Such is the regularity with which I make smoked-mackerel pâté, I call it SMP for ease. SMP is a versatile, nutritional workhorse that you can dollop on a salad, have as a healthy snack on a cracker or ...

Place the picked flakes of the smoked fish in a small mixing bowl and set aside. In another small bowl, add the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, lemon zest and chopped herbs. Mix well to combine.

Salad ready, I popped one of those frozen ciabatta loaves in the oven. Ten minutes later, lunch was ready. Minimum fuss, but maximum taste. My kind of meal. Smoked mackerel pate (enough for 4-6) ...