If you can do without the MSG

Sticky beef with cashews

Go on then - have a recipe. Half borrowed from the June issue of delicious magazine and half improvised the night before last.

'Toast' some cashew nuts in a dry frying pan for just a moment, before adding some chopped ginger (according to personal taste - I add loads). Fry it for a couple of minutes, then add four dessert spoons of light soy sauce, two dessert spoons of tomato ketchup, a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of chilli flakes. You could try adding some sweet chilli dipping sauce, if you felt adventurous! Add 50ml of water and turn up the heat, then add some broccoli florets and cook the whole thing until the broccoli is done.

Separately, pan grill a sirloin steak until it's slightly underdone for your own preference (but I think you'll find medium rare is correct ...!). Leave it for a moment, then cut it into long, thin strips. At the last minute, stir the beef strips into the other ingredients. Serve it all on top of some egg fried rice with a squeeze of lime juice.

Stick a fork in me ...

Ready to bleat

There's been a bit of fuss lately in the free London 'newspapers' because some Pret a Manger sandwiches aren't made on the shop premises. They're put together at a larger branch and transported to smaller ones.

So? Does that make a difference? I mean, how fresh do you need?! They taste the same, you were oblivious two weeks ago and it's not as if they are stale or mouldy when they reach you. Really - just get over yourselves!

I don't care where they are made: I quite enjoy a nice Pret picnic somewhere nice in the warmer weather. What you want to worry about is when smokers come along and ruin your cosy spot!

Tea is better than coffee

In the world of tea rooms, an honourable mention must go to Kim's Coffee House in Saffron Walden.

Firstly, it has the most amazing selection of tea, all loose leaf. It's served in great teapots which don't lose the heat immediately and is of a great quality. Ask to see the 'full' tea list and try the Sikkim - somewhere between an Assam and a Darjeeling.

Secondly, the food is pretty good. One expects a nice selection of cakes from a tea room, but this cafe serves a good range of sandwiches, salads, breakfast options and homemade cakes. I had a delicious open bagel with mounds of smoked salmon, presented with a huge lemon wedge and some black pepper.

Thirdly, it's in a good location and has a nice garden at the back.

My only complaint is that it isn't open on Sundays!

Hope springs

I know autumn is my favourite season, but spring really is very nice too! It's such a pretty month and the weather gives one hope for the summer ahead.

It also means English asparagus is in season - hurrah! It has a far woodier taste than the bright green stuff we ship in, and goes well with some pasta and pesto, or with scrambled eggs.