Preparation time: 15 mins.

Main utensil: sharp knife

For 4 people you need:

4 pickled herrings

1 small onion

1 eating apple

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/4 pint soured cream (or 1/4 pint single cream and 1 dessertspoon lemon juice)

salt

white pepper

To pick 6 herrings:

Brine: 2 oz. salt

1 pint water

Spiced vinegar:

1 pint vinegar, preferably white

1 tablespoon pickling spices

Fillet 6 large herrings, soak in the brine for 2 hours. Roll herrings, cover with cold spiced vinegar made by boiling vinegar and spices. Put into screw top jars with sliced onion, bay leaf. Leave 5-6 days.

1. Drain herrings. Cut in half lengthways; cut each half into 4 strips.

2. Arrange on serving dish.

3. Slice onion. Cover with boiling water, drain after 1 minute.

4. Core and slice apple, sprinkle slices with lemon juice. Reserve a few apple slices for garnish.

5. Blend rest of apple, onion rings, cream and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Season well.

TO SERVE: Spoon dressing over herring pieces, garnish with apple slices – watercress may be used if desired.

TO VARY: Use yoghourt instead of soured cream, add a few capers and finely chopped gherkin to the mixture.

Pickled herring and beetroot salad: Mix chopped herrings with diced cooked potato, diced cooked beetroot, diced apples. Toss in mayonnaise.

TO STORE: Cover lightly with foil and keep in a cool place.