Notes from Peckish - Summer

What are you cooking this month?

Tomatoes. Lots of tomatoes.

"August tomatoes don't need much. A little salt, good olive oil and plenty of fresh basil is often enough. When ingredients are this good, the less you do, the better."

What are you eating?

Shepherds Purse Katy's White Lavender

"I'm a big fan of Yorkshire cheeses and this is one I have only recently discovered on a visit to Shepherds Purse. It's creamy with delicate lavender notes and works brilliantly with fresh pears, good bread and a drizzle of local honey."

What are you drinking?

Villa Vieja Viognier

"It's fresh, crisp and perfect for these late summer evenings. It's the sort of wine that sits beautifully alongside seasonal vegetables, grilled chicken and simple food shared outdoors."

Where have you been shopping?

The Yorkshire Greengrocer, Thirsk

"The Yorkshire Greengrocer is always a good spot for sparking ideas. Not just because of their fruit and vegetables but also their deli offering. There's always something interesting to experiment with."

What's one ingredient every home cook should have this month?

Fresh herbs.

"If you've got basil, parsley, mint or tarragon growing outside, you're halfway there. Fresh herbs can completely transform the simplest meal."

What's inspiring the kitchen at the moment?

The changing season.

"There's still plenty of summer on the plate, but you can feel autumn beginning to arrive. Soon we'll be welcoming squash, wild mushrooms, apples and game into the kitchen. It's one of my favourite times of year because the menus naturally become a little more comforting without losing the freshness of the season."