I think most of us are aware April 2012 marked the centenary of the fateful night when the RMS Titanic sank. We know the story – this was a huge cruise ship which was professed to be unsinkable. It was, at the time, an extraordinary achievement – a modern, well fitted out ship which was designed to provided accommodation for a diverse range of passengers from the rich and famous, through the middle classes, to the lowly workers and their families who had saved avidly for months from their meagre income in order to travel to pastures new lookng for a better quality of life.

Having just picked apples from our very small orchard, it’s hard sometimes to find new and more unusual uses for the windfalls other than chutneys and apple pies – both with eaters and cookers – so I was impressed when I found this delicious recipe online.

It makes enough for a 6 person dinner party and would be wonderful with cream or ice cream.

This casserole is quick and easy to prepare and, unlike most casseroles, it's cooked in a jiffy.

The recipe serves 6 people and is great for a hearty supper with friends when served with a lovely crusty, rustic bread. However, if you can't afford the pancetta then you can always substitute it for streaky bacon and, for vegetarians, you'll know that there are various tofu/quorn type substitutes for the sausage and pancetta/bacon.