It is time to invite you all for a walk around our kitchen. In My Kitchen posts started many years ago with Celia and is now hosted by Sherry, from Sherry’s Pickings. The idea is to share whatever you feel like. Things you’ve bought, gifts you’ve received, new gadgets, new ingredients, new cookbooks. And if you feel particularly generous, you could potentially share the post with your resident pups. It’s up to you. So, let me start with some gifts…
From my dear friend Heather, straight from her backyard in California
A huge box of Meyer Lemons! She never even told me she was sending them and wow, it was a real sweet surprise… I made a ton of stuff from these lemons, including a batch of preserved lemons (I have two still left). Thank you, Heather!
From my friend Courtnie, straight from her New York kitchen….
Fermented hot sauces! I had never even heard of fermenting ingredients to make a condiment and was blown away by the complexity of flavors. Even though the red one contains habaneros, the heat level is perfect, no need to call the firemen. I added them to marinades, made Shrimp Moqueca with the red one, and shake them over turkey burgers and many other food items right on my plate. Thank you, Courtnie!
From my forever husband….
A coffee cup from his favorite artist, Mary Rose Young. The pups were not amused, but we both got a kick out of it.
Still from my forever husband…. a labor of love
My Kitchen Aid was making horrific noises and jumping around as if possessed by The Devil Himself if I set a speed higher than 2. We went to Youtube University and found out there was quite likely a loose screw inside. My beloved fixed it for me. It is a messy job. You have no idea how much oil sits inside that machine. But it now behaves as brand new!
From Rumi Spices….
As you may know, I never accept products to review, and this was no exception. I was contacted by Rumi Spices because they wanted to use one of my recipes (a sourdough made with saffron) in their website, and I gave them permission. They sent me these two beautiful jars of spices as a thank you gift, and first I fell in love with their elegant design, but shortly after, the spices found a place in my heart also. Black Cumin and Berbere, I’ve been using them quite a bit lately. You can check their store here, if you are interested.
And now, let me show you a few things that I could not resist bringing into the Bewitching Kitchen since we last chatted about it.
In our kitchen…
A set of 12 special molds that work wonderfully well for things such as financiers. They are non-stick, very sturdy and well-made. I got them at amazon, click here for details.
In our kitchen…
A cast-iron loaf pan, which I used recently to make Nadiya’s Chicken Shawarma. I coated it with a little oil, had no issues using it. Have also used it for a loaf of bread with great results. Available at amazon with a click here.
In our kitchen…
You win some, you lose some. Never ordering again from this seller at amazon. I ordered this high quality white chocolate before the weather got too hot, and they guaranteed it would ship protected from heat. It arrived almost completely melted. I exchanged a couple of messages, they said that I should have ordered overnight delivery in dry ice because it was available as an option, but of course no one told me that would be a requirement to get the chocolate in good shape. I also tried to contact Caillebaut for help trying to temper it, and never got a single reply back. Not. Happy. At. All.
In our kitchen…
One of the things that being in a certain tent did for me was develop a complete obsession with Mason Cash pottery. I found this one at ebay for a very good price, and could not resist it. It is amazing how they feel at the same time light and sturdy. Love it.
In our kitchen…
This might very well be my new passion. It is sweet, salty, and funky in equal amounts Funky in the best possible meaning of the term. You know, umami-like. I’ve been baking with it, and sometimes, late at night, when no one is paying attention, I might sneak a little taste, straight from the package.
In our kitchen…
Truly an impulse buy. I should not have. I am embarrassed, ashamed, I have no idea why I am smiling in the picture, braces and all. SHAME on BAKER. (But isn’t this rolling pin swoon-worthy?). Found this gem at etsy.com (search for embossed rolling pins and be ready to dream).
In our kitchen…
A few ceramic cupcake and cake stands (the pink one I’ve had for months), the others I found at Marshall’s, including the square stand which I’ve been flirting with for a while. What won’t I do for this blog?
