We love an end-of-meal flourish. It's really no secret. These are our favourite staples to keep on hand to take a brilliant dinner to the next level. Stash them away now and thank us later.
1. Garlic bread
There's some kind of magic that happens when garlic, butter and bread all mingle together. Having a loaf (or three) tucked away in the freezer is about as essential as having a spare mash. You never know when you'll need it. It's brilliant for bulking out dinner (especially if you've got ravenous teenagers to feed) and brings a little extra comfort to the table.
2. Naan bread
No curry is complete without it. Pop it straight from the freezer into a hot pan or oven and you'll have piping-hot naan in minutes. If your favourite curry is ready in no time, you may as well make the extra effort with warm naan on the side.
3. Frozen peas or corn
The easiest vegetables on the planet. Stir them through a curry, serve them alongside dinner or quietly sneak them onto the kids' plates. They don't say "easy peasy" for nothing.
4. Parmesan
We'll never say no to a generous showering of Parmesan over pasta, a pie or a bubbling bake. Buy a good-quality wedge and store it unwrapped in an airtight container in the fridge — it'll last much longer than you think. Heading away? Grate it first and freeze it, ready to sprinkle whenever you need.
5. Fresh herbs
Never underestimate a handful of fresh herbs. Scatter torn basil over a pasta sauce, finish a curry with fresh coriander or add a flurry of parsley to brighten almost anything. It adds freshness, fragrance and that little something that makes it look like you really knew what you were doing. Which you did, obviously.
6. Lemons
Citrus is nature's uplifter. Lemons also freeze surprisingly well — simply zest them into a snap-lock bag and freeze the juice in an ice cube tray, ready to defrost exactly as much as you need.
