There’s a particular mood that creeps in at this point in the year. The evenings stretch, the barbecue is optimistically dusted off, windows are cracked open even when the air is still a little sharp. We want food that feels lighter, brighter, a touch celebratory – but not so virtuous that it forgets to be satisfying.
These recipes sit neatly in that in-between space. The sort of dishes that look impressive enough for friends in the garden, yet are simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday. Smoky, stuffed mushrooms that can hold their own as a vegetarian centrepiece. A crab linguini sharp with lemon and chilli that tastes like it belongs near the sea, even if it’s eaten at the kitchen table. Salmon glossed with honey and butter, ready in minutes and generous with flavour.
