Caviar and potato chips is in fact, a killer combination that falls concretely into the category of, if you know, you know. Not in the, “Hold my monocle while I climb aboard my jewel encrusted helicopter” elite kind of way, it’s more of a ‘best kept secret kind’ kind of way - that is if you missed the TikTok trend a couple of years back.

When you think about it, potato chips are really the perfect carrier for caviar, they’re lightly salted, crunchy and are basically a scoop. Pair it all with a lightly herbed crème fraîche mixture and you have a very accomplished bite in my opinion.

This appetizer sums me up perfectly, combining ingredients that don't seem in the same class, but actually couldn't be better paired. I love cooking up something fancy, but on the way home from the grocery store with all my fancy ingredients, I will be downing a packet of Pringles in the car.

If you haven’t bought caviar before, know this, the good quality stuff is expensive. So your budget should determine whether you make this for an intimate Christmas Eve gathering with some of your nearest and dearest, or the full family feast. Sorry, cousin Frank, no ‘Secret Santa’ this year, I spent it all on caviar. Not that this dish is limited to holiday occasions, but it’s certainly a great excuse to make it.

New to buying caviar? Here’s what you need to know

• Caviar varieties There’s different varieties of caviar, with varying quality and prices. My advice is to buy the best quality that fits in your budget. For this recipe I have used Ossetra caviar, other popular varieties are Beluga, Siberian, Sevruga or White. But if on a tight budget, you can opt for a roe (not a caviar) like salmon or trout.

• Buying caviar Caviar must be fresh. Check the packing date on the tin. When opened, the caviar should smell like the sea, not fishy. The pearls should be shiny, not murky.

Buy from a reputable supplier always. Look to see if the brand is reputable, has certifications to ensure quality and sustainability and clearly states the species.

If you’re having it delivered, make sure it’s delivered chilled, and the can isn’t dented or bloated.

• Serving caviar Serve caviar on ice either in the tin it comes in or a non-metal bowl. You want it to be ice cold.

Don’t use a metal spoon to scoop the caviar, this changes the flavour. Use special mother of pearl spoons (you can get them on amazon) or use a plastic utensil.

• How to store caviar Store unopened caviar on the coldest part of the fridge (not the door). Ideally it is eaten the day it is opened, but will keep for another day in the fridge, cover with plastic wrap over the tin and then fix the lid on top. Don’t freeze caviar.