In our kitchen…
This is really a life-saver for me. Since the beginning of this pandemic, Common Table meals changed their approach. No more sit-down dinner, they just distribute food for take-out delivery. So my contributions cannot be a single large cake or pie, or cookies in a box. I need to wrap each item individually. It means quite a bit of plastic wrap each week. This large roll works like a dream, the quality of the wrap is excellent, and the cutting mechanism perfect. I am so glad I got it.
In our kitchen…
A very nice, relaxing tea, that was recommended in a post by my friend Karen. I love the inclusion of butterfly pea flower, as I can change the color of the tea from purple to slightly blue using a touch of lemon juice.
In our kitchen…
A set of simple syrups that you can use for drinks (alcoholic or not), as well as to flavor buttercream. I first heard about them from tent-baker Tanya, and placed my first order not too long ago. I have used the ginger-lime, still have to try the other two. They smell amazing! If you are interested, here is the link to the company.
In our kitchen…
I don’t remember sweet cherries and strawberries being as tasty as this year. Compensation of the universe for a certain plague? Who knows? But we’ve been enjoying them on a regular basis, and storing strawberries in the freezer for the future. The husband made those chocolate-covered strawberries to surprise me on Mother’s Day, and he is also the Resident Strawberry Sorbet Maker. Yeah, I am just a very lucky woman.
Just outside of our kitchen….
We’ve started a project to build a little outdoor patio, and the husband put 99% of the effort into it, I am just helping a little bit (although shoveling rocks into a wheel barrel can take a toll on the human body). We hope to have it ready around the 4th of July holiday. No, no get together with friends, but it will be nice to sit there the two of us enjoying a morning coffee.
Sooo, that is it for this month. As I mentioned before, In My Kitchen posts may or may not be shared with resident pups. The fact that they were very disrespectful to the layer of rocks that we had carefully constructed and leveled, made me put them in time out. I will spare you of the details, but it was a dirty business.
No blog post for any of you this month, pups!
Well, Bogey is not worried for good reason…
Yes, my friends… I could not possibly let the pups out of their five minutes of fame this month. Because it turns out today is a very special day.
My little forever puppy, Bucky Boy, turns 13 years young today! When I think that for the first five years of his life he had no name, he was tied to a tree outside almost permanently, had no toys, no idea of what it was to walk on a leash, how to walk through an open door, or up and down stairs… it just breaks my heart. We rescued him from hell, and I just wish that it could have happened when he was still a little puppy. But, better late than never. Happy Birthday, Buck!
For Birthday celebrations, we believe that elegance is key.
Bogey and Buck are naturals in that department.
Oscar? Well, let’s say Social Isolation came with issues….
We had no choice but to take matters into our own hands…
No worries, Bogey… You are un-trimmable!
And also very lovable… although don’t let my sweet demeanor fool you….
Indeed, the pups sometimes don’t see eye to eye and they always make their feelings clear. A recent example comes to mind…
Well, that’s all for now… The pups want to wrap it up with a final message for their millions (cough, cough) of fans.
Stay positive, my friends!
and don’t take yourself too seriously…
ONE YEAR AGO: In My Kitchen, June 2019
TWO YEARS AGO: In My Kitchen – July 2018
THREE YEARS AGO: In My Kitchen, July 2017
FOUR YEARS AGO: Secret Recipe Club: Falafel and a Bonus Recipe
FIVE YEARS AGO: Chocolate Toffee Banana Bread
SIX YEARS AGO: In My Kitchen, June 2014
SEVEN YEARS AGO: Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
EIGHT YEARS AGO: Baked Coconut and “The Brazilian Kitchen”
NINE YEARS AGO: Honey-Glazed Chicken Legs
TEN YEARS AGO: French-Style Rolls
ELEVEN YEARS AGO: Chicken Breasts, Coffee, and Serendipity
Bewitching Kitchen 
Always stay positive! They are all so so cute 🐶 🐕 💕
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we must! no sense caving into sadness. Sometimes sadness is unavoidable, but if there is any ways of staying positive, we must!
