Regular readers may have noticed that I really enjoy making the odd children’s amusement from scratch. I think…


Pantry Basics: Kinako Latte
I recently stumbled upon the joys of kinako latte at a miniscule cafe in Arashiyama, Kyoto called kyo…

Family Food: Buttermilk Pancakes
Fluffy and tasty even on their own, these are our house pancakes. I’d even pack a whisk into…

Pantry Basics: Homemade Tomato Sauce
You’ll ditch store-bought options once you realise how little it takes to make a seriously yummy tomato sauce…

Pantry Basics: Kinpira Carrot (金平人参)
Kinpira carrot, stir-fried grated carrot seasoned with soy and sugar, was one of the dishes I learnt to…

Pantry Basics: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
I’ve tried a host of vanilla ice cream recipes, but love this one—based on Johnny Iuzzini’s in Dessert…

Higashiya: translating Japanese culture for contemporary palates
Before I had even experienced modern wagashiya (Japanese confectionary shop), Higashiya for myself, I was already enamoured of…

Family Food: Whole Wheat Chocolate Cookies
These whole wheat chocolate cookies are my toddler’s favourite baked goods of the moment. I serve them to…

Pantry Basics: Bubble Solution
With a toddler in the house, the ability to whip up a bubble solution on the fly with…