Susie on Saturday Kitchen

(by susie)

When Saturday Kitchen went out last week, Peter and I were still fast asleep in bed.

Was this some sort of idle weekending, I hear you ask?

Not really – it was 2am our time, for we were in San Francisco, half-way round a whirlwind tour of the Bay Area’s finest wine and food establishments (see our review of The French Laundry, with more reports to follow in due course).

But of course we were sure to catch up via iplayer when we returned yesterday. And what a show it was, with James Tanner cooking brioche, mustard and maple syrup-coated lamb with wild garlic choux potatoes, and José Pizarro rustling up spicy lamb meat-balls.

For James Tanner’s indulgent dish, I went for the Taste the Difference Priorat 2007 (currently on offer at £7.49, Sainsbury’s).

It went down very well in studio. ‘Susie’s done a fantastic job,’ commented Tanner. ‘With this dish, it’s perfect.’

José agreed enthusiastically, terming it a ‘lovely match’.

‘A bit of a bargain,’ concluded host James Martin, which is a compliment indeed from this particular Yorkshire chef.

I also gave José’s mighty meatballs the Spanish treatment, opting for the great value Viña Fuerte Old Vine Garnacha 2008 (from £5.24, Waitrose).

‘Just amazing,’ was José’s considered reaction. ‘Nice, spicy – a beautiful area making stunning wines. Amazing value for money.’

James Tanner agreed. ‘Great combination again, she’s got it spot on.’

The heaven dish this week was chocolate and strawberry roulade, for which I chose the Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro (£7.99, widely available).

A Spanish hat-trick in Fleet. I bet that doesn’t happen too often…

As ever, UK-based viewers can view the show until the coming Saturday via the BBC iplayer. Wine bits at 16:14 and 54:15. And be sure to look out for Peter, who’s on next week, with cooking by Claude Bosi and Anthony Demetre.