“As a child, I felt that Hallowe'en was a time when creatures of the ni...” — Pippa Middleton Quote

As a child, I felt that Hallowe'en was a time when creatures of the night suddenly came to life - we would turn off all the lights in the house and let flickering candlelight conjure up scary shadows and create the effect of imaginary figures lurking in dark corners.

As I have found out, recognition has its upside, its downside and - you may say - its backside.

My interest in food really began with a month's cookery course in Frome, Somerset, after my A-levels. I left the course not an incredible cook, alas, but a real enthusiast. Food and cooking is at the core of entertaining, and my passion grew and grew.

It's a bit startling to achieve global recognition before the age of 30 on account of your sister, your brother-in-law and your bottom. One day I might be able to make sense of this. In the meantime I think it's fair to say that it has its upside and its downside.

As a child growing up during the Korean War, I knew poverty. I studied by candlelight.

I always wanted to get married with just candles! I think candlelight is the most beautiful light there is and there's something very spiritual about it.

We didn't have electricity when I was a kid. We had to watch TV by candlelight. No, that's a silly joke.

Funny you mention my dinner parties when I have just suggested that inviting close friends over to share a meal with candlelight and wine at your table could be a form of religious experience for some people. To me it's a form of sacrament.