Kitchen investments and Wednesday supper

In my kitchen an essential piece of kit is a timer – inexpensive and comes into its own when you're doing your circus juggling act. There is nothing more infuriating than spoiling the supper because you've forgotten what's in the oven whilst supervising homework, sorting laundry or splitting the atom.

Many moons ago I invested in a frying pan (available with or without lid) that is suitable for use from hob to oven. It did not cost a fortune and has been worth its weight in gold. There are loads to choose from but, as a rough guide, approximately 30cms diameter costs £30ish. I've had mine for a few years now and the best recommendation I can give is that when it finally wears out I'd replace it immediately.

Back to Sunday's slow cooked gammon. Your joint will be in the region of 750g and should serve 4 with good appetites. Slice your gammon – although I suspect you'll find that it will fall apart – easy to remove any residual pieces of fat. You can serve it hot or cold. If hot then pre-heat your oven 180fan/200/Gas 6. Tear four sheets of foil (big enough to fold and pinch) and place equal slices of gammon in each, fold and pinch the ends to give a sealed pouch. Place on a baking sheet. Back to the good old foil trays – tip a bag of new/salad potatoes, approximately 1kg (skin on) into a 24 cms square tray and drizzle over a little rapeseed oil, season with a sprinkle of rock salt and black pepper. Finally honey roast beetroot – see recipe attached. This is a favourite – fantastic hot initially and then used cold afterwards as part of a lunch box or a salad accompaniment. If beetroot isn't in season use the vac packs available – you can get an organic option without any vinegar and they work very well.

Pop the potatoes in the oven, set your timer for 15 minutes. When the alarm sounds, shake – carefully – the potatoes, add the foil pouches of gammon (if to be served hot) and the honey roast beetroot (also in foil tray) set timer for another 15 minutes – serve when the alarm sounds.

Enjoy the rest of your evening.