The veggie option – I know this works too

The classic vegetarian option was always a bowl of pasta with a nondescript tomato sauce poured over the top – lots of care and attention – NOT!

I like to make the best of what's available and in season and I think I did.

This recipe proved to be a hit and has been repeated more than once since – so much so I committed it to paper - even the most stalwart of carnivores enjoyed it. The other plus is that it stands on its own as a vegetarian dish but also lends itself as part of a larger menu.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

4/6 large Portobello Mushrooms

1 medium onion, finely chopped with a drop of rapeseed oil and a knob of butter

85g breadcrumbs (or if you want an alternative

use an 85g packet of sage & onion stuffing mix)

Garlic paste or 2 crushed cloves of garlic

50g pine nuts (chopped walnuts or chestnuts would also work well)

Small double cream - 150ml

75g each of grated

Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese

Red Leicester

Gruyere

Salt and black pepper

100/150g grated Parmesan

Pre-heat your oven 180fan/200c/gas 6.

Soften the onion and garlic with the oil and butter.

Remove and discard the stalks and set the mushrooms aside on a baking tray. If the mushrooms wobble slice a thin layer from the bottom – that should do the trick.

Place the breadcrumbs or stuffing mix into a mixing bowl, add the softened onion and garlic together with the pine nuts. Gradually add double cream to the mixture, it should be stiff. Add the grated Cheddar, Red Leicester and Gruyere, season well with salt and black pepper.

Dampen your hands. Take a handful of mixture and work into a firm mound and pack into each mushroom.

Sprinkle grated parmesan over each mushroom.

Bake and check after 15 minutes – depends on the size of the mushrooms, they should be nicely browned.

And my final tip - you can use the mixture, with less cream, to achieve a crumble consistency and use as a topping for roasted vegetables or fish.

This dish is a treat, rich with cream and cheeses I know - it was meant to be. It's delicious, always providing you and your guests like mushrooms!

Coming next … by request – sweet pastry