Bun of steel

This could easily be mistaken for a house brick; in fact, one thin slice plummets to the base of your stomach and turns you into a human plumbline.

The first Tuesday back after new year is traditionally Black Bun Night for the old codgers who go to the bar at the tennis club. I was on bar duty tonight so had to endure enjoy their enthusiastic new year kisses and 'Last of the Summer Wine-esque' conversations.

The Scots do like a lot of dried fruit in a cake - black bun with its pastry topping and base is only rivalled by clootie dumpling for density. I'm not quite sure what it says about us.