Recipes

The family were coming, and it was time to get out the recipe box. But even though I emptied it out and sorted through the contents twice, the recipe for leek and mascarpone spaghetti was missing. My daughter - to whom I passed on the knowledge - is camping in Germany, so I looked on the internet and bingo - there was the very same Good Housekeeping recipe I'd lost. Good Housekeeping is like John Lewis - tops.

I know my recipe box is way past its cook by date, but printed inside the lid there is a charming recipe -

Recipe for preserving children

Ingredients

1 grass-grown field

1 half dozen children (or more.)

Several dogs (and puppies if available.)

1 brook

Pebbles

Method

Into field pour children and dogs, allowing to mix well. Pour brook over pebbles till slightly frothy. When children are nicely brown, cool in warm bath.When dry, serve with milk and freshly baked gingerbread.