This little piggy snorts steam

I know, it’s a shame I didn’t tell you about the Piggy Steamer in time to order it for Valentine’s Day. Those are the breaks.

This multipurpose silicone lid from the 141-year-old Japanese company Marna would make any cook of your acquaintance giggle. The piggy face lid covers a pot or floats on the surface of a soup to keep the contents from boiling too vigorously, and all the while, steam comes out the piggy’s snout. Kind of like the “dragon’s breath” at the Bazaar by José Andrés.

Microwave, freezer and dishwasher-safe, this little piggy comes in four colors -- classic pink, white, black and yellow, at least on the Japanese company’s site.

To my knowledge, nobody local is carrying it, but you can order it in pink online from KitcheNova. Chef Tools and the Museum of Modern Art. About $18.95. Chef Tools also carries the small 4 1/3-inch cup cover.

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