I’M LOV I NG …

ICE CREAM SPADE

This big, sturdy, metal spade makes easy work of digging into hard ice cream and is shaped with a lift on the back so it will rest mess-free on the bench. 23cm long with black or red wooden handle. $39.95 at homeware stores or call Uncle Zitos (03) 547 0386.

JAR DESSERTS

Asian Food Republic’s deliciously different desserts come in serving-size jars: Kaffir Lime Apple Crumble, Black Doris Plum Star Anise Crumble and (my favourite) Matcha Steamed Cake. $8 at gourmet food stores, see asianfoodrepublic.co.nz for stockists.

CECILE’S MUESLI

Cecile’s Boys & Gold is the sort of muesli you want to scoff straight from the pack – it’s all nuts and seeds, dried golden kiwifruit and big freeze-dried boysenberries. Made in Hawke’s Bay, $18 per 400g at selected supermarkets, see cecilescreativekitchen.com.

NO SHORTCUTS CHILLI

No Shortcuts’ Sambal Ulek is a must for Indonesian dishes (see our recipes page 124) but is great anywhere you would use chilli. This recipe is a paste of chilli, onion, garlic, sunflower oil, shrimp paste, spices and salt. Try it with cream cheese on a slice of Vogel's or stirred into a fishy noodle soup. $10 per 255g jar from noshortcuts.co.nz.

WINE-INSPIRED DRESSINGS

Chef Adam Newell of Wellington’s Zibibbo created these three fruity, wine-based dressings that will take your salads to the next level. $14 per 250ml, see gladstoneoliveco.co.nz for stores.

POPPY TEA STICK

Skip the teabag – and the waste – with a tea stick; they’re much classier and more fun to dunk as your tea infuses than a bag on a string. This one is especially cute with its poppy on top. 20.5cm long, $29.95 at kitchenware stores, see oldmillroad.co for details.