Politicians and their plates: Annie Wells

Annie Wells MSP making ramen - Image credit: Annie Wells

Describe your favourite plate of food to cook.

I have too many favourites to mention but the common theme seems to be hot and spicy! Only this week, I made hot chilli beef ramen.
 

Why is it so special?

Over the past six months, I have been making an effort to improve my health. After giving up cigarettes, I have definitely noticed an increase in my appetite as well as a stronger craving for food with flavour. I have cooked more from scratch, using lots of herbs and spices to create more interesting dishes.

Who have you shared this plate of food with and what was the occasion?

Every weekend, I cook for my family and it’s generally something I do in one pot so we can share it at the dining table. As I am in Edinburgh a lot for my work, this is a special part of the week and I always make the effort to cook something we all like.  
 

More generally, what’s your most memorable meal and why?

The most memorable meal was the meal at which my partner Angela proposed to me in 2016. It was a dish I like to have on special occasions, steak, which I always have cooked medium rare with a peppercorn sauce.
 

Have you ever had any culinary disasters?

On Christmas Day a few years ago, my oven packed in and I had no way of cooking the turkey despite having eight people coming for dinner. Not wanting to have a Denise Royle-style Christmas, I took the turkey to my mum’s across the road where I dissected it in order to fit it into to her somewhat smaller oven.
 

What would be your last meal of choice?

Oysters with tabasco and a bit of chilli with a porterhouse steak and triple cooked chips. Of course, with a lovely glass of red wine.
 

What’s your comfort food?

Most definitely hot dogs with chilli, cheese and chips and a spicy sauce.
 

Is there any plate of food that you would never eat?

Porridge. I’m by no means a fussy eater, but there is just something about the texture and consistency I do not like. 
 

What is your favourite thing on the Scottish Parliament menu?

Prior to healthy eating, the obvious choice was the infamous macaroni cheese, but now I tend to favour the omelettes (more often than not made by Walter) and the chicken gumbo soup.