TO DRINK: Laphroaig whisky, with a dash of water. Its smoky, peaty flavour is a surprisingly satisfying accompaniment to simple dishes with pure flavours.

Print Recipe Penne primavera Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 50 mins Ingredients SAUCE 300g Rosa tomatoes, quartered 5 spring onions, finely sliced 60ml (¼ cup) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 60ml (¼ cup) fresh oregano, chopped 45ml (3 tbsp) fresh basil, chopped juice of ½ lemon salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 250ml (1 cup)

This recipe comes from a friend of mine, Francesco Masseli,who makes the best red sauce ever.

Print Recipe Tagliatelle alla Norma Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 30 mins Ingredients coarse salt, fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 45ml (3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped ½ onion, peeled and chopped 500g tinned, chopped tomatoes 1 aubergine, diced + a few slices of aubergine to