An Update

Uh...

Food mill, bread knife - wha?

Instead I came home with:

1. A baking sheet to replace the wonky, floppy one I never use because I hate it.
2. A little peeler to simulate a mandoline (I saw Jamie Oliver do it).
3. A magnetic knife rack because we have all of our knives lying on top of each other in a drawer, and now you know my secret shame.
4. A John Boos board because it was $7.99 (!).

Also, the sardines: your recipes and ideas were good, but in the end I wanted my first tin to be simple and straightforward. I smeared a Triscuit with a little whole-grain mustard, piled a small filet on top, and popped it in my mouth. Simply delicious. Though the soft little spine and the miniscule organs (and there definitely were some) floating about in the tin were something to get used to. I'll be experimenting with your ideas, though they'll have to wait for those nights when Ben isn't home - apparently his ban extends to all small fish in cans. Fine! More omega-3 fatty acids for me.

Ralph's suggestion sounded really good: "A recipe for sardines (I like the oil-packed better) I love is wrapping them in a Boston lettuce leaf after sprinkling them with a dressing made of chopped shallots, lemongrass, garlic, chili, nam pla and lime juice."

Comments

[Adrienne]

Oooh, good choices all! No matter my best intentions I always end up WS and the like with not exactly what I meant to buy. Magnetic knife rack... might have to get me one of those...

[Patti]

Seriously, that peeler is the BEST thing I ever invested in. And for $3.50, throw it away when it gets dull and just buy anothe rone. Have fun.

[casey]

you're going to love that little Y-shaped peeler. I buy them by the handful (I have two kitchens) because they don't stay sharp forever, but while they're in their prime, they're wildly useful.

[liz]

We bought one of those magnetic knife holders a month or so ago, and I swear, it was the best purchase I've made in a very long time. And those peelers are excellent. Good choices!

[Nosheteria]

Bread knife, shmread knife-- I don't think I have ever walked out of a kitchen supply store with what I intended to buy. So be it... looks like you'll put your purchases to good use.

[Ralph Knauth]

Good choices! I bought two of those magnetic knife racks at IKEA centuries ago, and i just love them. The board was a great bargain.

Yeah, and give those Thai inspired Sardines a try, they are great:-)

[Leisureguy]

The sardine bones are very good source of calcium. And to go with your baking sheet, look at getting a Silpat baking mat---extremely handy.

[EB]

Super fantastic choices! I'd love to have a magnetic knife holder... and using a peeler as a make-shift mandolin? genius.

[Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)]

So glad you had fun making your choices -- it's always great to get something(s) you wouldn't have bought otherwise. And about the sardines -- well, don't tell anyone, but my guilty pleasure is smooshing them up with Miracle Whip and smearing it on pita bread.

[Abby]

Great choices. You can never have enough cookie sheets! And I have the peeler - just make sure to dry it well after you wash it - mine rusted very quickly!

[Carmen]

Good choice of goodies. That peeler...I have two... adore them....

[Vicki]

I don't know who Ralph is, but I want him to come to my house and cook me dinner!

[Ellie @ Kitchen Wench]

Oh man, I need me one of those magnetic knife holders! I can't live without my peeler either - I still crave a mandoline, but the peeler's quite good at getting thin strips of cucumber and carrot for our banh mi :)

[Meg]

Isn't it fun to browse a store with gift certificate money? The whole idea that I'm supposed to pick out a present for myself makes me consider stuff I might not otherwise. That's a nice variation by Ralph, substituting sardines where one would often use dried shrimp. I do not have a suggestion as good as his, but also prefer the oil-packed.

[Vanessa]

A magnetic knife rack.....I need one of those!

I'm back (finally!) in Blogland posting and visiting and it's good to be back!

Vanessa

[Vanessa]

PS~

And although I'm certainly no chef, I love to cook!

Vanessa
(aka The Brownie Lady)

[FlaNboyantEats]

love 'em all... great choices...and sardines..yum!

[LINA]

I get so excited about brand new kitchen tools. Nice stuff! :D

[Helen]

I always use my Y-shaped peeler as a makeshift mandoline, you pare wonderfully fine strips which is great for using with vegetables for salads. You will never look back!

[Lindy]

I think I missed the original sardine request, but here is a very nice Paula Wolfert based idea. Grilled country bread slice, thin slice avocado, sardines on top, coarsely grounf pepper, drops of balasmic vinagrette, chopped chives or scallions on top. Extra good.
Also, I like them mashed up on thin slices of toast with a squeeze of lemon alongside hot tea: feels like comfortable nursery food from a Victorian childrens' story.

[Randi]

Just an FYI, if that pan ever warps, its got a lifetime warranty. I just bought myself the goldtouch half-sheet pan. Have you ever made Peter Reinharts foccacia? its excellent. Great deal on the cutting board too!!

[Luisa]

Lindy - I adore that recipe, though I've only ever used it with boquerones, those little Spanish white anchovies that come in some heavenly pickle.

Randi - haven't made that focaccia, though I hear amazing things about all of his breads.