The end product!

It's always a good idea to decide on an end product when road testing kit and my advice would definitely be don't choose anything too complicated – it will only end in tears with you covered head to toe in chocolate – a slight exaggeration may be! It should be a fun exercise with something to show for it.

I thought I'd have a shot at what we used to call “petit fours” they could be used with a dessert or, as they were originally served, a sweet hit with an after dinner coffee and/or liqueur – very 1970s. You know you've always wanted to produce your own version of an After Eight Mint!

So, have a look in your store cupboard/pantry and grab a handful of whatever takes your fancy – in the fruit and nut line that is … I chose my usual favourites because they are staples in my pantry – tart cherries, apricots and pistachios. Chop them, finely – you can mix them if you wish or leave them in individual heaps, ready to scatter later.

A final tip – don't experiment with new pieces of kit, or recipes for that matter, if you haven't got the time – if you put yourself under pressure you'll rush and chances are you won't be happy with the result.