Well, this looks absolutely gorgeous and right up my alley. (I linked to the Amazon page expressly so interested parties can ‘look inside’ at the vibrant, stunning photography. I mean, seriously). Leave it to Ottolenghi and his passionate, inspired and winsome love affair with vegetables to steal my heart.

So, now we’re on the right track, some kitchen talk.

All of a sudden I love licorice. And I mean real, preferably British, black licorice, which smells mysterious; sweet and spicy and chalky.

I’ve decided I’d like a kitchen in which I make fresh orange (or grapefruit) juice every morning. On that, I was delightedly baffled by some of the orange juice makers out there, which look like elaborate medieval torture devices.

One of the best investments I’ve made in my kitchen was in a decent wire whisk. Also, I cannot imagine life without the mortar & pestle my family gave me for Christmas.

Here’s my favorite vinegar.

Currently, my favorite oil.

Getting excited for new beginnings. Snazzy website, no?

And have you ever had a real pain au chocolat? I don’t mean a chocolate croissant, in all its buttery-flaked glory. No, I mean when you take a hunk of ever-so-slightly salty, crusty-crumbed baguette, tear out a bit of its doughy innards, and stick a piece of dark chocolate inside. Fold, and eat. It is perfect.

Be back soon.