1. The glaze has settled, but only softly. It’s like stirring mascarpone cheese.

1b. I umm and ahh about how to shape the peacock’s tail feathers – whether to take the easy route or the longer one. I do the right thing and the extra work seems worth it in the end.

2. A superb cup of tea. I drink every last drop.

3. As the solid lump breaks down over the heat, it releases the smell: a sweet roasting of the tomato sauce. It brings John in from the garden.