Toby Atkin-Wright

We’ll be going away for the weekend for our annual “Frogmarch” weekend. Every year we rent a big house somewhere in the UK, and spend the weekend with friends dating back to school and university days. This year we’re going to Dunstan Hall in Northumbria.

As usual, Andrew and I are planning the menu. I find it very satisfying cooking for a dozen or more people, including a formal meal on Saturday night and a roast lunch on Sunday. Beth is looking forward to cooking too — she enjoys helping in the kitchen, and has a special favourite that involves mixing by hand: Chesil Beach cake (so-called because it feels like it is full of fossils).

To make Chesil Beach cake one should start with a variety multi-pack of mini boxes of Kellogg’s cereals. Put them in a large bowl and add Smarties, chopped fudge, and some fruit (chopped dates or raisins are good). Other sweets can be added to taste — a controversial choice last year was Jelly Tots, which sharply divided opinion. Mix in a good quantity of molten Dairy Milk and Mars Bars, and mix. Put into a tray and chill to set, and look forward to over-eating.

We’ll be going away for the weekend for our annual “Frogmarch” weekend. Every year we rent a big house somewhere in the UK, and spend the weekend with friends dating back to school and university days. This year we’re going to Dunstan Hall in Northumbria.

As usual, Andrew and I are planning the menu. I find it very satisfying cooking for a dozen or more people, including a formal meal on Saturday night and a roast lunch on Sunday. Beth is looking forward to cooking too — she enjoys helping in the kitchen, and has a special favourite that involves mixing by hand: Chesil Beach cake (so-called because it feels like it is full of fossils).

To make Chesil Beach cake one should start with a variety multi-pack of mini boxes of Kellogg’s cereals. Put them in a large bowl and add Smarties, chopped fudge, and some fruit (chopped dates or raisins are good). Other sweets can be added to taste — a controversial choice last year was Jelly Tots, which sharply divided opinion. Mix in a good quantity of molten Dairy Milk and Mars Bars, and mix. Put into a tray and chill to set, and look forward to over-eating.