At first, we were under the impression that Jack and Alf were one and the same man, but it seems we have a Jekyll and Hyde on our hands. This has created a feeling of jealousy between the two, which borders on the irrational.

For instance, when Jack was waxing eloquently about "Peaches in Kirsch," Alf butted in with, "Don't do you as much good as pea soup." So we included both. Even Alf's granny got in on the act.

Jack's friends (Shirley Bassey, Bruce Forsyth, William Franklyn, Matt Monro, and Barbara Windsor), however, all obviously talented and intelligent people, gave us no trouble at all. With their help, we are confident that the book is delightful in its informality, and invaluable in that it provides a means for today's cooks to provide a "different" kind of menu within their budget.

First published: Monday 10th November 1975