大象传媒

At the end of a rotten week we all need to get away, but sometimes we don't have that option. Sophie's suggestion is an escapist weekend, in which she draws inspiration from her foreign travels so that one weekend can be made to feel like a week's holiday.

Friday night ends with a soothing New England-style clam chowder with thyme crunchy breadcrumbs. Saturday's saucy Mexican-style brunch is quesadilla with peppers, Monterey Jack, guacamole and lime sour cream dip served with spicy hot chocolate. Her late lunch is calamari salad with chargrilled peppers, red chicory and herby lime dressing, which summons up the warmth of lazy Mediterranean holidays.

To banish the week's blues entirely she visits a saree shop and acquires an exotic new table cloth which inspires her final meal of the weekend: Sophie's dhal with lemon and saffron spiced rice. By the end of this culinary adventure she feels ready to handle Monday again.