How about a red cabbage strudel? Grate the cabbage in mid-size pieces, chop up the apple into small cubes. Ginger? That could work when it’s finely grated. Something sweet-and-sour to add? Balsamic vinegar? Or maple syrup and lemon juice? Both would work.

Add salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil and mix everything well (preferably with your hands), spread mixture on the rolled-out pizza dough, roll the whole thing into a strudel, and bake in the oven. Easily prepared and super tasty.

To be honest, quite often I am more inspired by the random ingredients of my fridge than by a cookbook. And when I am really not sure if two things go well together, I try a bit of each one of them – Once you taste them together in your mouth it becomes pretty obvious if it works or not.

From left-over coffee (I always prepare too much in the cafetiere) you can make a really fine syrup or coffee essence. A genius little add-on for pasta sauces, salad dressings, or whenever mushrooms or other vegetables simply taste boring. You need 7 fl oz espresso, 2 tbsp sugar, orange zest, 1 red chili pepper, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Boil everything down into a syrup. Strain through a fine sieve. Done. It also makes the perfect gift when you fill it into a pretty bottle.

Of course, you could always use fresh groceries for cooking. But: Your conscience cannot be turned off. And respect can also be shown in your meals. So, be courageous and just try some random fridge-combos. After all, that is how paella and bouillabaisse were discovered.