Round two of the rough puff challenge, and after last week's abysmal attempt at mastering galette des rois it was time to see how the two lard pastries held up when pitted against something savoury. For the comparison at first I that thought pies might be a nice option but then decided sausage rolls would actually highlight the pastry better, and so settled on Bourke Street's lamb, harissa and almond version, as they put everything into these sausage rolls that I wouldn't...

When I was growing up most of my weekends were spent out at dad's where we'd often be found in the kitchen, cooking this or baking that. Summer was always more fun outdoors, but as the cooler months set in there was no better room for retreat. With the slow-combustion stove crackling away in the corner and some inappropriate opera, or maybe Van Morrison, crooning over the stereo it was cosy and comforting, our favourite place to be. This wasn't so much a tradition, just something that we both enjoyed doing. Our way in which two quiet people communicated without words...