Stock the store cupboard ...

… especially from a dessert point of view. If I have visitors at the last minute I want to be able to offer them a dessert but I may not have the time to make one from scratch or even to pop out to buy one.

When I say “store cupboard” I include the freezer too. Top of my list is a batch of vanilla ice cream – it cannot fail.

Earlier this year I gave you three different versions of a “Hodgepodge”. If you'd like to have a look at each of the recipes, you'll find them on the blog Easter Emergencies A Hodgepodge, Hodgepodge – take 2 and Hodgepodge … again. The Compote Compilation will give you the recipe for Blueberry Compote.

You don't have to spend a fortune and you can make bits and pieces yourself if you feel inclined or, more to the point, if you have time – for example meringue kisses or either of the curds – lemon or orange.

Frozen raspberries and cherries are essentials for the freezer.

The added bonus with this “stock” is that if it isn't used over the holidays it'll still be there and not committed to the food waste mountain because it's out of date.

Add a bag of hazelnuts and almonds to your shopping list too.

Choose a secret location and stash a selection of favourite chocolate bar(s). Note to self – remember where you stashed them! Nowadays you can buy bite sized versions of your favourites – very useful fridged and then chopped or bashed in their wrapper to add to ice cream, add fruit of your choice and decorate with a sprinkle of nuts.

Dessert any one?!