Since we're winding down on kitchen remodel I've started to imagine my kitchen being more functional and clutter free. It's a process to clear out unwanted and unused kitchen items. When I started clearing out pots and pans I immediately began to realize that there was an abundance of skillets and saucepans. Then I started to envision my kitchen cabinets free of the army of pots and pans and began the get-down-and-dirty task of sorting and tossing. In fact, those thoughts are centered around one thought, if I don't use it, lose it. With the exception of special cake pans that are used for special occasions and bundt pans that hold the same purpose. I'm not jumping in and conquering the cabinet overload all at once but rather working on one cabinet at a time. Little steps lead to big ones, always.
I ordered the wooden spoons before writing Taste & Eat. They were my inspiration for the cookbook. If you notice the cover I have one of those spoons in my hand. Little things.
Bigger is better? When it comes to chocolate chip cookies, yes! We made a batch of giant chocolate chip cookies and I must confess, I ate more than one. Each cookie has 1/4 cup of batter. I froze most of the batter so that whenever I get a giant chocolate chip cookie craving I can make one.
Back to the kitchen. I started a search for glass herb and spice jars and my journey took me high and low. Isn't it crazy how many choices and options we now have? Anyway, I've always felt like I would be a great consumer product advisor. I really research and study before I buy anything. I felt like these spice jars were a great value. You get the labels, funnel and jars, and lids for a super good price. I also ordered some spice racks for the shop because I believe that I'm not the only girl in need of such kitchen essentials. Here's a link to order the jars. I'll share the black spice racks later after they arrive.
Years ago I became interested in creating authentic International beverages. I especially was drawn to Chai tea and Vietnamese coffee. Both allow one to indulge in delightful flavors.
If you were to travel to India you’d see chai stands on the street corners. You start with black tea and then infuse it with cardamom and black pepper, add milk, and allow the tea to steam for several hours. I also used to make Vietnamese coffee. You can purchase a special cup that the chicory coffee drip brews, then you top the rich coffee with sweetened condensed milk. You can drink it in layers which is original or you can blend the milk into the coffee.
Usually, the coffee is a strong blend like Chickory. You can find it at the local market. It's rich and dark in color. Enjoy something new at home.
My go-to chicken enchilada recipe and from my cookbook. You really can't mess this recipe up. You can add other spices and ingredients. If you don't have sour cream handy you can switch it up with cream. The only reason that I add sour cream is to increase the moisture to blend with the cheese and green chilis. Family time.
My grandmother Lola was an amazing cook! She conquered and won! Her restaurant was open during the depression and she withstood the test of time. You can tell by the picture of her that she loved cooking and having her own restaurant. I was not born yet to have witnessed the hot beef and hamburgers that were served on the old Formica countertop, but many stories have been passed down and occasionally an old timer will share his or her stories that they have about my grandmother's restaurant, Lola's Cafe. My dad spent most of his childhood at that restaurant and his best friend was always at his side to occasionally grab a treat or two. My grandpa and grandma wore little bow ties to work in the kitchen. I've always thought that the gesture was sweet. Great stories.
While I'm in a clear-out and go-through mood I worked my way through the shop's back room. The room is a pretty good size but is mainly used for storage. We store our extra bottles, ribbon, and packaging items in the room. There was a basket filled with electronic bits and pieces that I cleared out. Most of the items are obsolete because technology advances so fast, but there were a few mics and stands that I can still put to use. However, the other electronic items were just taking up space. What did you say? I said if you don't use it, lose it. It felt good to sort through the room and clear a few things out. When you have a shop things accumulate fast.
Last week I sat down and composed the fall list of soaps. Every season brings with her a new collection of soap scents. This fall by far offers some blow-me-away soaps! I say that every year, but it's true. We exceed our expectations each year when it comes to the building of our soap menu. Happy moments.
Jill
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