You may also remember my trepidation at the thought of submitting a piece of homework for review by our talented teacher.
This was a sample of work, written BEFORE the course - definitely an opportunity to "compare and contrast" our writing abilities, in the manner of the old English O level questions!
Diana's comments were incisive and very helpful. I am putting them into practice with my writing now and hope that the results are evident.
But this all gave me an idea and as she has written, albeit privately, about mine, I have decided to write about Diana's writing. I have several of her books and, in my opinion, each one is even better than the last.
Her latest, is certainly my favourite.
SIMPLE: Effortless food, big flavours
To be honest, there's not much more to add to that. We learned on our course that "less is more" and not to pad out our writing with unnecessary waffle. The title and summary really do describe the book to a T.
Damn, Diana is a clever writer!!
This book shows you how to turn a few ingredients into tantalising, easy to prepare and visually impressive meals without having to be a trained chef or have a kitchen full of specialist equipment.
OK, so some of the ingredients are a bit off beat for us rural mice - pomegranate molasses in Highley anyone? - but surely that's what the internet is for. Hello Souschef.
Take, for example, huevos rotos:
"SPANISH BROKEN EGGS; spicy, cheap, calls for a cold beer."
No spare words and already I am hooked. After all, an excuse for a beer on a school night signposts me to a recipe every time.
"In other words, perfect midweek food"
Who can argue with that?
A total of only 16 words and they speak volumes.
This not only sums up the recipe, but everything that Diana taught us. Choose your words carefully and sparingly and they will deliver your message. Blather on and the message will be lost.
Now go and get yourself a copy of the book - and treat yourself to some remarkably SIMPLE food.
© Netherton Foundry 2017
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