It's all Butter Boxes and Measuring Cups to Me!

While I was away I did manage to pop into some kitchenware stores. The one that I most wanted to go to was closed for renovations. Instead I sought out other options and a good thing I had. Sometimes it is the little things that offer the most help. 

Charlotte Watson's Butter Box. The butter server I had was small and narrow and cutting the butter to a size that would fit was becoming a challenge. Not to mention in the summertime when temperatures rise, the butter falls and melts and comes out the sides. Not my idea of fun. This butter box makes it easy. A whole pound will fit... you might have to squidgy it down a bit however it has saved me some time, mathematics and some buttery fingers.  

European Measuring Cups. Measuring in pints, fluid ounces, milliliters has become exact! Even though I do not mind getting up to a challenge in the kitchen, with converting measurements, however when you do those conversions there is still a chance that one can be slightly off. And that poses a 50/50 chance that whatever one is baking may or may not turn out. I would rather get on with baking than be in a state of tweaking this and that. These measuring cups will take some of the guess work out of it and those British, Vintage and European cookbooks I have will be even more handy.

Have a great weekend everyone! - JW    

Copper Kettle

Lately everything copper has been catching my eye. So when our demure yellow kettle started showing it's age I went searching for a replacement. Kettle choices are abundant and can leave one reaching for a pot to boil water in. 

During our search we came across Simplex Kettles. Beautifully crafted and Victorian by design I was completely enamoured! I can get that way about kitchen wares. They are a bit on the pricey side. However when you factor in the use, every day 2-3 times a day 365 days a year, it becomes deeply justifiable. Deeply justifiable with much consideration. Until deeply justifiable given to you as a gift! 

It was exciting receiving this. And looks ever so smart on the black cooker. It boils leisurely and the whistle is a low modest one. Unlike the unassuming yellow kettle which would scream like a banshee. There are special care instructions due to the copper. The water seems to retain the heat better and even the tea we make seems to taste a bit better. Who knows what other copper items may show up in the kitchen. Enjoy your weekend! - JW       

Into the Frying Pan

The previous non-stick teflon fry pan I owned went the wayside in only a matter of months. Very disappointing! Perhaps they aren't making them like they used to or the quality was really not great... I have forgotten who it was made by. Still it wasn't an inexpensive brand. Regardless I was perplexed when that pan finally headed straight into the garbage.

This is my current kitchen buy, to replace that other frying pan and I luv it!!! It was expensive but I didn't bat an eye when buying it. I like my kitchen wears and I like when they perform well. This Paderno EcoPan made with a non-stick ceramica coating not only cooks evenly, it cleans up very well too. Making life in the kitchen easier and efficient. It is also PFOA and PTFE free. If given the chance to buy more pans with the ceramica coating I would. If you are considering replacing that worn out fry pan I strongly suggest one of these. - JW

          

The Crêpe Pan

I know I wasn't going to buy a crêpe pan but I did. It always seemed like a frivolous purchase to me. I christen it over the weekend for Sunday brunch. It's a fair size and due to it's shallow sides it does make it easy to tackle the crêpes. From a previous post you might recall that I was using a smallish fry pan to make crêpes. The only issue I have with this pan and it could be a mere design flaw on the part of Lagostina, is the handle. It has an all metal handle which gets very hot. Making it uncomfortable to hold unless you did what I did and wrapped a tea towel around the end of it. I guess using a pot holder would do the trick too. I think a heat resistant covered handle would be far better. I managed not to burn myself or singe the tea towel.   

   

With little fuss and what seemed like magic here are the crêpes. Waiting for the whip cream and mixed berries before being devoured by all. -JW