Sunday, February 8, 2015

In My Kitchen: February 2015




It's time for another tour around my galley, and a chance to peek into other kitchens around the world via Celia's In My Kitchen series. I'll begin with the obvious... in my galley we love all things piscatorial. Fishy yes, but what's with the tropical fish in the Pacific NorthWest? These colorful fish mitts are more decorative than functional, but they are treasured for their boldly colored patterns. The fish platter art piece below is a favorite just because it makes me smile.



In my galley you will find other vivid pops of color, a cheery contrast to the sometimes dreary winter weather outside. Not that I need an excuse to display fresh flowers or candy, but they are especially welcome when the world outside the windows stays gray all day. Winter days are finally lengthening, but lately we seem to transit from dawn to dusk with minimal brightening in between.


In my galley there are signs of Canadiana, like these heavy oven mitts celebrating the characteristic sentence-ending interjection, "Eh!". Over the years I've grown so used to hearing "eh" in British Columbia that it no longer seems noteworthy


In my galley you will find numerous lathe-turned wooden bowls, lovingly crafted by a local woodworker and purchased over the years at the Pier Street Sunday Market. This bowl holds doggie biscuits, treats to put in my pocket before I head outside for a walk ashore or along the docks. The local feral cats are quite wary, keeping their distance as I approach, but I can always find a friendly pup or two quite willing to sit and exchange a pawshake for a biscuit.


In my galley a new stack of roughhewn cedar planks awaits use on the barbecue to flavor salmon fillets. I just read an online suggestion for use of a cedar plank in the oven under a batch of stuffed mushrooms to add a noticeable smokey flavor, but that sounds overly optimistic to me. Have you tried cedar in the oven?  At what temperature does it ignite?  


Soft headliners in my galley mean a lack of overhead lighting, and the valance spotlights and undercounter lights send little illumination inside the overhead cabinets. This raspberry pink headlamp is a gift to myself, the latest solution to hands-free viewing deep inside the top shelves or undercounter cabinets. Don't giggle, it works!


The current cooktop in my galley has become erratic, heating up on some days and not on others. The box below holds the replacement cooktop, supposedly the same design as the previous unit. Except it isn't. The manufacturer moved the downdraft fan assembly; the new placement would run into a solid bulkhead which abuts the oven. It's a problem awaiting a solution. Meanwhile there's always the microwave, the oven, an electric skillet... and the temptation to walk to the local pub for lunch.






16 comments:

  1. I think your Petzl is a very practical solution. And aren't you the clever one having dog biscuits to befriend the locals? Though they do reside in a container well above their station. Thanks for the nautical tour. Fiona xx

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  2. Your daffodils are stunning. I haven't tried using cedar planks in the oven but would be reluctant to use them inside lest I fill my entire kitchen with smoke. I'd much rather experiment outside. The headlamp is a genius idea.

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    1. I have rejected the cedar planks in the oven idea - the smoke detectors would get too noisy too fast!

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  3. i love that fish platter. it is gorgeous. eh is also what north queenslanders say at the end of every sentence:) I have a headlamp too for when i am away from home as most hotels have lousy reading lights. hubby says it is hilarious.

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  4. Aha! another good use for the headlamp. Thanks for the idea.

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  5. I'm always on the look out for oven gloves - I'd use yours in a heartbeat. Mine are about 6 years old and well past their best but I haven't seen anything I like. I got a giggle from picturing you cooking with your headlamp on!

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    1. Nancy, I'll admit to looking a bit silly when lamplit, but it's worth it. Just don't expect a photo. (grin)

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  6. Hi Dee, love the fish mitts. Thanks for the peek! :)

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  7. Dee, I can't imagine living on a boat - how interesting your IMK posts always are! Loved the peek through the window at the water and your colourful metal fish and that beautiful wooden bowl. And intrigued by the cedar planks - do you actually use them on the bbq under the fillets, or do you burn them to add smoky flavour? And if you use them under the fillets, can you reuse them? Thanks! :)

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    1. Hi Celia, delighted to welcome you to my galley. The cedar planks are used both ways; soaked and whole under fat fillets or often cut into strips, soaked and placed under brined salmon strips atop the grill AND on the coals to enhance smokiness when the grill cover is down. I'll have to work up a post about same in Spring when we go fishing again. I don't reuse the planks a second time since cedar is plentiful and storage room is scarce.

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  8. I absolutely adore your fish mitts and my hubby would love your roughhewn cedar planks to use on the braai (barbecue).
    Have a super day.
    :-) Mandy xo

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    1. Thanks, Mandy, those fish DO add a nice pop of color in the galley. Have a great weekend!

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  9. Dee, I love your fish-themed mitts and plate art! One of the first things I bought recently was a fish platter, just for FUN. :) I'll have to give some serious consideration to your headlamp idea... there's no under-cabinet lighting in my (soon to be revealed) kitchen... hands-free illumination? Thank you! Enjoy your new stove... I'm hoping to enjoy mine soon, thanks to IMK. xo!

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    1. Kim, your fish platter nicely pairs function and fun - and the Cilantro Tequila Shrimp tickled my tastebuds! I can't wait to see the developments in your new kitchen. Hugs.

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