Good old gratin

A BUBBLY potato gratin is a perfect comfort meal for a winter evening - inexpensive, nourishing and truly satisfying.

We've got lots of recipes for gratins; some are very rich, others use stock or a mixture of cream and milk.

Many are based on potato but can also be made with other root vegetables like celeriac, parsnips, or Jerusalem artichokes. The latter cook a bit unevenly but they taste delicious and are particularly good with game. Pumpkins also make a delectable dish. Most gratins can be made ahead of time as they reheat well - so they are also a brilliant standby for entertaining, or for busy working mums.