Cranks …

...it's such a lovely word. I know that these days it means different things but back in the day a crank was “a person who has strange or unusual ideas and beliefs”. I don't know for certain whether that's how Cranks vegetarian restaurant got its name but a vegetarian in the 1970s was definitely seen to be strange – brilliant!

Cranks vegetarian restaurant opened its doors in 1961 and David Canter was the person we have to thank. Sadly David Canter died in 1981 and Kay Canter and Daphne Swann sold Cranks to Guinness in 1987. Since that time it has been bought and sold many times. My first experience of Cranks was in their Covent Garden establishment – it was revolutionary in its day and the food was delicious.

One of my most treasured cookery books is one of theirs. It's old and frail now but still used. I can do no better than to give you a recipe from The Cranks Recipe Book Cranks Restaurants.

Cream cheese and cashew nut paté

1 carrot, finely grated

225g cream cheese

100g roasted cashew nuts, crushed to a rubble – not

to a dust!

1 tbsp of chopped chives

salt and black pepper

black olives – pitted and sliced (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together, box and fridge. If you are feeling really virtuous have a side of raw carrot!

Serve on whatever takes your fancy – rice cakes, gluten free cheese oatcakes, toast or even as a sandwich filling – a toasted bagel would be good.

My cookery book recommendation for your Christmas List is one of Cranks – they are still available on Amazon – of course you don't have to wait until then – you could always treat yourself now!