Bee G

On Saturday mornings I normally volunteer at the local Community Allotment but this Saturday (27 July) due to a leg injury I stayed at home and watched James Martin. I realised just how much I had missed this show just for the brilliant dialogue by numerous, passionate chefs who are just "high on life!". It's infectious! I love it. I thought I had seen and heard it all....until Phil Howard (a judge on The Great British Menu, and one of today's guest chefs) began to prepare his dish with simple, humble ingredients which were currently in season. I watched avidly. One of the ingredients was the humble courgette. I was excited as I grow a variety of these and am always seeking news ways to cook them. Well, I was not expecting what came next! Phil advised us to "blowtorch the courgette TO GIVE IT CHARACTER!" This is the best line EVER! Thank you Phil. I have not stopped laughing (crying) since. The Italians have a phrase for it - "riso fino a quasi morire" - "Laughed till I nearly died!" And I very nearly did! I am still laughing. Brilliant! It later transpired that Phil Howrd had cycled from London to James Martin's house and was cycling back again after the show! Such passion, dedication and zest for life and food is to be commended. Well done Phil. You made my day and perhaps my year! Now...where's my blowtorch....?