In the still-rural village of my 1960’s childhood
we had already gained a reputation for adventurous cooking at home…

Mum being an Elizabeth David fan.

My sister’s classmates gathered round her when she brought ingredients

for spaghetti bolognese

to domestic science class.

Guest toyed, curious,

with the soy sauce

placed on the table with more usual condiments.

 

A scone pizza recipe

sealed our celebrity in the street,

so easy for us kids to make,

on large rectangular baking tins.

Tomatoes, cheese,

herbs and garlic (unheard of).