THINK of New York and you think of skyscrapers, yellow taxis . . . and bagels!

It’s strange that something so simple can become iconic, but a whole industry has grown up around them.

And it can be a simple snack, a quick bite on the go, or a full-blown meal.

You can recreate the taste of New York – with a British twist – with the New York Bakery Co’s Bagel Recipe Book, full of ideas from people across the country.

You can start the day with a Wakey Wakey for breakfast – two slices of ready-cured ham, two slices of ready-to-eat-chorizo, one egg (scrambled) and two rashers of streaky bacon on a plain bagel.

With my children’s fussy eating habits, it was Wakey Wakey minus the ham, chorizo and bacon, but it didn’t touch the sides.

For a slightly healthier option, the Fruity Breakfast, try a toasted fruit and oat bagel with two tablespoons of cream cheese, a teaspoon of jam and a small handful of blueberries.

For lunch we tried the Wham Bam Thank You Ham! This is cheddar cheese, tomato slices and smoked ham on a wholemeal bagel, with a drizzle of American mustard for a bit of a kick. It was delicious.

For evening meal, the New York BBQ Meat Melt is a lightly grilled chicken breast with melted cheddar cheese, streaky bacon and sliced chorizo on a plain toasted bagel with spicy barbecue sauce. Definitely one of my better creations!

The Smokin’ Salmon Supper is simple but delicious, with cream cheese, sweet vine tomatoes and smoked salmon.

Bagels are versatile enough for dessert — Choco Banana is banana slices and whole blueberries on a toasted blueberry bagel smothered with chocolate spread. Or, for a distinct American taste, try sliced bananas and peanut butter on a cinnamon and raisin bagel, with a touch of raspberry jam for ultimate US authenticity.

n The Nation’s Favourite Bagel Recipe Book and other top tips are available at newyork bakery.co.uk Mike Crutchley