I missed everyone last month, March was a crazy time spent packing and moving as we were getting ready for the remodel to begin on our “retirement” home up on the northern California coast. Much of the last month was spent choosing paint colors, meeting with cabinet makers, the painter, and our contractor. In truth, not much cooking has been happening in the kitchen, but there are a few new things and some old.
Fort Bragg kitchen remodel
From this picture the contractor sent you can see that there isn’t any kitchen left in the house after demolition. Thank goodness we are not living there during the process.
In my intact kitchen are paint boards.
Hale Navy, Sweatshirt Grey, Ballet White
The new kitchen cabinets were delivered to the painter today so it is too late for any changes. I know paint colors don’t come through well on line and they will look different to each of you depending on your screen. The picture will just give you an idea. The kitchen island will be Hale Navy, the opposite wall of cabinets will be Sweatshirt Grey, and the walls Ballet White.
In my kitchen (and out of storage in the back of a closet) are two platters I inherited from my mother, I am pretty sure she inherited them from my grandmother. I wish I had asked her about them, they hung on her kitchen walls for as long as I can remember. I intend to hang them on the wall in my new kitchen, I’ve always loved the blue willow style of dinnerware and I think these are quite old.
They go well with the paint colors (again, I know this doesn’t come through very well).
In my kitchen is a lovely orchid that was a gift from a good friend who was a houseguest.
It is the most beautiful shade of pinky-apricot, the underside of the petals a green-yellow.
In my kitchen is a new blender. I have lusted after a new one for years but the old one still worked (although it could not make any of the fancy smoothies so popular right now). This one is a “reconditioned” commercial grade blendtec but it comes with an 8 year guarantee and was much less expensive than a new one. I don’t think I could tell the difference.
Blendtec
I’m looking forward to trying out some of the recipes.
It is definitely spring and we are eating the first of the spring lettuces out of the garden. Because of the drought I haven’t had much of a garden the past year. I managed to plant a couple of rows of lettuce in hopes the winter rains would encourage their growth. It is so wonderful to go into the garden, pick some leaves for a salad, and eat them the same day. 
And lastly, in my kitchen are a couple of new spices. I’m never empty handed after a visit to the Oaktown Spice Shop.
Ground Vanilla Beans and Honey Powder
I’ve already used the honey powder in a dry rub. It gave the flavor and sweetness of honey without any liquid, a definite advantage. I haven’t used the ground vanilla yet, any ideas?
What is happening in your kitchen this month? This post is part of the ongoing monthly series, “In My Kitchen”. To learn what is happening in other kitchens around the world follow the link to our wonderful host Maureen the Orgasmic Chef. You never know what new things you will learn!