If you frequent Lightly Toasted you’d remember the time I wrote about the Classic and contemporary Women’s Weekly^* Roast Book? And where you could get them cheaper? Well, I’ve to confess I love a good roast. They make me feel like I can eat all day without the thought of putting on weight not that that much deters me really! But roasting is mostly fun and very satisfying especially in winter. All those hot warm, succulent juicy roasts come to mind when its cold outside. I never much resist food really I quite literally keep eating when everyone around me has stopped. Here is a little Moroccan Chicken with cous-cous stuffing I made about a month back. Isn’t it appetising? The roasted vine ripened tomatoes are my weakness and sadly these were just a tad overdone, still yummy though.

^* I have known plenty people that will turn up their nose when they hear the name — Women’s Weekly. But you know what, its quite alright for home cooking and the occasional entertaining. Not everyone packs The Cooks Companion by Stephanie Alexander or the likes in their kitchen. Its great to have gorgeous recipes but at the end of the day a lot depends on the technique, ingredients and passion.

Now speaking of ‘arsenal’ a great quote comes to mind. This is somewhat related. And bet you’ll see my correlation in a second. read on.

“An amateur photographer friend was invited to dinner and took along a few pictures. The hostess looked at his work and exclaimed, “these are very good. you must have an excellent camera.” Later, as my friend was departing, he turned to the hostess and said, “that was a delicious meal. You must have some excellent pots.”

- Simon Evans