Also re Le Creusets — I started off “collecting” mustard yellow (two pieces; rarely use the grill pan but that Dutch oven is well-loved). Ordered the wrong colour by mistake (I interpreted “oyster” as an off-white but of course it’s …grey 😞) but it’s their large-sized brazier and I use it every single day pretty much for family cooking! (But oh …those butter yellows…. )

Thank you for all the juicy links (many saved for afternoon tea break!). I never fail to be impressed by your Dad; he even plates his dishes very well! (I just cooked a Marbella-ish fish dish for my Dad last night — dead easy — and tried to nudge him toward trying himself ….). Also now am inspired myself to try that chicken and asparagus NYT one. I saw “velveting” when I skimmed the article a while back and thought, hmm too finicky. But you’ve convinced me!