Kitchen Fixin's

I own a microwave, oven & stove top. These are the only devices I posses to cook any masterpiece I wish to consume.

Utensils include: handheld can opener, pancake flipper, 3 different sizes of rubber spatulas (frosting spreaders), pasta spoon (the kind with teeth to stir while cooking), measuring cups and spoons, handheld cheese grater, cheese slicer, two paring knives and 4 wooden spoons.

Cookware is limited to 1 medium frying pan, 1 small frying pan, 1 small sauce pan, 1 medium sauce pan, 2 corning ware casserole dishes (1- 2 cup, 1- 4 cup), 9” glass pie dish, 3 assorted plastic mixing bowls, 1 large glass mixing bowl, 1 cookie sheet, a few loaf pans, a few baking pans and a broiler pan (provided by my apartments previous inhabitant). While I say “limited”, I am of complete thankfulness for it as it was nearly all provided by none other than good ol’ Nana. A woman whose kitchen is more organized than your local Walmart, and stocked with more variety than the local farmers market. Nana came to my rescue when I said I had very little.

My personal collection upon move-in consisted of a matching set of 2 bowls, 2 plates and 2 tumblers, an assortment of cups and mugs, plasticware and an assortment of tupperware.

My dishes were also provided by my Nana when I discovered the dishes I retrieved from Washington were not microwave safe. Now I may heat & reheat with ease.

Rather than asking to borrow, beg for, or request any further items to furnish my kitchen or entire apartment for that matter, I have challenged myself to feel the true difference between wanting and needing. Silverware, for example, is a necessity that is brought upon our culture so as to demonstrate proper manners. What about the good old days when there wasn’t a silversmith or factory to make spoons, forks, or knives and it was acceptable to eat with your fingers or another device found in nature? Before silverware starts overflowing my mailbox I should tell you now that I am not that primitive. I own a single metal spoon, and a single metal fork. The remaining silverware I have is plastic and disposable. All my butter knives are plastic and if I need something sharper, I have the paring knives. Thank God I am not a fan of large knives.

Stay tuned for my spectacular menu. :)