The pastry basket

The other Lucy and I use these pastry baskets to cater for charity suppers and dinner parties. I’ve made small ones as canapés and filled them with fish, meat and even sweet fillings. I have used them for family get-togethers and the chalets use them to serve slow-cooked stews and casseroles. They are perfect for so many recipes and make a stew look very pretty on the plate. They are simple to make – foolproof if you follow these rules – and can be made in advance. Once mastered, they are a gift.