Published by Quadrille, 2006, hardcover, illustrated, index, 226 pages, condition: as new.
Entertaining at home used to be cause for anxiety, but under Ruth Watson's expert guidance, planning weekend dinner parties and family get-togethers can be fun and notably stress-free. Each designed for eight people, this is a collection of recipes for starters, main courses, desserts and side orders.
"I became a food writer because I met Delia and her husband, Michael, at Hintlesham and they liked the newsletters I wrote. They asked me to be a contributing food editor on their (then) newly launched magazine for Sainsburys and I continued to write two or three columns a month for about six years. I was then food editor of the Daily Mail Weekend Magazine for two years. I have won two Glenfiddich awards for food writing and have written three cookery books, The Really Helpful Cookbook; Fat Girl Slim; and Something for the Weekend. A few years ago I was awarded a doctorate by what was then the University Campus Suffolk, but is now the University of Suffolk not even redbrick but in a great position by Ipswichs old docks. I am very grateful for the honour, whatever.
I am the current secretary of the Guild of Food Writers and belong to the Society of Authors and the ALCS. I also carry a donor card. Youre welcome.
I became a televison presenter because Jill Laurie (who had had the original idea for what turned out to be The Hotel Inspector), contacted my then agent to ask if she knew of anyone well versed in hotels. Despite turning down many offers on many occasions, I have to date presented three series of Hotel Inspector for Five, one series of Hotel Rescue on C4 and three series of Country House Rescue.
I became fat because I eat too much. Its something else my skinny childhood, slender teens and svelte twenties did not prepare me for. Frankly, the notion that fatness should be excused as a disability is scandalous. If I suffered from MS or rampant arthritis, I would feel incensed that people who can do something about their condition are to be regarded with the same sympathy and help as those who cant. I am currently trying to get into the frame of mind that allows me to edit everything I eat. It is colossally boring and I resent it bitterly.
The only thing I have ever actively planned was to learn to drive, something which still gives me enormous pleasure and too many speeding endorsements. Formula 1 is a must-see for me and with C4s limited coverage I have been forced to watch Sky. The presenters are nothing like as good, including the token woman, shod in preposterously high heels unlike the marvellous Lee McKenzie.
As for interests, well the world in all its complexity interests me. Anything from politics and business to design, photography and architecture, horse racing, pop music (indie, preferably 6 Music is de rigueur), plants, history, restaurants and fashion they will all get my attention."
