April 25 is Anzac Day, officially named in 1916 to commemorate an intense battle fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on the Gallipoli peninsula during World War 1. These oaty, chewy and crunchy biscuits were sent to the soldiers, and became famous due to their long shelf life.

The pink and white flowers of the Magnolia Soulangeana are a forager’s dream. They can be pickled or turned into syrup, and have a distinct floral, gingery cardamom taste. Beautiful with cakes or with noodles, they are a versatile treat. They are best found fresh, and the flowers can be scooped up off the ground at Spring. The buds can also be used. Here’s two ways to make them last.

Like many other people, I turned to banana bread for comfort when things got tough. This one was the result of my trial and error over a period of months. And it’s good. The best I could come up with in fact.