The Monday after the kids leave for their week elsewhere, I always feel a bit empty. The Sunday evening just after they go, I’m breathing out and relaxing. But on the Monday I miss them a bit extra. It’s like a slight hangover.

When I’m alone in the house, I can feel a temptation to lower my standards. Is it really worth cooking a full meal if it’s just me eating? Setting the table and everything?

Yes. Yes it is. If my family deserves an appetizing meal nicely presented, then so do I. So what if the meal is just porridge? I wouldn’t dump the fruit on the table on a cutting board if I was serving this to Ingrid and Adrian; I can serve it in a nice bowl even if it is just for me.

(Mixed-grain porridge with orange zest, served with honey, sliced orange, chopped almonds and fresh mint.)