I firmly believe some of the best meals are those that where designed to use up leftovers and this bubble and squeak recipe is no exception. The potatoes are a great source of vitamin C which, as well as helping to reduce the duration of all those winter colds also assists the body to absorb the iron found in the cabbage and ham. If you don't have any leftover potatoes to use up this dish is so delicious it's well worth making from scratch but if you do add some extra fibre, nutrients and texture to the dish by scrubbing your potatoes well and leaving the skins on.

Serves 4 - 6 children or 2 - 4 adults.

500g cooked potatoes*
Milk for mashing
Knob of butter
300g (10oz) cabbage (spring or Savoy), shredded and cooked
Seasoned flour, for dusting
200g cooked smoked ham, roughly chopped
2 desert spoons of chilli jam

Break up the cooked potatoes with a fork, add a little milk and the butter and roughly mash. Add the shredded cooked greens and the ham and mix together. Shape the mixture into one big cake to be sliced once cooked or small patties and dust with seasoned flour.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Add the cakes of bubble and squeak, press down firmly and fry on both sides until golden brown.

For Baby: Puree and portion of the bubble and squeak mixture before frying. Add a little milk to achieve the desired consistency

For Children: Make small, bite sized patties and serve with reduced salt and sugar baked beans. Alternatively, make a white or cheese sauce to poor over the top.

For Adults: For a delicious mid-week supper or even a comforting starter for a meal in with friends substitute the smoked ham for finely diced smoked pancetta and serve with a generous helping of chilli jam on the side.

*Did You Know ....?

Research from the Agricultural Research Service in America tells us that cutting potatoes into small cubes prior to boiling reduces their potassium content as much as 75 per cent. Potassium is crucial not only for helping to keep blood pressure steady but also appears to be important for helping to reduce the rate of muscle loss which we experience with ageing so to preserve vital minerals boil potatoes in large chunks instead.