Mussels with star anise, chervil and cream

Serves 4 as a starter, 2 as a main with crusty bread

You will need:

• 1kg mussels, well washed and checked (discard any that are open — see my Top Tip, right) • 100ml cider (the drier, the better) • 100ml cream • 2 whole star anise • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chervil • Crusty bread, to serve (optional) 1 Put a wide saucepan (one that will easily hold all of the mussels) on a high heat. Tip in the washed mussels, the cider, the cream, and the star anise. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for a few minutes.

2 Toss the mussels around in the pot occasionally until all the mussels are open.

3 Add in the chopped fresh chervil and mix. Serve immediately in warm bowls, along with the crusty bread, if you are using it.