My father worked in a stainless steel kitchen while on the job, but at home he had definite ideas on how a kitchen ought to look: Lots of copper, a braided rug, old jugs and at least one brick wall, preferably behind the stove.My mother shared this aesthetic, and in their home that is the kitchen they set out to create. It took them a while, because my father used his GI loan to buy a home for his parents, and it was not until they were gone that the house became his and my mother's at last.
Finally, in that warm kitchen, there was a home for the copper mugs and pots and utensils they collected over the years, some of which are in my kitchen today.
(I love copper in a kitchen. Like pre-made baking mix, it can be a homey thing, a connection to the past. I hope to buy at least one small, copper egg-white bowl at Dehillerin in Paris. I hope the clerks won't be too intimidating.)
It was in that kitchen that I recall my father sharing his simple philosophy of life: "If you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all."
I have not been very good at following that charge. But he did, for the most part, and although he had faults, I cannot recall him ever savaging someone he did not like.
I think he'd get a real charge about what we did here today and is probably wondering what we'll do with all that biscuit mix.
I am, too. I know you are.
Thank you, though, for being willing to take part in this fun little event. I am really touched.
I have met so many good people here. It's as though we are neighbors who gather in each other's kitchens. Thanks for joining me in my kitchen today. and sending out the message.
I had some links earlier in the day that I think are now corrected. I want to thank Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen for helping me understand permalinks, which I have had some sort of mental block with for months now.
If I have not gotten over to your blog yet to comment, please forgive me. I'll be there tomorrow.
About the photo: The copper utensils are hanging on my father's old chopping block. There is a very similar block in the kitchen at Christine Cooks.
17 comments:
I loved this post Mimi, you have some wonderful memories of your father and his philosophy on life - and the kitchen.
Dehillerin looks like a wonderful place to poke around in... and buy from. They clerks will love you :)
Dehillerin is not intimidating, but you will want to buy everything... self-control is the hardest part! Buy yourself something wonderful there to add to your collection of prized family cookware.
Mimi, very happy to help. You're going to have such a wonderful time. Get something wonderful that's way beyond your budget; that's what traveling is all about. You can always pay for it later.
Mimi,
Great post. I agree with Kalyn - buy yourself something wonderful. Last summer in Paris I was in the basement of the Galeries Lafayette Home store and they had a reasonably priced copper jam basin that for some reason I didn't buy. I mean, it was huge and wouldn't have easily fit into my suitcase and my carry on was already stuffed with mustard, pickles and eau de vie de poire, but I'm kicking myself now that I didn't buy it (I could've just worn it on my head or something, whatever), especially since I won't be going this year.
I'm sure your trip is going to be great.
I like the idea of wearing it on my head, Mary! It will have to be large, because I have a big one, literally.
I'll just tell customs in Detroit: "It's what they are doing in Paris."
I dunno, Fi, those clerks are legendary...
Oh, joy, Lydia, just what I need: A test of self control. I was pretty good last time, though...
Kalyn, I could not spell last night, but I did learn about permalinks - Bless you!
I love the copper kitchen utensils Mimi, I shall think of you in Dehillerin's in Paris, I do imagine you will have to use self control!!! My mother still uses her stainless steel saucepans with the copper bottoms that she bought when we lived in California. I am hoping when we go to France to be able to find a vide grenier to have a look around in, my brother has found some wonderful kitchen gadgets.
Anne
Sue & I certainly didn't find the clerks at Dehillerin's intimadating at all, in fact they joked a lot with us. Now, the cashier on the other hand must not have a funny bone gene for 1000 years in the family.
We didn't buy anything very big. I'm really enjoying a small olive wood cutting board with their name on it that I got and the rolling pin. I wish I'd gotten both the rolling pins now but next time. There must be a next time. I could have gone totally wacky with all the le Creuset!
Oh, and something from Dehillerin for your head just what they'll be wearing in Paris this year when all the foodies hit!!!!
Anne and Tanna, I am socking money away especially for Dehillerin. I'm drooling already — I think this will be one of my first stops. There are three other must-stop shops, though, so I will have to contain myself.
I'll take photos and post them, assuming all the computer stuff goes smoothly. The American Library has WIFI and we will be nearby.
I like the coppertop look!
I love this photo, Mimi. Your father's kitchen with the bricks behind the stove sounds very similar to the one I grew up in. My mother kept her ceramic match holder, that I now have, on one of the brick shelves. Alas, the only copper we had was on the bottom of the Revere Ware pots and pans, most of which I still have.
You're going to have such a wonderful time shopping in Paris!
Christine, my parents had a set of those copper-bottom Revere Ware pots and pans. I think the set came with a little doll-sized frying pan.
I still use the Revere Ware my husband and I bought when we were first married — it is holding up well, although I've purchased a few odds and ends that are other brands.
I think we bought it because I found it comforting (and it was on sale). So many things we choose for comfort in what ever way it can be found!
Yes, I will have a blast!
The people we bought this house from left the copper pans and lids that hung above the stove on the old fireplace wall (can never remember the word for that....)
She said they 'belonged' to the house. I agree...but if we ever move, I'm keeping the....
I won't tell a soul, Katie.
I'd love your house!
I love this post and the photo. And when I read the words "my father's old chopping block" I was immediately wafted back to my dad's kitchen - yes, at times he banished mom who was all too happy to be banished. Dad was a butcher and had this amazing chopping block and huge beautifully-crafted knives of all sizes. But just like Christine, the only hanging copper was at the bottom of mom's Revere Ware. Warm kitchen. Warm memories. I look forward to seeing a pic of what you buy in Dehillerin!
I think my mother felt that way, too, Ronnie.
My father had these notions. He found an old barrel somewhere, too, and he and my mother refinished it and filled it with cattails in the fall.
Such romantics they were...
i loved the way you have written the post , there is lot of warmth in your writing and i felt like i was present in your fathers kitchen.
i would have loved to see that kitchen as thats the type i would love to have but will never . in india we stay in apartments so the big kitchens are out.
Thanks, Mahek. I have not forgotten that you want to see photographs of my kitchen, which is really quite small.
I hope to have time soon.
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