1 Take one gaggle of housemates, glutted on a hearty dinner and plonk in front of the TV

2 Pre-heat the oven to Gas mark 4

3 Take four apples of your favourite variety (I Iike to use 2 Gala and 2 Granny Smiths), core, peel and slice up into small pieces. Place in a pan with two tablespoons of water, a handful of sultanas, a teaspoonful of sugar and an avaricious pinch of ground nutmeg and cinnamon. Heat gently, stirring regularly until the apples begin to lose their shape a bit.

4 In a large bowl measure out 8oz of plain flour, add 3 oz butter which has been at room temperature and start to mix with your fingers. Once the butter has been evenly dispersed and your mixture resembles stodgy bread crumbs, add -4oz of soft brown sugar and mix well.

5 Pour the apple mixture into an oven proof dish, layer the crumble mix on top and place in the oven on the top shelf for about 30-40 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown.

6 Serve with fresh single cream to your gaggle of housemates who have by now digested and created a little bit of space in their pudding compartments.

7 Take your seat in front of the telly with the housemates, tuck in to your apple & sultana crumble and hear the collective, contented sigh.

|