Instagram feed and highlights, if you want to take a look.

Back home and back into the kitchen - not mine this time. Although J is no longer at the local school, I’m still involved in their Eco-committee. We held a soup and pudding lunch for the community using the produce the children had gown. That is an extremely impressive array of homegrown soups on that stove - tomato, leek and potato, butternut squash and parsnip. With a fabulous selection of desserts, provided by parents, it was a very successful and enjoyable event.

But I have been back in my own kitchen too - I like to cook from scratch as much as I can, and there’s not much I enjoy more than pottering around a cosy kitchen, Radio 4 on in the background, making good things to eat.

Buon Appetito xx