We had another incredibly blue-sky day today. I took that picture while I was waiting for Jessie and the boys to show up at Jason's Deli for lunch. The boys had little pizzas, Jessie and I had salad bar, and everyone but me had soft-serve ice cream for dessert. I ate the boys' pizza crust for my dessert.
Yum!
I enjoyed seeing the boys again. And of course, Jessie. Those children must think I am the most banal person on earth. I always ask them the stupidest questions in an attempt to be amusing, I guess. And I address them as if they were thirty-year olds with complete and utter seriousness.
"So how was Target? Did you get anything?"
And they look at me as if it really is time to start checking out the care facilities because OBVIOUSLY I don't have a lick of intelligence left.
They're not far wrong.
There's a guy at Jason's Deli who has worked there forever and he never, ever fails to crack a joke in the most dead-panned way and the way he talks to kids is so interesting. I think they like him because he really is sweet to them and not in a stupid way, either. I told the boys today that he is a very important person because he makes many people laugh every day. I could just see August's brain comparing a man who works at a deli who makes people laugh to an astronaut or a brain surgeon, but he did not try to correct me. Those children tolerate me which is nice of them. I suppose they like me okay because they always tell me they love me when they're driving away and they throw kisses although Levon's thrown kisses look more like he's just flicking his wrist in the general vicinity of his face.
After lunch I went to the fancy cookware store to return some baking dishes that Mr. Moon got me for Christmas. He'd forgotten that he's already given me some of the same baking dishes and did not mind me returning or exchanging them at all.
I found something I really wanted to exchange them for and it was a two and a half quart Le Crueset saucepan. I remember when my husband gave me the first Le Crueset pot I ever got and I almost made him take it back. That much money for a damn pot?
But he convinced me to keep it and has added to my collection over the years and now I love them with all of my heart. I have a big one I make soup in and a smaller one that I make smaller amounts of soup and also gumbo in and cook greens in, and also another pan that I use to cook sauces in and also stews, but lately I have been dreaming of a smaller one to make small amounts of vegetables in or rice or...well, whatever I want that will fit in a two and a half quart saucepan. So...
God, I'm spoiled.
Between the Le Crueset and my collection of cast iron skillets and pots and my grandmother's old Revere Ware, I have the best cooking vessels in the world.
In my opinion, anyway.
And not a Teflon pan amongst them. Or whatever they make non-stick pans with these days. If you don't go crazy overboard trying to protect your cast iron seasoning, those things are as nonstick as I need.
Wait. What? Forty-eight hours? Surely that had to be a mistake. A book that takes twenty hours is a big book. I looked it up and by golly, in print the book is 900 and something pages long.
Well. I guess she has a lot to say!
So I thought that I'd start listening to it to see if I thought it was worth dedicating that much time to, and I'm really enjoying it. She narrates it so you get all the nuance and inflection straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Not comparing Babs to a horse here, y'all. Far from it. I'm sure there must have been a cowriter but her voice is strong in the words. She talks about food a LOT! I doubt she has forgotten one snack she's ever eaten in her life. She also talks about what she wore for particular performances, even the performances she did at the age of eighteen. She is in love with vintage clothes and shoes and still has many of the clothes she wore back then. Of course she bought the things at thrift stores because she couldn't afford new clothes but she certainly came to appreciate the fabrics and workmanship in older dresses, shoes, tops, coats, and jackets.
She took one singing lesson and decided the woman was trying to make her be something she was not and that was that.
It's like Barbra Streisand and I are exactly the same, right?
Well, hell.
"Sure," he said, with the least enthusiasm possible.
And I did. Just a tiny little fingernail pinch that even his pants didn't feel. He rolled his eyes and went on with his life.
Never owned a LeCreuset pan...but do have 2 trusty cast irons...a skillet and a dutch oven that have seen 35 yrs plus of cooking! I did just order a new pan after lots of research.....wanted something non stick that doubles as a wok......ordered a Frok (minus the umlauts on the o)........and hubby said it arrived today (at his work, where all things are shipped) and said it looks good! I will look forward to the *test* run! If I were an ant, I would definitely want to be on a camellia!
ReplyDeleteSusan M
Tell us how it goes with your Frok! I'm still using my original one that I've had forever. It works although the lid's handle is broken.
DeleteIf you don't want to pay the Le Creuset prices, and they have gotten stupid expensive since we bought our last ones, try Tramontina, it is enameled cast iron and is very durable and works well. And one hell of a lot less expensive than Le Creuset.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE tried Tramontina, Jim, and it just hasn't held up that well. The enamel isn't nearly as thick as that on the Le Crueset. I still use the largest one that came in the set though, as it is excellent for making jams and also chicken and dumplings- it's so wide that I can get a lot more dumplings in the pot.
DeleteKeith Richards' book is long and it's only 562 pages. I just looked it up. I haven't tried Barbra's book yet. I just finished a three volume biography of Eleanor Roosevelt and it probably was 800 odd pages. Add the biography of ER and Lorena Hickock and it was a lot of listening. Let us know how the cabbage and apples and onions and raisins and stuff comes out.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, Joanne, that although I am enjoying Barbra's book, it really can't hold a candle to Keith's in a whole lot of ways. But then...what life could be like his?
