Carina’s Kitchen
High fashion and bold colours aren’t restricted to the catwalks and red carpets
Your top chef gets inspiration from her daughter’s pop idol
HYSTERIA. My 16-year-old played the “all of my friends” card. You know the one where they are the only person on the planet not allowed something. She doesn’t do it often, but she picks her moments well.
This time she managed to catch my husband Victor and I together in the middle of our busy Christmas period, when we were clearly in the guilt space of feeling like we’d neglected the family duties due to work – and she absolutely caught us off guard.
Every one of her friends were going, the world would be there. The man of her dreams would be there. For me that would have been Pavarotti or Lionel Ritchie. Almost 40 years later my tastes haven’t changed but for her it’s ex-one Direction star Harry Styles!
We consented, and the tickets were booked as soon as you could say the name of Harry’s new song, Lights Up, which is blared round our house. Clearly a sign of the times!
From working as a counter assistant to being a brand ambassador for one the world’s most famous fashion houses, Gucci, you have to be impressed by Harry, even if the music doesn’t quite do it for you. One of his signature outfits is pink high-waisted palazzo trousers, and this pistachio and rose cake recipe will forever remind me of Carla’s love for Harry.
Pistachio nuts originate from Asia and the Middle East, and are high in antioxidants and packed with phosphorus, which is essential for strong bones and supporting your body to produce energy. They also have a high proportion of Omega 3, those good fatty acids that are essential for us all especially those on a vegetarian diet.
While pistachios are clearly not Scottish, the little rose petals and rose water are, and they come from one of our favourite suppliers, Uncle Roy’s Comestible Concoctions. From concoctions to edible flowers, these lovely rose petals and rose water are the exotic ingredients this cake needs to be inspired by Harry Styles and his pink palazzo trousers.
Don’t miss Carina’s column next month for another great recipe.