This pudding takes me back to my childhood where I remember my mum serving us a bowl full of fragrant lemony apples stewed with sago and finished with pouring cream. It is simple to make, cheap to buy and will surely satisfy you on these cold nights.

Serves 4

500g apples (2-4) granny smiths or a variety that is tart and mushy when cooked.

½ -3/4 cup sugar

1 ¼ cup water

1 lemon, zest and juice to taste

¾ cup sago

Cream or vanilla ice-cream to finish

Method

Peel, core and cut the apples into bite sized pieces. Add to a heavy based saucepan and add sugar, water and zest. Cook over moderate heat until the apples are tender.

Add the sago and stir well to combine. Lower the temperature and cook gently for a further 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the sago becomes tender and translucent.

Spoon into bowls and serve with pouring cream or vanilla ice-cream.

Nb – it works beautifully with pears, rhubarb, quince and plums.