I can’t claim the slightest bit of credit for this one. A friend and I were rummaging through the Tesco cook books and I stumbled on the Fay Ripley’s book Fay’s Family Food, which was jolly homely and decidedly honest. I glimpsed this mackerel pate, which I’m ashamed to say I memorised the recipe and put the book back. However on the strength of this and other interesting things I saw, I think I’ll pick it up again – but pay for it this time…

This makes an excellent lunch on a piece of toast.

Mackerel pate:

200g mackerel

2 tablespoons cottage cheese

1 tablespoon creme fraiche

Juice of 1 lemon

Black pepper to taste

Pinch of smoked paprika

Bung the lot in a food processor and whiz until as smooth or as chunky as you’d like it. Alternatively mash with a fork.