DeleteOh, the cabbage and onions and apples and raisins were great!
No - you are not the same as Barbra Streisand! She is an old woman of 81 but you are a young lassie of 69. Also you can spell your first name but she clearly can't.
ReplyDeleteWell, there's a story about why Barbra spells her name like that. As well as a story of just about every snack she ever ate. Also, she is married to James Brolin and I am married to Glen Moon.
DeleteI’m so glad you told the kids that the deli man is very important since he makes people laugh every day! People like that are gold, and we need lots of them, as much (or more!)as we need brain surgeons and astronauts! And lucky you with a new Le Creuser pot, they’re really great! Happy new year to you and your family.. xo, Rigmor
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rigmor. I often wonder if my grandchildren will remember anything that I told them. I surely feel compelled to tell them a lot.
DeleteI love my cookware too. No leCreuset, but castiron in four sizes and various bits of Cornell or whatever they call that white stuff. Big aluminum pan and steamer I've used daily, with breaks for vacation, since February 1963. My future mother in law gave us money, not knowing what we could use, and I spent alllll of it on the steamer thing. Best $$ ever.
ReplyDeleteI have a steamer insert that goes with my grandmother's revere ware. I use it a lot. It's perfect for doing some vegetables. And you know how often I use my cast iron- a whole lot! And the Le Creuset too, actually. I really do a lot of cooking for two people, don't I?
DeleteGood cookware makes preparing even the most mundane dish exciting.
ReplyDeleteIf I were an ant I would definitely live in a camellia and yes, Ms Barbra Moon, you may pinch my butt.
Okay! Ms. Merlot- I promise- if we should ever meet, I will happily pinch your butt!
DeleteAnd you are so right about good cookware.
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DeleteLet me try this again. I found a Le Creuset dutch oven in the Goodwill for $12.99. I did not need a dutch oven, and sensibly talked myself out of it. Later, I decided that I was crazy and headed back for it. Someone smarter than I am got it.
DeleteI am a fan of second hand clothes as well. Most of mine are, by choice.
The first time that I stayed with Iris, I made a point of asking her how things should be done, letting her remind me of things, etc. I wanted her to feel comfortable and like I wasn't "in charge" so to speak. She took to the role very well, and every time I go, she is gently reminding me of how they do things. I make sure to ask lots of questions. After one stay, she told her parents (she was four) that she was a little worried about me, that I was VERY forgetful. Makes me laugh every time I think of it.
I can talk myself out of buying anything if I try hard enough. I talked myself out of buying that kitchen cart for about six months and look how much I love it!
DeleteThat is a great story about Iris worrying about your memory. Kids are so brilliant but they don't always get the subtleties. You were being so kind to let her have more authority because it was her house.
Well, mostly it was because she doesn't see me often. For a year and a half there was covid, so she really did not have memory of me until she was 2 1/2. I tried to ease into her life.
Delete"Secondhand Rose... wearing secondhand clothes" ... guess she really was! Love her... ps Love LeCreuset !
ReplyDeleteYes, she was!
DeleteTwo and a half quarts doesn't sound like a small pot, I'll have to convert that to pints or litres to determine the size, but it is a pretty pot. I have one Le Creuset and a larger "copycat" that works just as well, but they're almost too heavy now once I have ingredients in them. I will still use them this coming winter though, for stews and casseroles and spaghetti sauce.
ReplyDeleteSecondhand Rose is probably the only thing I remember of Barbra Sreisand.
Isn't it pretty? LeCreuset and cast iron are heavy and I always say that as long as I can lift them and cook with them, I'm okay.
DeleteBarbra Streisand has enjoyed a huge career and is well known over here for her acting and her singing.
I always wanted to be a singer, too. My husband was a professional opera singer. When we first met, I sang for him and he said...'I never heard anything like that'. That's all I'll say about that subject. It's a wonder he even hung around after that debacle. Your Le Creuset looks cool. My cookware is disgraceful compared to that.
ReplyDeleteParanormal John
"I've never heard anything like that!" Ha! That was...diplomatic. Like saying, "Well, that was interesting." Your husband must love you for far more than your singing ability.
DeleteIf you love to cook, you should get at least one or two good pots. You deserve them!
We have a Le Creuset that's the size of a Sherman tank (does anyone even know what that is anymore?) There was a sale and the largest size was cheaper than the next size down. It's a workout. I think the kids were probably contemplating your statement about the very important person. That's a very thought-provoking and profound statement for a kid. A different way of judging people. I have a feeling that's something that will be remembered (and a wonderful grandma lesson).
ReplyDeleteI know what a Sherman tank is. Vaguely, anyway.
DeleteThose things are heavy, aren't they? What do y'all make in your enormous Le Creuset pot?
That was sweet of you to say about my words to the boys. I do believe that it's true.
