I love the small baby chickens that producers label spring chickens, poussins or coquelettes. The size – about 500g each (18oz) – is plenty for one person, and the meat is tender and moist.

Use knitting needles in a contrasting colour: this makes it easier to see and count your stitches, even with the fluffiest of yarns. So if you’re working with a pale colour like with the yellow chick ...