In My Kitchen: March 2015

No two weeks have been the same recently as we move between house and boat, back to the house and then the boat again... This year's mild winter weather encouraged us to haul the boat early for its annual inspection and bottom paint. Unlike some previous years (link) we were in and out of the boatyard in near-record time (for us). 

Living aboard in a small space means many items serve multiple uses. In my galley the countertops do dual duty, typically used for food prep and a quick meal, occasionally serving as a convenient workbench or temporary storage location. Today it's hard hat and knee pads, yesterday it was an assortment of tools, screws and parts. Yes, (because I know you are curious), the hard hat and knee pads are useful items to have on board for RL's frequent projects in the engine room.

Last month I shared a photo of the cardboard box holding a replacement cooktop, one that sadly didn't fit in the existing under-counter cabinet space. Fast forward to the latest cardboard box holding a different cooktop, one that will be installed in my galley next week... unless it requires some countertop modifications.  

Lately cooking in my galley has focused on quick meals and familiar recipes, nothing new and noteworthy. Lamb-stuffed mushrooms with braised kale were a hit, and a practical way to use up bits and pieces in the fridge. 

There has been very little baking in my galley this month, the sourdough used solely for morning waffles. One batch of Lemon Poppyseed Muffins that I baked to share with the boatyard crew never made it out the door. The taste was all right, but the texture was strange, gummy actually, not something to share. Sigh! there's a reason that package mixes have an expiration date. That box mix from the emergency stores was definitely past its prime. Who needs to bake when fresh baked goods appear with visitors? This gorgeous pie arrived with new acquaintance, Dr. Claude, when he came by for a visit and boat tour.   

In my galley most dishware is made of practical Corelle or some other durable material. Four lovely glass sushi plates are a welcome exception. A gift from friend Rose, they hold desserts and appetizers as often as sushi. In between uses they stow away carefully swathed in plastic bubblewap to soften the ride in lumpy weather. The chopstick rests are more decorative than everyday practical, seeing occasional service as knife rests, photo props or table decorations. Full disclosure: I use chopsticks to eat popcorn and tend to use my fingers to eat sushi.

Today technology is not my friend. The onboard printer refuses to connect with my laptop. The computer won't recognize the card reader. Most boatyard photos were lost when the SD card came apart. While they may be fuzzy, at least these iPhone shots loaded for this post. I think it's time to relax and enjoy a slice or two of that beautiful pie while I watch the sun go down. Then I will kick back and enjoy an online visit to other cooks' kitchens via Celia's monthly In My Kitchen series. Take a few minutes and browse through posts from kitchens around the world; you will meet some interesting people there.