If I could, I would have my own cow. I just love them! But since I live in the city, I made do with “let’s pretend”. This timer, which I acquired on a visit to @farmhousecheeses – an artisanal cheesemaker in British Columbia – heads my windowsill barnyard. She always makes me smile

Why do you need a mortar and pestle? To make homemade sambal, of course! Sambal is a catch-all term for any one of a number of Indonesian chile pastes. Start with a simple mix of chile peppers and, for variety, incorporate more pungent ingredients such as shrimp paste

A peek into my kitchen: I keep my kitchen utensils close at hand and in vessels I’m fond of –antique white ironstone jugs. Handy and pretty.