Favas

Nine of the lesions were VMs and the remaining 5 were FAVAs. MRI was used to make all diagnoses of VM or FAVA in conjunction with clinical symptoms.

If you give favas space, they'll tiller (that is, put up many stems).

FOR THE TARRAgON buTTER AND FAVAS: 60g unsalted butter, softened 1tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves 13/4 tsp, plus a pinch, of coarse salt 225g shelled fava beans (from 910g-1.1kg favas in the pod) - or peas if you prefer 11/2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 sweet onion (such as a Vidalia), finely chopped 2tbsp double cream shrimp, until they start to curl, for about one minute.

SWEET SHRIMP AND FAVA SMASH TOAST (Serves 4) FOR THE TARRAGON BUTTER AND FAVAS: 60g unsalted butter, softened 1tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves 13/4 tsp, plus a pinch, of coarse salt 225g shelled fava beans (from 910g-1.1kg favas in the pod) - or peas if you prefer 11/2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 sweet onion (such as a Vidalia), finely chopped 2tbsp double cream FOR THE TOAST: 15g unsalted butter 225g large prawns, shelled, deveined, and halved lengthwise Coarse salt Juice of 1/2 lemon Four 3/4inch-thick slices country-style bread Flaky salt A few handfuls of watercress or baby spinach TARRAGON BUTTER: Mix the butter, tarragon, and a pinch of course salt.

Add the prawns and cook slowly, spooning the butter over the MAKE THE FAVAS: 1.

FRIED CHICKEN TOAST (Serves 4) SWEET SHRIMP AND FAVA SMASH TOAST (Serves 4) FOR THE TARRAGON BUTTER AND FAVAS: 60g unsalted butter, softened 1tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves 13/4 tsp, plus a pinch, of coarse salt 225g shelled fava beans (from 910g-1.1kg favas in the pod) - or peas if you prefer 11/2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 sweet onion (such as a Vidalia), finely chopped 2tbsp double cream FOR THE TOAST: 15g unsalted butter 225g large prawns, shelled, deveined, and halved lengthwise Coarse salt Juice of 1/2 lemon Four 3/4inch-thick slices country-style bread Flaky salt A few handfuls of watercress or baby spinach TARRAGON BUTTER: Mix the butter, tarragon, and a pinch of course salt.

SESAME AND HONEY BARBECUE FRIED CHICKEN TOAST (Serves 4) FOR THE FRIED CHICKEN: SWEET SHRIMP AND FAVA SMASH TOAST (Serves 4) FOR THE TARRAG A ON BUTTER AND FAVAS: 60g unsalted butter, softened 1tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves 13/4 tsp, plus a pinch, of coarse salt 225g shelled fava beans (from 910g-1.1kg favas in the pod) - or peas if you prefer 11/2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 sweet onion (such as a Vidalia), finely chopped 2tbsp double cream FOR THE TOAST: 15g unsalted butter 225g large prawns, shelled, deveined, and halved lengthwise Coarse salt Juice of 1/2 lemon Four 3/4inch-thick slices country-style bread Flaky salt A few handfuls of watercress or baby spinach TARRAG A ON BUTTER: Mix the butter, tarragon, and a pinch of course salt.

Mashed favas and an exotic mix of spices give the familiar egg salad sandwich a makeover.

Nigel Favas, managing director of Reeds Rains estate agents, which has branches in Wales, said the marginal growth in prices was being driven by professional landlords and wealthier buyers.

Favas are actually members of the pea family and grow in pods ranging from 5 to 12 inches long.

Favas Can Be Fatal by Priscilla Royal (Alyson, now on sale, $13.95) A nasty food critic drops dead in a restaurant.

Nowadays, you're more likely to find favas in your favorite specialty grocer than in the pantry of a famous fictional cannibal with extremely refined taste.