Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be cooked in a variety of ways and its affinity with cheese increases the possibilities. Deep-fry blanched small florets that have been coated in breadcrumbs mixed with grated Cheddar. Or purée cooked cauliflower, spread in a gratin dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with grated mature cheese and brown under the grill. Roasting intensifies the flavour of cauliflower and this is a great way to cook it - try it with meaty fish or offal.

Cauliflower florets also make ideal crudités to serve with an interesting dip alongside other veg dippers. And of course, piccalilli, one of my favourite pickles, is based on cauliflower.