Cold Cold Cold

I don't know about there, but here it is already hot. How hot? It reached 104 on Wednesday and it isn't even May. I know, I know: "it's a dry heat." That does make a difference, but it is still hot! So my thoughts turn to ice and cold drinks and refreshing cocktails. My top five for summer?
  1. Wild Sweet Orange, cold brewed and iced.
  2. Pimm's Cup, my go-to summer cocktail.
  3. My favorite sangria recipe.
  4. Mojitos for a crowd.
  5. A Tincho, effervescent New Age white wine served over ice with a squeeze of lime.
What are you going to serve them in? Here are some great drink servers for summer...

West Elm has a recycled glass container that is generous in size and has a metal spout.

CB2's beverage dispenser has a sweet organic shape that would look great on any table.

Maybe you already a dispenser, but this cute little stand from
Crate and Barrel could make it more counter friendly.

Or get this dispenser from Williams-Sonoma which has a built-in stand!



Now, get your summer drink on!

Accoutrement

For my birthday, I received a stash of cooking and entertaining accoutrement from friends and family...

I picked out this serving set when I was shopping with mom sometime last year, but had completely forgotten about them. I think the proportion of eat; short and kind of fat, I think they'll great with a lot of my dishes, but especially the Paul McCobb.

I had been wanting a salt pig for while, but have never wanted to dedicate the counter space to one. So, when Crate and Barrel came out with these baby salt pigs, I was smitten. I have already had one for plain and one for black lava salt, so I put smoked salt in the third. I have to refill the plain one more than I probably want to, but I still appreciate the diminutive size. Likewise, I don't mash up things with a mortar and pestle often enough to have a giant one, but this tiny example is perfect for a few spices or maybe a clove of garlic. It's so cute, it should have a little smiley face on it.

Jimmy & Ellie gave me a couple of very thoughtful gifts...

This brilliant creamer and sugar was designed by Russel Wright and matches my new set of dishes found over the holidays. The creamer is the lid of the sugar bowl, saving precious table (or cabinet) space. Ingenious. And, it is the covetous 'Pink Sherbet.'

This amazing item is probably a bread server? It has a small basket inside to keep whatever you put in it suspended and away from the wall of the sphere. It's also designed by Russel Wright and is what I would consider to be a very rare example of his spun aluminum creations. I don't have any in my collection and have personally only seen them in museum exhibitions like the one the Wolfsonian organized several years ago about design and aluminum. Does it remind you of anyone? From Sesame Street??

Wonderful presents; wonderful surprise party; wonderful friends and family.

Thank you!

Best Phone Call and Best Friends

I just got a call from Jessie who is visiting her in-laws in Arkansas, "I sent you an email with photos of Asian soup spoons in a variety of colors. How many and what colors?"

My response?

"Um, I think I will take one basket. Yes, one basket of various colored Asian soup spoons." I mean, honestly, I want them all! Any other normal person would have said, "Well, I have a set of white porcelain ones; a set of green melamine ones; and a set of stainless steel one. I think I'm good in the Asian soup spoon department."

But, reader, you know I'm not normal! So, I said, "I'll take ten of the orange, make that a even dozen. And also a dozen of the black melamine ones. Thank you and please send an invoice!"

Heaven. What a little bright spot in a dreary, snowy day?!

Of course you want the name of the store: Culinary District in Hot Springs, AR.

Gadget: Kona Coffee Maker

I don't make coffee at home very often. Maybe one day on the weekend? There were several years when I didn't take caffeine at all, but now I'm at the point where I have to have it. Again. Everyday. Every morning. So, I stop by the corner to get a cup, and visit with Boo or Keith or Chelsea. Sometimes I sit for a few minutes and read something for work or make a phone call. For me it's nothing fancy, just brewed coffee or an au lait. If it's warm and I am at Starbucks, I'm a big fan of the double shot on ice. Otherwise, I pretty much stay away from espresso drinks.

As far as the process at home is concerned, I have been a devotee of the French press for about ten to twelve years. I agree with the idea that it produces some of the best coffee, the thought being that since the filter doesn't absorb any of the oil, a more flavorful coffee is extracted from the coarsely-ground beans. Of course, since the filter doesn't absorb any of the oil, a more cholesterol-laden coffee is extracted from the coarsely-ground beans. Best enjoyed in moderation, but delicious none the less.

