So good to have this primer. And great to know the nonstick ones aren’t the way to go! I’ve been wanting a wok for awhile...used to have one but over the years it disappeared. Now I can prepare it properly. Thanks!

It sounds a bit hackneyed in the current Julia/Julie frenzy, but the best cookbook I ever received was Mastering the Art of French Cooking (soft cover Penguin edition) from a dear aunt in England many years ago. It’s a bit tricky to use due to the difference in measurements but I’ve made some wonderful meals from it, most recently Cassoulet. I treasure it in memory of my aunt and it’s my go-to source for French anything!

Thank you, Charlotte: I so appreciating your compelling argument for supporting real food producers. And you’ve inspired me to start making yoghurt again. Back in the 70s, I used to make it using a little plug-in machine. Somehow, I’m sure that’s not a necessary part of the process!