I took my id - Irish Pippin - from one of heritage fruit trees I've planted in my small garden. The others are Hawthornden, Lemon Queen, Cutler Grieve, Flower of Monorgan and my favourite Devonshire Quarrenden aka Blood of the Boyne. Any other rare apples out there?

Current enthusiasm is for authentic Chinese food, guided by the writings of Fuchsia Dunlop. Who knew celery could be made delicious by stir frying? Or courgettes revolutionised with just a tsp of vinegar and a half tsp of sugar?

Thank you Fyn. Very kind. And flattering.