However, I had been wanting a different option for brewing. You might think, "He probably wants something more automatic. One of those pod-espresso makers or something like that." But no. I have had my eye on the Bodum Kona coffee maker for awhile. Again, non-electrical. I like the process: coarsely ground beans, hot water poured over them. No buttons, no muss and no fuss. I am a Luddite when it comes to coffee (although I do use an electric grinder!) and like the vessels, especially the hourglass shape of the Kona. Of course, it's a blatant rip-off of the classic, Chemex coffee system which has been in production since the 1950s. And I had actually decided on a Chemex version, until I found the Kona on sale for a song at Sur la Table.* It comes with a permanent filter that is easily cleaned and make delicious and very strong coffee. I'm still working on the measurements and the process, but feel like an early morning chemist while I'm at my work with this great coffee beaker.

*They don't have it on-line, but if you have a store close to you I'm sure they have it on the sale shelves.


Shopping: Am I the Last to Know?

Is it possible I'm the last person to know about Fante's Kitchen Ware Shop? If not, I'm happy to share the secret with you: too much wonderful stuff, apparently all under one roof. Fante's opened in 1906 and was a family-run business in Philadelphia, PA until the 1980s. I've never been to the store, but will plan a trip SOON to explore it myself.

Until then, I'll enjoy shopping on-line for wonderful items in their surprisingly vast array of goods. What I might buy:
The possibilities are ENDLESS.

Sigh.

Random: Don't Worry, I Found It

After unpacking most everything that was supposed to be unpacked, I realized I was missing several things: the Ben Siebel celery dish; the Chinese god's golden cat companion; the underplates for my silver lotus bowls; the extra large pink and green bowl I love to use for salad; and most important, the teapot. How was I supposed to make it through winter in Terre Haute without the teapot? This, of course, sent me into a mad frenzy for a secondary teapot. Secondary because I knew the Chinese pot I had bought at the Asian market in OKC with Stephanie for next to nothing, the pot that held the perfect amount of tea, the pot that poured like angels singing was in a box somewhere and would be restored as the primary pot in due time.

So any other pot would be secondary. And had to be different, but still right. I looked at glass pots, retro pots and vintage pots, but sounded like Goldilocks at every turn: "This one is too orange....this one is too tall....the handle on this one doesn't have the right feel...I don't think this one looks good with my hair." Yes, a teapot prima donna of the very worst kind, annoying those around with yet another mad quest.

Luckily for all, the missing box was found and the Heavenly Teapot of Perpetual Happiness was restored to its proper place in the kitchen. Tonight, I am enjoying my favorite wild sweet orange infusion with mesquite honey from the thick-walled peony cups that Jennie and I found on our shopping trip last year as I read the annual Saveur 100 issue. Stop by and I will pour you a cup.

Simple Fall Dessert

There are so many opportunities to entertain during the fall and winter, but it's often difficult to decide on a dessert, plus find time to make it. In one of my cooking magazines, I came across a reference to a company selling chocolate dipped figs at exorbitant prices. These couldn't be easier to prepare yourself, and paired with butter cookies, make a perfect ending to a casual meal. Here are my tips and some photos of the process:

Tips:
1. If you can, buy several types of figs. I like to use Calimyrna and black mission for a nice variety.
2. If you're buying figs in bulk, try to select similar sizes which will make the process easier. You want them to be bite size, but not too small or it will be difficult to get the almond inside the fruit.
3. You could use any type of nut you prefer, but the shape of almonds make them perfect for slipping inside the figs. I prefer a roasted, salted nut for that perfect combination of salty and sweet, but raw, plain or smoked versions would also be tasty.
4. Use a bittersweet or dark chocolate to enrobe the fruit. Figs are naturally very sweet already, so you don't want to make them too sweet to eat.
5. Buy candy papers from the craft of cooking supply store to dress up the finished product. The dipped figs look like edible jewels in a serving bowl or on a platter, and the papers make them look über-professional and just a little fancier.

How-to do it:
Using a small paring knife, insert it into the blossom end of the fig. Turn 180 degrees and make a second insertion so that you form an 'X.'

Insert the almond in point first. Be gentle, but dried figs are fairly pliable. The end of the almond will be visible on the bottom of the fig. Repeat with all of the figs so they're completely prepped before you begin the dipping.

Melt your chocolate carefully and don't get it to warm. I found a vintage Oster electric fondue pot at the thrift store several years ago. I've found that it's the best way to melt chocolate, in addition to it's usefulness for fondue.

Holding by the stem, dip each fig into the chocolate and let the excess chocolate drip back into the pot. Place them on wax paper and if you like, pop them into the fridge to set the chocolate. Place each fig in a candy paper, cover and store at room temperature until you're ready to serve.

Mangez!

Looking for a new Creamer/Sugar?

