pascale smets’ recipes

A VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER FROM PARIS, 1987

In my twenties fresh out of College I lived and worked in Paris as a fashion designer. My then boyfriend (now husband) was a pizza waiter/would be cartoonist and would come and visit whenever he could scrape together the coach fare – it was all glamour in those days…

CRAB APPLES – FLOWERS, FOLIAGE AND FRUIT

I absolutely love crab apple trees, so pretty and so productive, from their lovely blossom in spring right through to bright little fruit in the autumn which stay happily on the tree right into winter. Just when the garden is looking particularly stark, they provide vibrant splashes of colour and as well as being ornamental, crab apples are a food supply for birds and with a minimal amount of effort food for us too. 

the mighty beetroot

I absolutely love Beetroot, but I think it’s a bit like the Royal family, it divides opinion – you either love it or don’t see the point.
My daughter Mary recently asked  “Why would I eat something that tastes like dirt with sugar?” 
But that’s exactly why I find it delicious – its earthy sweetness.