I do not profess to be a master chef. In fact my motto in the kitchen has always been "what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger". This page is going to develop over the coming weeks, especially when chef Tessla Belladonna starts her regular section, but until that kicks in you're stuck with me.

The simplest thing to do in the kitchen is make a great big mess which quickly leads to a take-away meal. I'm going to start doing a little more in the kitchen from here on, and to help me, I've come across the two "Naked Chef" books.

The TV series struck me as being cool because it was different, but it really wasn't until I read the introduction of the second tome "The Return of.." that I finally got Jamie Oliver. Like he says (well I'm paraphrasing) it's not about effort or experience, it's not wank, it's just mucking about until you get it right. Thus my new kitchen philosophy; it's not art, it's food.

Although I'm getting someone who can cook to write these pages from here on in, I'll keep you posted on how my kitchen adventures go!