Crossword Genius

Where food might be fixed, needing small pot on the counter (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tabletop

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the counter' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'where food might be fixed needing small pot' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'food' could be 'table' (table is a kind of food) and 'table' is found in the answer.
an anagram of 'pot' is 'top' which is within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tabletop that I've seen before include "Flat domestic surface" , "Work or eating surface" , "where food is usually served" , "Flat surface for working or dining" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app