Archive   |   March, 2011

new obsession: pomelo

Posted by in cooking

pomelo

Or is it pommelo? Pummelo? Whatever you call it, I call it delicious. Don’t be scared by this massive, fragrant, thick-skinned citrus: what lies beneath is special: sweet/tart citrus segments reminiscent of grapefruit, but without any of its nasty bitterness. The texture also makes this special, with a crunchy bite from its large, easily separated vesicles — those individual cells in citrus fruit that contain the juice. And pomelo is the ancestor of most citrus we enjoy today, according to LA Times food writer Russ Parsons, so that navel orange you enjoyed this morning got its genes in part from the noble pomelo. They’re at their peak right now, so look for a green or yellow rind, with a nice heft. I cut them in half and slice the segments out with a paring knife when I’m feelin’ fancy, but for out of hand eating, you can just lop the top part of the rind off, and once you reach fruit, it’s as easy to peel as any orange. The segments separate easy, revealing tons of tiny citrus capsules that burst with juice when crushed between your teeth. It’s a highly addicting experience. Have you tried it? — Megan B.

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etsy find: state cutting boards by aheirloom

Posted by in cooking, shopping

nj cutting board

Whether they be Geography Bee finalists or dinner party hosts, design duo Amy and Bill Stringer-Mowat may have a little something for everyone in their state cutting boards, $40 in their etsy shop aheirloom. Constructed of Plyboo, a plyboard made of 100% bamboo, cutting boards fashioned in the shapes of specific states and countries can be made to order and customized with a star or heart in a location the buyer specifies. Whether making a tongue-in-cheek statement with a Wisconsin cheese array, or pondering the display challenges associated with Hawaii, the boards are a creative, fun way to appreciate your home state. Here’s looking at you, New Jersey. –Sarah C.

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steal this idea: cleaning with toothbrushes

Posted by in cleaning

toothbrush cleaning

I have become my Grandmother. I can remember standing in her kitchen, watching as she washed out Ziploc bags. That she would do this for a disposable item seemed odd to me so when I was 12 or so, I asked her why. In a typical response from someone who lived through the Great Depression, she looked at me and said, “What else would I do with a perfectly good bag?” What seemed quaint or odd to me at the time is now, of course, just a fact of daily living — not so much to save money, but to conserve resources. So yes, I wash out bags when I can. And instead of tossing out new toothbrushes after someone comes down with strep or some other bug, we sterilize them in the dishwasher. For toothbrushes that are past their prime, we mark the handles with a Sharpie and put into use elsewhere in the house. My favorite uses?

1. Microplanes. Before you hand wash, use a clean, dry toothbrush to remove any remaining nutmeg, hard cheeses or vegetables. From there, it’s only a matter of a quick scrub and rinse in the sink.
2. Sink drains. Pour a little vinegar down the drain and use a toothbrush to scrub away all the gunk in the drain and around the finished edge where it meets the sink.
3. Dishwasher. Dipped in vinegar, a toothbrush can remove buildup from around the door hinges and seals. Or dip in a kitchen cleaner to scrub off food deposits from the bottom screen or door seals.
4. Window screens. Try using a dry toothbrush on a dry screen at first. If that doesn’t remove the debris, give the screen a quick spray, then follow with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar.
5. Window frames. Whether dirt, bugs or mold have collected, a small container of soapy water to frequently rinse the toothbrush in is the only other supply needed — besides a little patience and elbow grease.
6. Sink edge or any other caulk line. A slightly damp toothbrush does the trick. Simply follow behind with a soft rag.
7. Coffee maker burner. Take dry toothbrush to the burner and you can easily remove all the burned on spots. Follow with a wet sponge. You’ll be amazed at how dirty a burner can get.

Of course, there’s always the old standbys, too — grout and linoleum, fireplace bricks, lampshades — but let’s hear from you. What’s your favorite reuse of a toothbrush? — Sarah L.

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