What comes next …

… suggestions for “staples suitable for a small space” - stuff that won't deteriorate and doesn't necessarily need a fridge so won't come to any harm stashed in a small box in the bottom of a wardrobe.

The magic of a chicken – this recipe is why I suggested investing in a 3.5L slow cooker – it's the perfect size for a whole one.

Slow cooked whole chicken

1.5kg chicken

1 chicken stock pot/cube

generous sprinkle of mixed herbs or

garlic Italian seasoning

2 tsps of garlic paste

Place your chicken in the slow cooker and, if you are using a stock pot, mix the garlic and stock together and spread over the chicken. Sprinkle with herbs. Switch your slow cooker on low and leave it for 8 hours.

The resultant juices give you approximately half a pint (300ml) of stock – or in this case dunking juices.

My serving suggestion is to leave the cooked chicken where it is in the slow cooker – definitely rustic – it can either be broken up with fingers or slice the breast if you must – tear and share bread to dunk into the juices. As a contender for an easy “green” side there's the outdated iceberg wedge with a dressing or dip of your choice – you don't have to make the dressing/dip – blue cheese or Thousand Island are probably the most popular. If the iceberg wedge is too much, Little Gem lettuces are the ideal size for “cups” to fill with pieces of chicken.

I know I don't need to point out that you can pick up a whole chicken for around £3 if you shop smart.

You can now begin your “staples suitable for a small space” list with :

Knorr seasoning paste – garlic flavour pots

Knorr chicken stock pots

Garlic Italian seasoning or mixed herbs

It will get easier.