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Wonderful!! Brightened up my day for sure!! Keep baking!! Happy canada Day..and advance good wishes for July4…Barb Special virtual puppy pats!!
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that’s the idea, let’s brighten up our days, as often as possible! Too much uncertainty and fear around…
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I always enjoy your posts. What have you used the black cumin for? That is one spice I have never heard of. Gonna try to ferment some sauces. Until now, the only ferment done here has been sauerkraut, and homemade is tons better than store bought!
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I used it in rice, in black beans, I added to dry rub for chicken and pork tenderloin – it has a really nice flavor. I am pretty intrigued by the fermentation in sauces. I doubt I would go for it, but who knows? Stranger things have happened in my life (wink wink)
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Lovely post and great things going on in your kitchen! Love the syrups especially the Lavender. Have a wonderful day!
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yes, I am dreaming about uses for the lavender, and macarons are calling me… but somehow they ALWAYS call me, it’s a condition that I have….
Have a wonderful day too, thank you for leaving me a comment, they brighten up my day
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I loved this post! I’ve been following your blog for awhile now, and for some reason, I haven’t seen these types of posts. You have a dear sense of humor, as well as being an incredible baker. We too, have a dog named, “Buck” (Bucky when he is a good boy.) He’s our very special rescue and for the life of us, cannot understand how anyone could have surrendered him to a rescue organization.
I also enjoyed the ‘inside your kitchen’ segment and will check out some of the items you have shared, especially the simple syrups. Those most definitely caught my attention. Your musings allow us all to feel like we know you and I look forward to your next posting.
Best regards,
Ginny
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Hi, Ginny! Every once in a while I get a comment that leaves me so happy, I get this smile in my mind and life seems easy and care-free. Yours today was one of those… 😉
Our Buck is Bucky 12.5% of the time… (actually I am joking, he is a pretty nice boy and rarely causes trouble, although because of his troubled past, he can be aggressive and does not trust any humans but me and Phil).
I hope you enjoy the IMK posts, I’ve been writing them for so many years, sometimes I go back and read them myself just because they bring back the past in ways that memory alone does not do.
thank you for stopping by!
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Happy Birthday lovely, Buck! I didn’t know that about his start in life, how awful, and how wonderful that you saved him x x x
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Yes, every time I look into Buck’s eyes, I almost see the gratitude still there. You know, we had no idea he was white – He was so dirty from all those years outside, that we thought he was a mutant Jack Russell with mostly dark fur
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Oh my goodness 😔😔😔 poor baby!
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You have an amazing number of new things for a down month like this one! I like your little cake stands, and your cake moulds too. And one of your dogs looks just like the dog we once had who lived 18 years but that was not recently.
be well… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
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well, it is actually a 3-month thing, as I don’t do it monthly – I just feel there would not be enough stuff, and also it ends up being a bit more work to compose this type of post, so I prefer to space it. We had one Jack Russell (Chief) who lived to be 17. I am hoping that Buck will beat that record… (fingers crossed)
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Congratulations Buck ! A virtual pat, hug and lamb shank arriving from Australia ! (Sorry, Bogey, I just had to be polite !!) A most enjoyable visit into your kitchen and yard and a warm help to your darling husband. A lot of diverse goodies to look at . . . love those elegant oval mods and would so like to pinch some of the halva -have not seen this particular mix . . . oh, will have to look whether I can find black cumin here. Bogey – ask your Mom nicely, could we have a photo of you some tine in the middle of the three months she is collecting interesting things to talk about . . . hmm ?
