In search of pork that has been sustainably and humanely raised, Christopher and I finally made it to Eveleigh market this weekend. I have been looking forward to eating pork again as it has been some time since I cooked my two favourite pork dishes: Tamarind Pork and Slow-cooked Pork Belly.

Lychee and ginger really works well together; the ginger adds a touch of heat and compliments the sweetness of the lychees. The sorbet is refreshing and I imagine would work well with a sprig of mint for decoration or if you fancy a drop of gin or vodka to create a frozen cocktail.

I first heard about Yoma Burmese Restaurant from some of you who have emailed me to share your positive experience of eating Burmese food there. I am delighted to chat (via email) with Thawdar Kyaw, who runs the restaurant with her husband, Sai Kyaw, in Boston, USA.

After a brilliant spell of winter sunshine this weekend, the rain today calls for a slow-cooked stew with minimal effort. I remember a recipe my mother mentioned a few months back which appeals to me now. It is a matter of putting all the ingredients in the pan and letting it simmer. This kind of cooking is ideal when life becomes too busy.

The new season Navel Oranges are fabulous at the moment; thin-skinned, juicy, sweet with a slight sharpness. After indulging in a couple, I decide to make a dessert with the simple addition of corn flour rather than using eggs or milk. It makes a refreshing treat for friends who are either vegans or dairy-intolerant.

I had an email from Michelle who wanted a recipe for Burmese paratha. It has been some time since I made them and immediately reminded me of our trip to Rangoon in 2004 where we spent one morning watching the paratha being made for our breakfast.

Bananas are a staple in our weekly fruit bag. This week I’ve allowed them to fully ripen in anticipation of making banana jam. Normally bananas or jams are not something I get excited about but I have been thinking about this recipe for several weeks.

As there are three of us for lunch today and very little time to cook it, I decide on a samusa thote. I buy three samosas the size of a fist each. The pastry is firm and crispy, not at all oily, and crammed with spicy potato, peas and fresh coriander stuffing.

A quick and simple dinner of stir-fried vegetarian meat in a sweet and sour sauce.

Some recipe or another tend to pop up during my conversations with my mother. Today it is vegetarian ‘meat’ made simply with flour and water. It is a recipe my mother learnt from her sister who was taught by the nuns at the Chinese temple in Rangoon.