Gratin of Macaroni, Cheddar Cheese and Chilli

Out of the many dishes in this collection of recipes this is probably the one I have prepared most, over and over again. It is as comforting as a favourite book, with hearty Cheddar cheese sauce clinging to al dente pasta, and full of the zest that a hefty jolt of mustard and chilli can bring.

Perfect for a winter supper, accompanied by a salad of continental-style mixed and bitter salad leaves - slightly bitter frisée, tender mâche, bracing radicchio. You could offer, too, a