Le Creuset Heaven

For around 25 years, on and off, I have lusted after Le Creuset cookware. This was brought to a head once again whilst watching a cookery programme where the Hairy Bikers were using a beautiful purple skillet. However, as always, the weight of cast iron was too much for my joints. When we were in Gloucester visiting the Elder Offspring, I visited a shop selling Le Crueset and found the skillet above was sufficiently light for me to lift.The skillet can be used on the hob (gas or electric), in the oven, and under the grill. It was added to my wishlist.

So far, it's proved to be very useful in risotto-making and chicken and cider stewing. I've also used it make pancakes, and it was okay, but Ill be using my pancake pan in the future.

It was expensive, one of the most expensive kitchen presents I have received. I'm rather overwhelmed to receive such an expensive gift, and for having that amount of money spent on a skillet. However, it is something that will last and last, and will be used again and again. As items wear out the decision will be taken whether to replace them or no. If we decide to replace, they will be replaced by an item that will last. Buy once, buy well.

Bagels and Hot Chocolate

Oh my goodness! I am loving my new toaster. This morning I had toasted, butter bagels with hot chocolate. It was utterly wonderful.

The family toaster is is gluten-laden, and I can't use it for fear of contamination.It's years since I've had a toasted bagel at home. I've had bagels warmed in the microwave, and they've been fine. But toasted bagels! It's a moment of pure joy, the hot crunch, the slippery, butteryness, and the softness inside.

This toaster has a frozen bread function, and it produces perfect bagels. I tend to keep my gluten-free bread products in the freezer as I don't eat them terribly frequently. Perhaps that should be 'I didn't eat them terribly frequently.'

What to buy for a decluttering minimalist?

What's a wanna-be minimalist to do at gift receiving times of the year? I like presents. I like gifts. And I don't want to do without them. But, I don't want to accumulate more stuff just because it's time to receive gifts.

My family makes extensive use of the Amazon wishlists. It's the first thing we do when Christmas or birthdays are approaching. It means the gift giver has a pretty decent idea of things the gift receiver might like. It cuts down on the 'what were they thinking' type of gift. However, it does require people to take the time to update their wishlist. This last task has been difficult for me, and doubly difficult now I'm really getting to grips with decluttering and being an intentional buyer.

Over the last few days I've been pondering this whole gift thing. The gifts I would most like to receive are either crafting materials or gift vouchers for craft shops. It's lovely to receive a gift. It's then lovely to create a crafty-thingy, and it's again lovely to give that crafty-thingy away. The gift is not the material object, but the chance to play with it and make it into something different.