“Crumbs are precious. The last, minuscule fragment of cake or cookies or toast. Diminutive, but not insignificant. How anyone can leave them on the plate is beyond me. Mopping the final vestiges of cake with a damp finger and bringing them gently to the lips is as important to me as the first forkful. It brings with a sense of closure, a sign of affection. A show of gratitude.”

Nigel Slater, A Thousand Feasts