• Game is becoming increasingly easier to find and is such an appealing alternative to mass-farmed domestic animals. I used impala, but springbok or kudu also work well. Cook’s tips: • Potato gnocchi lightly tossed in sage butter, sprinkled with Parmesan and flat-leafed parsley gives the casserole a delicious Italian twist. • Instead of gnocchi, top the casserole with a puff pastry lattice blanket. Cut puff pastry into 3cm strips and weave a blanket to fit your pot. Paint with lightly beaten egg and bake separately until golden and crispy on an oiled baking tray at 200°C. Slide it onto the…

    Crostoli, or “sweet knots”, are called by different names depending on the region of Italy: frappe, chiacchere and cenci are just a few. Although they’re eaten all over Italy, these pastry twists are especially popular in the north. They’re not too sweet and are delicious served with coffee after dinner.

    This recipe was adapted from a book called The French Kitchen, by Fran Ward and Joanne Harris. It’s not only one of the easiest I’ve tried, but also…

    Steamed prawns wrapped in spring roll pastry, flash-fried until crisp, then served hot. If you buy ready-cooked and de-veined prawns, this is an easy way to make an elegant snack or dinner party starter in less than 30 minutes. Cook’s tips • Spring roll pastry is found in the freezer section of Chinese supermarkets or major supermarket chains. If you can’t find it, substitute with samoosa pastry. • If you’re using frozen products, remember to defrost the pastry and prawns well in advance.

    “In the summer of 1917, when I had been at the Ritz seven years, I reflected upon the potato-and-leek soup of my childhood, which my mother and grandmother…