The end bits are the best bits

Those crusty dark end bits on a roast. The first slice of banana bread. You know what we're talking about.

Source: Ashley Rodriguez

We apologise for what we're about to do to you. Because by the time you read this, if you're a member of the "ends are best" camp, you'll be fighting a severe case of the wants for the dark chewy ends of a tray of brownies, or the crusty first slice off the end of a magnificent pork roast. 

Recently, a friend came over for a visit and I made my mum's date loaf recipe to serve up while we chatted over a cuppa. And then my friend and I did a manners dance that will be oh-so-familiar to many of you. "Would you like the end piece?" "Oh I don't mind." "I don't mind, either, and you're the guest". "But you made it." "But I'll be eating the other end eventually." "Oh in that case, I'd LOVE the end bit." 

She's not alone.

Of course, it's not just the sweet stuff. Just watch this - chef James Martin is literally wiggling with delight.

You can see Martin cook up that magnificent slow roasted pork belly, which he serves with spiced apple and cider sauce, in Great British Food Revival, 5.55pm weeknights on SBS, starting Monday 26 February. A brace of passionate chefs, including Martin, SBS and Food Network Australia star Ainsley Harriott, baker Michel Roux and the Hairy Bikers, David Myers and Simon "Si" King (watch them now on SBS On Demand in Old School with The Hairy Bikers), take a look at ingredients they are passionate about, starting with Martin and apples. 

Ends fans agree with James Martin on the joys of chef's perks (he also nabs some cooked pastry trimmings from an apple tart he makes later in the episode!)

Now, not everyone loves the crust from a loaf of sliced bread (although I'll put my hand up for that, every time!). But surely the slightly chewier end bits of a brownie hold universal appeal?

And there's something about the end slice of a loaf cake. Am I right, end lovers? Is the end slice of this rustic apple bread not calling your name and asking you to adorn it with a bit of butter and eat it immediately?

Source: Ashley Rodriguez

Or if you've now got the urge for chewy brownie bits, we suggest whipping up a batch of these chocolate peanut butter brownies:

Source: SBS Food

Or plan ahead and have reason to join James Martin in the chef's perks happy dance with his slow roast pork belly with spiced apple and mashed potato. You'll notice he didn't plate up any end bits...

Source: Great British Food Revival

Watch Great British Food Revival  5.50 pm weeknights on SBS, starting Monday 26 February, then on SBS On Demand. Find out more about the show here.