A Drenching Departure
My kitchen faucet took leave of me last week. But not before it gave me and the floor a good soaking. While clearing out the under-sink cabinet for the plumber, I poked my head into the dark abyss. It was scary in there. The space looked like Hanger 51 in an Indian Jones flick.
The kitchen purgatory with its crook-necked water pipes, a garbage disposal, cleaning supplies, and unused cookware had become the final resting place for far too much “stuff.”
Ahh. . . but, all was not lost. A plumber introduced me to a new Grohe faucet. We have since bonded and all is well again.
Found in Hiding
As I sorted through the under sink cavern, I marveled at both the treasure and trinkets that I turned up. Most items were put there years ago for safe keeping or easy access. Instead they disappeared.
How exciting to come upon 5 packets of kitchen sponges nesting in a back corner. (Right away, I struck those from my grocery list.) Likewise, for the partially-filled containers of dishwashing liquid.
A fire extinguisher commanded space in the opposite corner. It came with my condo 20 years ago. I was ready to get rid of it, but my plumber intervened, telling me its “Best Use By” date was still valid. He was joking, I think. Even so, I gave the canister a swipe with a wet rag and stuck it back in the corner.
I also recovered my long lost garbage disposal wrench. I put it in a labeled Ziploc bag and put it back into hiding.
More Surprises
My most interesting discovery was a Nordic ware shortcake pan. I must’ve thought I needed it at one time, though it was still wrapped in the original cardboard band. The recipe on the label was so simple, that I was attracted to it once again.
The opposite side of my re-discovered shortcake pan, showing the design that makes home baked shortbread more charming.
A baking spray that includes flour makes it easy to remove the cups from the mold.
All ingredients in this recipe are mixed in the same bowl. According to the recipe, you can fill the cups (3/4’s full) with a cake mix. Or use it for individual gelatin molds. (Kitchen Note: I cut back on the amount of sugar because I prefer a less sweet batter. Next time I also plan to add a bit of orange zest and/or rum.
This Shortbread Basket currently ranges in price from $26 to $36 on line, so you might want to hang it on your kitchen wall as artwork.
Springtime Colorful
When cooked and cooled, fruit and whipped cream can be inserted into each of the shortcake baskets. The festive dessert will give you a quick, kid-friendly finale for a special occasion.
Having had such good fortune in cleaning out my under-sink cabinet, I’m eager to move onto nearby shelves. Who knows what treasures lurk in those dark, secluded corners? I don’t.