I'm not, I have creamer and sugar sets coming out my ears. Colorful plastic fifties ones. A silver-plated deco set. A Russel Wright set. Sets in both of my china patterns. A spare set I picked up at the thrift store that has a bowl and platter to match. Odd cream pitchers that don't match any sugar bowls, but still look great, especially the one from Rosenthal (My only piece, so I treasure it. Pronounce it 'ro zen tall' if you want to be snooty, like me.) If you don't have that perfect creamer and sugar set, that one that really says something about who you are and where you fit into the world, might I suggest the following?

This bunny service, adorned with roses, could really mix in with any china or silver service easily. Traditional, modern, simple, or ornate. It would convey to your guests (or reiterate to yourself, if you're using it for toast and tea at a solitary repast) that you are a positive person, with a bright outlook on the world. Likewise, the adorable guys definitely assert confidence in a design aesthetic on the part of the owner. They really SAY something...

And now, a PARADE OF SUGARS AND CREAMERS for your pleasure and amusement!

This wonderful design by Russel Wright is ingenious, with the creamer acting as the lid of the sugar bowl, nesting neatly on top.

This set says: I have a small table and need something economical, space wise. Plus I revere classic, American design.

A similar design and thrift store find, this piece is a silver-plated deco set by Napier.

This set says: I'm traditional, yet slightly funky. My walls are covered with Erté prints.

Temporama by Canonsburg. My favorite pattern. The dishes I use in all of my dreams. The accent pieces in this set are that wonderful robin's egg blue that I love, but the under plate shown here is actually something new from Crate and Barrel. Perfect Match!

This set says: I'm funky. I wear vintage, fifties glasses. Atomic forever!

The 'good' china, some of what I own was a thrifted gift from the playwright and actress Helena Hale, who is no longer with us. The pattern is Shoreline by Metlox and all of the colors were named for the California coast. The color I collect is called wet sand. So dramatic.

This set says: Simple, elegant design is timeless and without compare. California pottery has no equl in the world of vintage china.

This set sat at the thrift store forever, so I finally picked them up for a song along with a matching bowl and platter. They are by Studio Nova from the very 80s Color Threads line. I would consider this to be my 'everyday' creamer and sugar, the one that is on the kitchen table.

This set says: I will never get over the passing of the 80s.

Finally, a mismatched ménage à trois. From the left, a rustic creamer that was a gift from Danette who has no use for creamers as she doesn't drink coffee and rarely entertains (never on a grand scale); the adored Rosenthal, with odd wings on the lid that make it very sculptural; and lastly, a petite creamer by Frankoma, pottery of the promised land--Oklahoma.

These say, from left to right: I make my own pottery. I'm a hippy; My grandmother was a minor, German aristocrat who lost everything in the war and this is the only piece she escaped Europe with; I'm from Oklahoma.

Shopping for Your Kitchen


Real Simple published a nice on-line shopping guides for various aspects of your home. The list for the kitchen has some great sources, if for nothing else besides browsing and dreaming.

Also, Japan's Muji (a super-stylish and affordable store featuring a wide array of items) is opening two branches in New York. While this isn't necessarily convenient for me, I'm hoping this means there will be a branch of the web store for the States. That way, we can all get some of their wonderful stuff for our kitchen.

Happy shopping!

MT Supermarket

Last Saturday, Leslie and I went to MT Supermarket. It is the anchor in the new Chinatown Shopping Center on North Lamar, almost to Braker that is also filled with all kinds of interesting restaurants. A visit to MT Supermarket is an amazing experience with tons of things to look at. Problem is that I don't know what to do with most of it. On a visit, here is what you might find:

Kewpie Mayonnaise. Just like mom used to make.

An array of fresh noodles in a variety of shapes and sizes. How yummy! In soup, with sesame oil, sauteed vegetable...and on and on and on.

Soy sauce by the gallon!

Strange purple sweets. Sorry, couldn't do it. You try them and let me know.

Wet One's Whistle candies. There are so many wonderful and weird Asian candies that are available, it's difficult to know where to start.

These are some sort of weird, squid dumpling things that are delicious if you like squid. I do not, but I do adore the packaging. If you go and buy some, save it and I'll put it in a frame.

What did I buy?
Spicy dried tofu (delicious crumbled in salads or slice on a bun.)
Leek buns
A little rice paddle with the Double Happiness pattern on it (they have TONS of great kitchen and tableware)
Green Tea Mocchi
Noodles
Sweet Pepper Sauce
Bee and Flower Soap, Sandalwood Scent

What else? I think that's it. MT is always great to visit, and you'll leave with a bag of new food finds.