Ask the Past

I love fireworks displays, but I always find the boxes of fireworks that you can buy around Guy Fawkes kind of underwhelming. What's the best way to make the most of fireworks at home?

Every time I go to the supermarket at the moment, I am filled with a simmering rage about the cost of food. I've had a look for recipe ideas, but there are only so many times I can stand to eat lentil bolognese. Can you suggest any other cheap recipes?

This election is really stressing me out. What can I do to take my mind off it?

I was talking with friends about some of the weird shit our parents used to do, and I suddenly remembered that my dad sent me a bunch of flowers when I got my first period. Can you shed any light on any of this?

My six year old's new best friend is a kid who has recently moved here from New York. He wants to invite their whole family round for lunch, and he's said all the food needs to be American.

I'm having my partner's family round for dinner, and I am planning to get Uber Eats for the main course and make a few appetisers. What can you suggest that's easy but spectacular for a small dinner party?

My earthquake supplies need refreshing soon, and I don't want to waste any of the old tins. Can you suggest some good recipes using tinned food? I have lots of tins of peaches and pears, as well as soups, spaghetti, tinned fish, and an assortment of beans and

I'm in a polyamorous relationship, and I want to introduce my two partners to each other. What is the best way to do that?

Can you suggest some good recipes for a midwinter party? I'm going to turn the heaters all the way up and pretend it's summer.