Store cupboard miracle-workers - Mediterranean in flavour, after all the traditional, native fare: Anchovies, black olives, capers and Dijon mustard are useful individually, but even better whizzed up together to make a devilishly tasty tapenade. Try 100g stoned black olives, 50g anchovy fillets, 1 tablespoon capers, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, a good squeeze of lemon and black pepper - no salt. Process briefly, then slowly incorporate 2-3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil.
Other elements for instant Med panache: Olvi Basil Pesto Sauce (good delis, £3.25); Boilie goat's cheese in oil from Ryefield Farm in Virginia, Co Cavan, which keeps for ages in its jar in the fridge (supermarkets, delis, £3.35); Sacla sun-dried tomates (widely available, about £3.75); Lime and Lemongrass Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Tesco, Superquinn, delis, £2.50).