I am often hugely thankful that I am not one of those foodies who love to eat but hate to cook. With few exceptions (my pre-pubescent attempts at baking, or trying out a recipe for the first time, for example), cooking for me is and has always been a pure and simple delight - a magic combination of meditation and creation.

Last night as I cooked for the first time in over two weeks, I felt this sensation very strongly. The meal I made wasn't complicated - a salad, a cold aubergine dish and a lotus root stir-fry - but in it's methodical and straightforward tasks I was totally happy and at peace.

I ate a great many delicious and wonderful things while I was away, but goddamn it's good to be back in my own kitchen!

Food and photos from the past two weeks coming soon...