Carina’s Kitchen

After almost seven years, your star chef is ready to enjoy time off with the family

A fond farewell as your star chef writes her final column

DEAR lovely people, it is with a good dollop of sadness that I tell you this is my final column for The Scots Magazine. The pandemic hasn’t been an easy challenge and I’ve always drawn on my life experiences to share in my recipes and stories. I’m making time to get our restaurants back up to speed and focus on our customers. We are so grateful for their support.

With the restaurants closed this year again, work is the priority – so we will not be heading abroad for our summer holiday. I know the children are missing the excitement of shopping for new swimsuits, finding their sunglasses and packing their bags.

We will have some time off in July, though, to recharge our batteries and, more importantly, be able to enjoy ourselves with the family.

Looking back, it’s not the places we visit, it’s the time we spent together that’s important, so holidays at home can be just as fun.

Having time for conversations, cuddles, fun and freedom from the day-to-day is what holidays are all about. With loads of salads, grazing foods of steamed mussels, roast lemon chicken, pizza, ice cream and a little limoncello in the freezer to finish, we’ll be spending the best times together.

Sun, please shine and keep the rain away so we can share family time at its best.

I leave you with my favourite rice pudding recipe. I love rice pudding at any time of the year, but in July it’s my favourite when finished with some fresh raspberries, which have just come into season this month in Scotland.

Perthshire raspberries are the best in the world, they say. I’m not arguing. One perfect Scottish day trip that Italy can’t beat is berry-picking. The children always loved this – the excitement of finding those tiny red jewels among the greenery is an adventure in its own right.

The rice pudding can be served hot or cold depending on the weather. It will be served hot for me!

Wishing you all health and happiness, and I look forward to reading the new stories and adventures that will follow mine.

Thank you everyone, I will miss you lots!