Bay leaves

Bay would be my desert island herb. It imparts a wonderfully distinctive flavour to whatever it’s added to and, in my opinion, is woefully underused. Add to Bolognese …or stews, chilli, stocks and basically anything else with a liquid base. It will only make it better.

Infuse in gin Lightly crush three or four large leaves and leave to infuse in gin for a couple of weeks. Use to make bay negronis.

Blitz into a powder Use a spice grinder or pestle and mortar to make bay powder for use in baking. Bay shortbread is incredible.