Politicians and their plates: Liz Smith likes a traditional roast

Describe your favourite plate of food to cook

Roast rib of beef on the bone with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, roasted parsnips, broccoli and carrots (from the farm where l live) with red wine and wild rowan gravy and English mustard. Accompanied by the Hedonist Reserve Shiraz.

Why is it so special?

Not only does this meal taste so good, but it reminds me of the many very happy and sociable evenings l have been able to enjoy with friends in country pubs and inns following long days out on the hills and on the cricket pitch.

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

My most memorable meal was being present at a traditional ‘feast’ at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, in 1992 when I was a fellow commoner. It consisted of seven courses, of which the main course was roasted goose with all the trimmings. Each course was accompanied by fine wines from the college cellar.

Have you ever had any culinary disasters?

Yes, l once had a culinary disaster when l was cooking salmon en croute but had forgotten to put on the oven.

What would be your last meal of choice?

There are so many meals I enjoy but, if l had to pick one final meal:

Starter: smoked trout with green salad trimming

Soup: cream of asparagus

Main course: Perthshire lamb cooked in red wine jus and rosemary with Parmentier potatoes, garden peas and cauliflower

Cheese course: Colston Bassett Stilton

Dessert: black and red fruit salad

What’s your comfort food?

Without any question, bacon and egg for breakfast with pork sausage and mushrooms.

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

I am unable to eat some shellfish such as crayfish, shrimps and prawns. I also stay very clear of milk puddings such as rice pudding and semolina.

What is your favourite dish on the Scottish Parliament menu?

In the Members’ Restaurant, l have enjoyed so many lunches and dinners over the 12 years l have been an MSP. The outstanding meal the restaurant cooked for my mother’s 80th birthday party in 2009 was the highlight.