They might seem like mundane little throw-away objects, but a good wooden spoon is one of the most important tools in the kitchen. It is a natural product, it uses no electricity or batteries, and is easily stored.
The well used spoon in the bottom right of my photo, was without doubt my favourite spoon; hence it looking so well-used. Sadly it broke a couple of years ago (probably through old-age), and I have not yet found the perfect replacement. The picture shows just a selection of my collection in France.
I've been in desperate need of a new wooden spoon, and in recent months I've bought TWO new spoons (below), but neither hits the spot. The bowl is too big, the handle too short, or just the feel of the thing isn't right. My search continues.
I like wooden spoons. I expect most are made by robots these days, but I have several that were hand-carved. The manufacturing process doesn't make one better than another, but it's always good to see 'skill'.
These are the two I bought recently. The top one has a slightly over-sized bowl and a short handle, and the bottom one is made of very poor quality wood and needs sanding; it's unpleasant to use.
I do know of a nearby shop where my quest may be fulfilled. I shall let you know. I know you'll be anxious on my behalf.
I guess everybody has wooden kitchen spoons but I have never spotted another blogpost about them so well done! We must have ten in an old stone jar in our kitchen but I tend to use only three old favourites. I think if our wooden spoons were tested for bacteria, the results would be alarming.
ReplyDeleteI think every kitchen in the Western World must have an old stoneware jar filled with wooden spoons. Maybe there should be a census!
DeleteThey just don't make wooden spoons like they used to!
ReplyDeleteI suppose that must be the case. However, I shall make enquiries!
DeleteI know exactly what you mean. I have favourite wooden spoon too. Don't use the others.I also have a small red handled knife with a slightly curved blade. Had it years.
ReplyDeleteI think we all have favourite kitchen objects that others might find odd. My late mother-in-law always used a broken glass butter dish; she couldn't face parting with it.
DeleteHusband, thinking he was being helpful, scrubbed and scrubbed at my favourite wooden spoon, removing all the patina. He could not understand why I was upset.
ReplyDeleteThat's a hanging offense!
DeleteI don't use a wooden spoon as I have doubts about contamination ... all those bacteria being absorbed into the wood!
ReplyDeleteJust dip it into boiling water and all will be OK. Anyway, a certain amount of bacteria is good for you!
DeleteI have a wooden spoon nearly identical to your broken one which I guard with my life. No one is allowed to use it but ME. It's lovely and hand made by an artisan up near Bailey Island, Maine. He's still in business and I can send you the contact info if you're interested Cro. Not expensive, but the shipping cost might be prohibitive.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll find one in time, even if I have to visit an antique shop. I could of course whittle one myself.
DeleteMy wooden spoon receptacle is a hand thrown stoneware jug. I too have a favourite spoon, though it isn’t quite perfect.
ReplyDeleteAs to germs, I am in your camp and think a dunk in boiling water does the trick.
I don't think one should worry about germs. I've never heard any 'expert' advice concerning wooden spoons.
DeleteHow strange, only yesterday I was using my favourite and very well-travelled wooden spoon to stir the batch of vegetable soup I was making! It has an extra long handle - ideal for the 5 litre saucepan I was using. It's been with me for so long, I've forgotten where I acquired it. Might even have been a wedding present, which would make it practically antique!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a very well-loved spoon. I'm sure you would have sympathised with my own loss.
DeleteI'll send you half a dozen of ours! Throw out those ones you don't like. Don't make a collection of them like 'we' do. Someone might find their ideal spoon if you give them to a charity shop.
ReplyDeleteI have a favourite but it's not made of wood. It's made of some sort of heavy black 'plastic'. I've had it for years and it's wearing thin. From IKEA probably. When IKEA opened here 20 years ago we were frequent visitors.
Before prices went up.
I do like wood. In France I have several wooden plates; some of which are Olive wood. We also have wooden salad bowls, and several for Olives, etc. I like the feel of wood.
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