Buttermilk roast chicken | Roasted beetroot and carrot salad

The best thing about having people over for lunch is…not the cooking. I’ve spent countless times stuck in the kitchen when everyone else is having fun and I’ve learnt my lesson! Now I just want to hang out with my friends.

It’s all about easy meals that can be prepped ahead and that cook with minimal supervision.

Today I had my friends Treen and Rucy over for a lazy Sunday lunch. Treens brought her little boy Will who has a beautiful blossoming smile. It starts off slow and he holds your eye for a few seconds before his soft, wide smile pops out. So gorgeous.

Now this is going to sound all clucky but I’ve always thought that babies’ heads have the most delicious fragrance. Why yes, I would like to cuddle your child…and surreptitiously sniff their little fluffy heads. Am I alone here?

Don’t worry, I don’t kiss them and I’m very discreet with the inhaling. Not that I’m all gaga when it comes to babies. I don’t mind the crying, the spitting or throwing up even but I hate changing nappies.

I’m told you feel differently when you have your own. All I can say is, I hope so otherwise my kids will be sitting around in their own filth.