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WOODEN'T YOU LIKE TO KNOW
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"When you want different for yourself, you have to start moving different. Old keys don't unlock new doors."
━ unknown
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VACATION TERI TAKES SAVANNAH
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I am frequently asked what my favorite kitchen tool is. To be honest, there’s no single answer, but one basic kitchen tool that I simply adore is a wooden spoon. It’s a simple, inexpensive kitchen object made of a natural, beautiful material. Without a doubt the wooden spoon is my most used kitchen tool, and absolutely everyone should have at least one. I use mine daily for everything from stirring a sauce, to cooking a scrambled egg, to flipping a hamburger. Wooden spoons are like my Everything Bowl: I use them again and again and can’t live without them.
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NOT MUCH BEATS A WOODEN SPOON
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How do you find the right one? For me, it’s all about the feel. Get whichever kind really feels great in your hand. It’s that simple. I prefer olive wood, because it’s smooth, the feel is nice, and it will last for generations. I still have one or two of my mother’s wooden spoons! Where should you get yours? I recommend going to a kitchen store, or when you travel, look for lovely, high-quality wooden spoons that remind you of your trip.
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PRO TIP: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FEEL
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When I go on a trip, the treasure is finding a wooden spoon to take home and put in my present closet. I give them as gifts because there’s no lovelier kitchen tool. It’s one reason I love Italy--what a wonderful place to search for beautiful wooden spoons. Some people go for the gold jewelry…I go for the wooden spoons! My love for them is catching on with my kids. Recently, when Lucy was getting birthday gifts for Patrick, they found him some beautiful wooden spoons, because he loves them as much as I do.
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COOKING WITH A WOODEN SPOON INFUSES YOUR FOOD WITH MAGIC
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Here are my tips: Wood should be hand washed and simply doesn’t belong in the dishwasher. From time to time, condition your wooden spoon with a food-safe oil, like mineral oil. Unless you’re going to sand and treat them, don’t get beechwood, because they’re not as durable, and while they do look beautiful for a photo shoot, they’re not going to last unless you take impeccable care of them.
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THE FLAVORS IN YOUR COOKING BECOME A PART OF YOUR SPOON'S CHARACTER
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I don’t think bamboo lasts as long as olive wood, either. My friends at Early Wood are very enthusiastic about Mexican Ebony, Jatoba, Hard Maple, and Bloodwood. I have on occasion bought wooden spoons that I didn’t end up loving. Get yourself a smooth, supple, delicious spoon.
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NOT TO MENTION, WOODEN SPOONS LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN A KITCHEN
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Two advantages of cooking with wood are that it’s both non-toxic and non-damaging to your pans. And there’s something priceless about the history they come to embody over the years, and how my love of cooking is infused into them. I adore kitchen memories! My wooden spoons are like dear friends that I’m always happy to see. They certainly get knocked around, burned on the edges, and eventually a bit battered, but the long life of a wooden spoon will only serve to add some magic to your kitchen.
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In this episode, I wrap up the year with my very own Lucy Hartman, who joins me to talk about a few of our fun family traditions, my Year of Health (including 100 inadvertent days of Whole30), my social media break, my love for Roy, self-care, traveling together, who’s influenced me, family values, and the tough year of transitions that kicked my butt. I also have quite a bit to say about bras! You won’t want to miss the origins of our family’s coined phrases, including don’t kiss the garbage can; don’t be a Santa crusher; and angels and guides, we need a space!
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ENJOY THE LAST BITS OF SUMMER ON YOUR PLATE
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Last call for corn! I’m delighted how many of you are making my Corn and Sausage Platter, a new end of summer recipe. I created this impromptu gem for lunch one day, and it’s easy and soul satisfying. Also, now is a spectacular time to buy extra corn, cut it off the cob, and freeze it to extend the season. Try this deliciousness and be sure to let me know what you think! Who’s in?
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DATE NIGHT IN MY FLOWER DRESS
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Our end of summer break extended through a lovely, long, deliciously indulgent Labor Day weekend. I jumped back into real life by doubling my water intake and doing a one-day vegetable juice cleanse. I’ve continued to unravel the question of what health means for me. In January I had assumed the answer would be mostly about losing weight, but as the months progressed, I’ve dispelled some of my own ideas. I am clear that “health” is an emerging skill for me. I’ve learned a lot about saying no and not being so attached to others’ expectations (like how I might be letting someone else down if I take care of myself).
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GETTING BACK TO MY GREEN JUICES!
My favorite: six stalks of celery, one small cucumber, one apple, and one kale leaf!
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I’ve also learned that the diet mentality, and having foods I can eat and foods I can’t, is unhelpful. Moderation, however, is key. Post Labor Day weekend, I’ve made sure to get all my steps in and re-center myself. I’ve also learned to check in with a couple friends and set some goals for the week. It’s so helpful to feel their support, and I am committed to fall health.
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LUCY K'S SPOON REST IS FINALLY HERE!
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Spoon rests. Crumbles have been asking for a spoon rest pretty much forever, and there seemed no better time than now. I’m so happy to announce Lucy K's spoon rests are finally available in the Shop, and are named after one of the best people I know! Click here to order yours now!
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