The story of Arthur Braithwaite’s Leftover Turkey and Ham Pie

“I was born in the mid 1930’s, and after the outbreak of the Second World War, Christmas dinner was often a frugal affair. My mother used to work wonders with her ration book, but because food was so scarce, there were never any Christmas leftovers. If we were lucky enough to get a turkey (pretty impossible most years) we’d pick it clean. Even the bones didn’t go to waste because my mother would boil them up and use them for stock.

“Today I’m as thrifty with food as she was, and I can’t stand to see waste. I’m forever putting stuff in the freezer, or making bread and butter puddings. When supplies are limited, you can’t take food for granted. I’m just amazed at how much perfectly good food gets chucked away these days.”

On Arthur’s Shopping List

“To save time, I buy pre-made puff pastry and chicken stock. As for herbs, if I can’t get my hands on any tarrogan or marjoram, I find sage, thyme and rosemary work well.”

• Turkey & Ham
• Sweet potatoes
• Tarragon