Last year I carried out an experiment to see if I could rise to the challenge of a local MP and feed myself for £18 a week. I could and so should we all but, unfortunately, most of us haven’t been taught how to whilst, at the same time, being encouraged to be more concerned with the schedule of the telly rather than the contents of the food cupboard.

My mum taught me years ago that a great tasty and cheap way to feed oneself was with a ham hock. I used it as part of last year’s exercise; boiled a £2.50 ham hock then made a pie, some sandwiches and loads of lovely soup. So here’s the recipe for the pie.

I usually make my own pastry but I also use ready made sometimes. Just read the instructions on the packet.

You need to boil a ham hock…