Helen McGinn It’s the Easter Holidays! Or as I like to call it, that time when I spend the mornings trying to get my teenagers out of bed, the afternoon driving them around and any time in between checking they haven’t discovered this year’s hiding place for the Easter eggs. Actually, I posted a picture of a bag of Mini Eggs on Instagram last week asking if it was too early to go in. The responses were priceless. Unsurprisingly, the answer was a hard no and so to make up for it I made a huge chocolate cake at the weekend and covered it with Mini Eggs. It got the teenagers out of bed, at least.
In other news, after more than two years doing Saturday Kitchen from home I was finally allowed back into the studio a few weeks ago. Much as I loved being able to do my Saturday job from home during lockdown, usually still in my tracksuit bottoms and slippers, it was a total joy to be back. I got to eat the food, pour the wine and see everyone in real life. Nothing beats that. Not even Mini Eggs.
Current vodka in the cupboard: Dima’s Vodka
Price: £35 - Buy From Dima's Vodka
This gorgeous Ukrainian vodka is made from three grains – barley, rye and wheat – and is so smooth, you can sip it on its own. Do as Dima, the founder, does and serve it at room temperature alongside a selection of pickles (I’m pretty sure you get some when you order a bottle of this). Or do as I do and make a Long Vodka with lime juice, soda, a dash of bitters and lots of ice. Delicious.
Current red in the rack: Castillo de Zalin Organic Monastrell
Price: £7.50 - Buy From Co-op
Made from the Monastrell grape (known as Mourvedre elsewhere) in Jumilla, down in southeast Spain, this is a gloriously juicy red with smooth black fruit flavours and a touch of spice. Incredible value given that it’s organic to boot. Perfect Sunday roast red.