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He often shows up in between… for instance, did you miss this one? https://bewitchingkitchen.com/2020/06/05/
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)head bowed in embarrassment * Yup, I think I did ! Quite unfair to begin, ‘Bogey, Sally, Phillip, . . . ‘ But the day you brought His Lordship, warts and all, down after your family tragedy, his spots did get to me . . .Oh, have not felt the right to comment on all your baked offerings of late but that last set of macaroons were just-inspired beyond compare . . .
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oh, I know… he’s got a following…. I can see people just scrolling fast down ignoring my non-sense to get to the Big Old Spotted One 😉 He is adorable, and goofy.. You would love him “face to face” even more
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Hope the face-to-face will happen when the world stops spinning out of control . . .
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1. I love the mission of Rumi saffron. They sent me a small sample with no strings attached.
2. I love Stretch-Tite! Couldn’t live without it.
3. Those lemons are perfection!
4. Happy birthday Buck!
5. I’m so glad you liked the tea!
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Happy Birthday to YOU! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! Happy Birthday, DEAR KAREN!!!
Yes, the tea is great – I am trying to make it last as long as possible so I don’t drink it every evening, but … almost
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hi sally
thanks so much for joining in with us this month. i love all those lemons you were given. how wonderful! and those fermented sauces… good friends indeed. how clever is your hubby! it would have cost a fortune to get someone in to fix the kitchen aid. a shame about the white chocolate. i never order chocolate online in summer cos i worry about it sitting around in the QLD heat! i have a mason cash bowl too and i adore it! so pretty and so practical. i just bought an email tea cup – for the blog, i told hubby 🙂 and i often buy pretty china etc – for the blog… Butterfly pea is magic stuff. love the purple gin i have. gorgeous dogs! and happy birthday to bucky. thanks again. cheers
sherry
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Great to see you here! Mason Cash is amazing, isn’t it? So many colors and shapes…. It’s a good thing that storage in the kitchen is at a premium! 😉
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You had me worried for a moment – I was afraid there were going to be no dogs!! Happy Birthday to Buck from my little rescue. What a terrible start in life for the poor boy – but how lucky that he was rescued by you.
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Ha! If I DARE make a post without the dogs I will start getting hate mail…. cannot risk it! 😉
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Oh my goodness! I ordered from Callebaut and didn’t have an issue! Oooooh….. I’m mad on your behalf. That totally stinks.
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It does…. But I learned a big lesson – I used the chocolate for ganache instead, no tempering.
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Happy Birthday Bucky Boy, what a good deed taking him in and how lucky for him. I can’t imagine a better home even though they don’t always get along. Life with the pack must be interesting. You have some wonderful things this month. Love your pottery bowl and the cake stands. I can’t imagine living without that same plastic wrap. Keeping a sense of humor seems to be more difficult each week, thank you for giving me a giggle.
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I find that NOT watching the news for a full day helps – things are bad, they will not improve for a while, so watching makes no difference. I don’t want to STOP watching the news altogether, but at least 24 hours break every once in a while helps. And baking. With abandon.
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That’s a good idea, I find I am obsessed with the news but you are correct…it doesn’t improve much. I wish I was a baker but maybe not, I already have my covid-10lbs without baking. Your own are beautiful though and make my mouth water.
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that’s why I LOVE having the Friday bake donation thing going – I can bake a lot, forget about politics and donate it all (I swear to you, I think it helps me more than the homeless people the bakes go for!) – I feel grateful to have that venue available
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Wish we had something like that here, I do donate produce to the food bank but they won’t take anything cooked.
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Birthday blessings for the forever puppy! You will not believe this but I also had a loose screw in my Kitchen Aid mixer! Love the spices, and the lemons and your new rolling pin. Have fun using it.
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Amazing how common it is to have that problem with the KA – I was considering trying to send for repair, but just moving that thing to the box and post office is a huge ordeal
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Lots of good food and some very lovely purchases, especially that pottery bowl – Mason Cash? Now I want to try making a fermented red chili sauce with all the red peppers we have popping out. I do make other fermented things, including kimchi and pickles.
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