RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Melanzane alla Parmegiana

  Matthew Fort’s dish of aubergines with passata and parmesan is based on a family recipe from Syracuse, and makes a superb starter

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  Herdwick mutton pudding with black pea and caper gravy

  Steamed meat and kidney puddings in a home-made suet pastry make a hearty British meal, from Nigel Haworth

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  Smoked eel and apple soup

  Rich eel and fresh apple combine in Aiden Byrne's creamy autumnal soup

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  Langoustine prawn cocktail

  James Martin makes an easy prawn cocktail with a difference, using delicious langoustine and homemade mayonnaise

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  Duck liver pâté

  For a make-ahead starter try James Martin's pâté, subtly flavoured with brandy and fresh basil

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  Pistou

  Alex Mackay's fresh basil puree, the Provencal version of the Italian pesto, makes the perfect sauce for a grilled lamb chop

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  Ribollita

  Arthur Potts Dawson shares his recipe for the famous Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, whose name means “reboiled” in Italian

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  Blueberry pancakes

  Get your day off to a great start with Celia Brooks Brown's simple and delicious fruit-flavoured pancakes

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  Rabbit with agen prunes and polenta

  Rich and warming, this hearty casserole by Rick Stein is studded with sweet prunes - a real treat and feast of flavour

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  Baked salmon in pastry

  For a dinner party or buffet dish guaranteed to wow guests, try Tamasin Day-Lewis's salmon in pastry with creamy herb sauce