A measuring jug is also vital when cooking rice, as this is always measured by volume rather than by weight

The thing I can't resist is a pork pie. That's my idea of a lovely treat.

In our house, some of our favourite recipes just happen to be vegetarian, but I still enjoy meat and I believe very much in meat.

There are people who claim to be instinctive cooks, who never follow recipes or weigh anything at all. All I can say is they're not very fussy about what they eat. For me, cooking is an exact art and not some casual game.

I don't actually get recognised. I only have my hair done and make-up put on when I am on TV. The rest of the time, I go out without make-up on, so people don't recognise me.

I do believe you can be attracted by somebody at first sight. We have all done it.

Getting into the habit of switching a timer on will, I promise, save you from any number of kitchen disasters.