A Letter From The Editor

Chocolate is what dreams are made of. From snapping off a few squares from a block of dark chocolate, to dipping fruit into a chocolate fondue – I’ll take it whichever way chocolate is delivered. Most days, at around 3pm, the chocolate fairy magically appears in my office, and I find myself snacking on yet another more-ish delight, washed down with a pot of tea.

This month, as we celebrate Easter, it’s chocolate overload, and I’m loving it. Thank you, Easter Bunny! As well as Easter, this month, on March 8, we also celebrate International Women’s Day – go, girl power! It’s an important day for all women, and reminds me to remain the strong, independent woman that my strong, independent grandmother made sure I’d be! But even the most independent women can have a weakness for chocolate, so please join me in chocolate heaven by indulging in one of our decadent recipes, starting on page 46. Easter is also a great chance to take a little time out to cook. Traditionally, on Good Friday, my mother always eats fish – absolutely no meat allowed in our house! I have many memories of my dear late dad cooking smoked cod, with the whole house embracing the Good Friday routine. And so, for you, Mum and Dad (I know you’re up there cooking cod!), we have a fabulous fish feature on page 56. There’s no cod but lots of catches, from bream to salmon. If fish isn’t your thing, turn meat-free Monday into meat-free Friday – turn to page 80. Hot cross buns are also a Good Friday tradition, and ours are also gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them – turn to page 66. Then on Easter Sunday, when you’ll be entertaining family and friends, we have delectable menus for you to choose from. Our stunning Easter lunch, page 16, includes roasted beer-can chicken and classic trifle, while our dazzling Easter dinner, page 36, features roast lamb and chocolate self-saucing pudding. Yum! Apart from chocolate and holidays, this month embraces my favourite time of the year for two very good reasons. Firstly, it’s autumn – the leaves are turning brown and there’s a gentle coolness in the air. Secondly, it’s my birthday! I love a good party and I also love a good cake, so check out the citrus poppy seed celebration cake, page 86, and our doughnut feature on page 106. Now the time has come for me to start thinking about my birthday wish list... Apart from a little bling to make me sing, I mostly wish for happiness, laughter and love. I also wish for equality around the world and I hope one day I’ll live to see it. Happy birthday to me, and happy International Women’s Day to all of you wonderful women out there,