May and June

As the year progresses, the need to be highly creative in the kitchen diminishes. Britain’s farmers produce an array of delightful treats and, as a result, at this time of year hardly any effort is required to create the most exciting of menus.

The key ingredient for me is local asparagus – we are very lucky to have a neighbour who grows some of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s so popular locally, you can even buy it in our corner shop in Raglan. This is the only time of the year I don’t mind repeating an ingredient on the menu – the first picking of this most prestigious of home-grown produce sends waves of excitement through my kitchen.