Celebrity square meals: 'Noriko's famous fishcakes'

Leather designer Bill Amberg is best-known for his sheepskin-lined papoose, a favourite with celebrity parents. But he's also a family man who's more than happy for his children to give him a hand in the kitchen. "This is my favourite recipe," he says, "because it's quick, nutritious, and reminds me of my friend Noriko and many a great trip to Japan. I often go to Tokyo on business and I always stay with her - she's a wonderful cook. This is a family recipe and the dish is traditional Japanese home cooking. I get my kids involved as they love making it. They like getting their hands mucky squidging the fishcakes into shape. I'd have it with steamed chard and lemon juice and butter drizzled over the top."

Ingredients (makes approx 8 good-sized fishcakes)
Fillets from 3 fresh mackerel, chopped
A golf-ball-sized amount of fresh ginger, finely chopped
3 spring onions, finely chopped
4 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
Salt & pepper

Method

Mix together all the ingredients (it's preferable to do this by hand, as the texture is better). You don't need to use any oil, as the oil in the fish is enough to keep it all together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture into 8 equal amounts, and form into patties with your hands. Place in a lightly oiled non-stick frying pan, and fry on a medium heat until cooked through.

Bill Amberg's refitted shop is at 10 Chepstow Road, London W2, 020-7727 3560, www.billamberg.com