It works for any occasion: breakfast or brunch, a quick lunch, light supper, a snack for any reason. Something on toast … Words, Nigel Slater says, to carve on his tombstone. He’s a fan, whether infusing cream with shells for a perfect prawn topping or whisking up his brilliant lemon curd. Also making our top 20 are Georgia Levy’s devilled mushrooms, Amy Newsome’s baked-bean twist and Laura Goodman’s ricotta and hot honey. There’s Mat Lindsay’s Aussie take on anchovy toast, and tomatoes in creme fraiche from Joe Woodhouse. Just leave room for a slice with Rebecca Bishop’s cherry amaretto jam.
Just add zesty orange juice and a few chilli flakes for a tongue-tingling topping (pictured above)
With its rich topping, a kick of vinegar and spicy cured sausage, this tasty combination is pure comfort
A straightforward staple that lends itself to almost endless adaptations
Celebrate the magic that happens when you mix prawns with cream and dill
Fermented flavours bring the humble egg to life
Forget the kidneys and cover mushrooms with the classic spicy sauce instead
Any tomato will do for this perfect light lunch
Could this classic be the greatest combination of all time?
For a touch of midwinter magic, try pepping up the humble leek
Roast your aubergines whole in the oven for a variation on baba ganoush
A dish that’s super-quick but rich and complex at the same time
Contrast the smoothness of avocado with a kick of cumin and paprika
Open a can and create this sweet, smoky and restorative bean dish in a few simple steps
A vegan take on taramasalata, where seaweed flakes do the heavy lifting
A light lunch that combines pickled onion with creamy beans and blue cheese
The best olive oil and the freshest garlic intermingle to make this first-rate confit
This traditional Malaysian condiment can be made in less than half an hour
This little jar of sunshine couldn’t be easier to make at home
Use the finest quality chocolate when it’s time for a devilish snack – best consumed late at night
Gift it or keep this flavoursome jam for yourself – frozen cherries work just as well