E&D serves up a celebrity chef

The autumn issue of E&D, The Times' food and drink magazine out tomorrow, holds a treat for all those who follow the celebrity chef scene. Phil Vickery - who is a regular Ready, Steady, Cook presenter on BBC2 and on ITV's This Morning - is interviewed exclusively for E&D on the launch of his latest book, Britain: The Cookbook.

Mr Vickery, who is also famous in Britain for launching his Seriously Good Food label, reveals how he feels that English cooking is turning into a bit of a joke and about life as a celebrity chef. Readers can also enjoy an exclusive preview of some of Vickery's favourite recipes from Britain: The Cookbook.

This month, E&D focuses on Ireland as a tempting destination for all foodies, with recipes, restaurant reviews, travel tips and a lively account of what gives the Irish their famous craic (Irish lingo for high jinks).

On the recipe front, Concita Demicoli's pie concoctions will certainly tempt many, as will "agony aunt" Gloria Mizzi's timely tips about preparing Maltese delicacies like honey rings, doughnuts and qassatat.

E&D pays tribute to the picnic season by bringing together a couple of chef Joe Vella's best picnic recipes and tips and advice to make your outdoor feast a sure success. Of course, September is also "back to school" month and E&D runs to the rescue of all parents who find that a healthy yet delicious school lunch still eludes them. Cognac lovers will certainly enjoy reading all about the popularisation of this somewhat aristocratic drink, with rappers like Busta Rhymes and Eminem helping it reach cult status with young clubbers.

This issue's seasonal delicacy is the prickly pear, a luscious fruit that's as delicious as it is difficult to peel. E&D shows you the right way to peel the prickly pear and offers some ideas about how to make the most of this colourful fruit that grows abundantly all over the Maltese countryside.

The regular competition, interviews and vox pop are also present in this issue so make sure you get your free copy with The Times tomorrow.

E&D is a quarterly magazine edited by Ramona Depares. It is designed by MediaMaker Ltd, a member of the Allied group of companies.