I am a Le Creuset enthusiast!! And I'm so glad you came around and accepted Le Creuset into your heart and kitchen...they are so classically beautiful AND such workhorses. Should last a lifetime or two...if cared for properly. I don't know how I would function in my kitchen without my Revere Ware, cast iron, and le creuset. I'd probably make do but surely wouldn't enjoy it as much. Such a pleasure using quality tools in the kitchen as I'm sure your husband was thinking when he bought them for you. Your man knows a thing or 2 about tools I would imagine.
ReplyDeleteNow you've made me covet that adorable sauce pan!
Angie D
Angie- you have it exactly right. A long time ago I explained to Glen that a cook's tools, her pots, pans, bowls, knives, oven- all of it- are just as important to them as a mechanics' tools are important to them. He got it. He always says that too, when he gets me something great for my kitchen.
DeleteThanks for the recommendation of Barbra's book. I've only recently started using earbuds so will download that to check it out as I adore her! As for Le Creuset I couldn't get along with it. They're beautiful of course but just too darn heavy for me!
ReplyDeleteEarbuds will change your life!
DeleteI do love a heavy pot. Now- ask me in ten years how I feel about. that.
I'm also in love with a new pan it's stainless steel and made in Germany by Zwilling. I saw it on a utube called Yung Man Cooking and asked my husband to find it based on the logo and as he is my cyber detective he found it in two minutes. Years ago my librarian said to him I would be worried if I were you all she takes out are murder mysteries and cook books but fifty years and he is still enjoying my food.
ReplyDeleteZwilling is a good name in cookware. I believe they are mostly known for their knives.
DeleteThat's pretty funny, what the librarian told your husband. I'm glad he's still enjoying your cooking.
Le Creuset pans - too heavy for me and my arthritic wrists, but they are beautiful. Love Barbra - her politics and her common sense. Your post today was fabulous - hilarious - and extremely perceptive as always. God help both our countries this year - elections looming.
ReplyDeleteChristine UK
Thank you, Christine. And yes. Whatever gods there are, please help us this year.
DeleteI'm sure my grandkids think I'm wacky as I am always trying to make them laugh.
ReplyDeleteI just can't imagine reading a 900 book anymore. Can you keep giving us recaps of Barbra's book to save me the trouble?! Thanks, Mary.
Of course, Ellen! I'll be glad to do that!
Deletecast iron and revereware. I've already decided to leave my cast iron dutch oven and skillets to Jade because I think she's the only one who will care for them properly. I have one non-stick baking dish that I never use, should just get rid of it.
ReplyDeletemy sister loved Barbara Streisand, at least growing up. Pam would play her records when she got up getting ready for school and I would be listening to rock and roll. I never understood the appeal and I don't think I could get through 900+ pages of Barbara's life.
I think that Jade would probably love your cast iron. Not yet, though!
DeleteWell, I guess that listening to 48 hours of a book that's not bad at all is as good as listening to six books of 8 hours each that aren't that great. That's how I'm rationalizing this.
Well, you know how kids are. The wackier you are, the more they'll love you! I have no doubt they love you profoundly. (By which I do NOT mean to say you're incredibly wacky.)
ReplyDeleteIn reading about that Streisand book I'd seen that the audio is 48 hours and that she'd only had one singing lesson, both facts that astonished me. Let me know what you think of it. I also read she wrote it all herself.
I've never seen white Le Creuset before! I didn't even know they made that color.
Oh but Steve- I am incredibly wacky. Just ask the kids.
DeleteI tried to research if she had co-author on this book but could not find any information on that. Her editor surely did earn their money though.
That color is called "meringue". In case you want to buy Dave a pot in that shade of white.
I would love a large Le Creuset frying pan but they're so expensive. Maybe one day. I just read an article the other day about forever chemicals, like the ones found in teflon, I didn't know. Now I have a new, stainless steel frying pan but it's small.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Barbra Streisand lived her life on her own terms and isn't that we all asprie too.
They are expensive indeed! See if you can find yourself a few cast iron frying pans in thrift stores. Even new, they're not that expensive. Some brands are better than others.
DeleteBarbra has indeed lived life on her own terms and she knew from an early age exactly what those terms were.
I found some Le Creuset in a Chazza and had no idea they were so expensive, they're quite heavy, Light Blue... glad I bought them when I realized the quality. My Grands know I'm insane, I think kids appreciate that in a Grandparent. *Smiles* I have no doubt your Grands absolutely adore you... they only tend to pretend we're just tolerable. *winks*
ReplyDeleteI had to google Chazza to find out what you were talking about! Lucky you, finding those pots in a charity store. That's the dream, baby. Right there.
DeleteI think my grandkids mostly love me because I feed them. Well, maybe there's more.
I'm sure there's more, but, I must admit you feed them such fabulous Meals, I'd be in Adoration of you too. *Smiles* I picked up Chazza from my European Mom, it's what most British folk call Charity Shops.
Delete37paddington: love love love you Striesand book review!
ReplyDelete