I am always searching for different ways to present canapés. Munching through a mackerel salad the other day I hit upon the idea of using the fennel that should have been shredded into the salad as a container for the other ingredients. Our guests at the weekend enjoyed it, so I think this works, see what you think. Don't forget the sprig of dill on top of each canapé to help it look pretty. For the photograph we used a thick slice of an enormous South African lemon which

This dip is great for any time, but I think it is particularly good for this cold grey January weather. It is warming, tasty and easy to make ahead. Just throw in a hot oven for 15 minutes when your guests arrive and they will be able to enjoy the enticing aromas as it cooks. Using tinned crab meat means it doesn't work out prohibitively expensive either, which is a bonus. It's good as a sharing starter too, just double the quantities for a generous dish for 4 and serve