I wrote my first "kitchen drawer" post (here) after my niece, Jenny, said she would like to be visiting the farmhouse, having a glass of wine and looking in my kitchen drawers! I figured if Jenny wanted to look inside the drawers then some of you probably did too! Since the kitchen is all drawers it seemed best to break up these posts. Having recently received her first piece of All-Clad, Jenny asked me how I cared for my cookware , and with that in mind I decided to show the "range" side of the kitchen next which houses my "collection" of All-Clad to show Jenny... and you!
I keep several All-Clad pots on the stainless shelf above the range, and the rest are kept in the drawers. Oh, and to answer her question I use my favorite Bar Keepers Friend to clean the All-Clad.
This is also Ella's favorite side of the kitchen- you can see her food and water bowls, and her "cookies" in the jar on the counter. (And, might I add, that when we had lunch with Bunny Williams and John Rosselli here that I noticed that her dogs have that very same wicker bone-shaped mat! :)
The view looking towards the kitchen dining area.
The top drawer on the far left side holds my Le Creuset dutch ovens and Le Creuset Bouillabaisse pot. I love Le Creuset and highly recommend the investment over the imitators. (I gave Jenny a large white dutch several years ago and she loves it too!) I adore the ovals (they don't cook any better I just think they're pretty;) and bought the black 5 quart dutch first. While it's great for some recipes it isn't large enough for others, so I then bought the larger jade 6.75 qt dutch. My suggestion, if you are looking to buy one, is to buy a larger size since you can make both large and small recipes in it and you only have to buy one! I have found the 6.75 to be perfect, but if you have a really large family I would go with the 8 or 9 quart. I purchased all my Le Creuset from their outlet stores where you can find some great deals on seconds. I placed the heavy pots on a top drawer so that I don't have to bend over to get them out.
I used clear plastic, non-adhesive drawer liners from Ikea in all the drawers.
Below is my cast iron drawer. The skillets on the left were inherited from my grandmother and the Le Creuset skillet is a favorite for fish. And, every good southern girl has an iron cornbread stick pan, yes?!
Next up we start with the All-Clad. I have the "stainless" All-Clad. I've noticed over the years that All-Clad will add/delete lines from their collections, but the stainless seems to be their "classic" and is always available. They state on their website that it is their "most popular" line. It is the line that you see Martha and Ina using on their shows.
The kitchen is where you start to see my hoarder "collecting" gene come out! :) My logic is if one pan is good, then three is better! And, they're just so pretty you can't buy just one! While I'm a hoarder buyer of good cookware I'm also frugal... my initial set of All-Clad was purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond back when you could use their 20% off coupons (unfortunately, they quickly wised up and exempted All-Clad from the coupons) and since then all other pieces were purchased from either TJMaxx or Cookware & More -which sells "seconds", but, I honestly have never been able to find the flaw on the pieces I purchased from them. They sell All-Clad at 32% off the listed price and then twice a year (March and October-ish) they have a 20% off their already great prices! Get on their email list to get sale date notifications. (Note: even now if you buy 4 pieces, or more, you get the 20% off! They also have great customer service which is always a plus!) I wrote about them here.
Below that drawer are my wooden salad bowls- I love wooden bowls! The smallest one is a vintage Hawaiian piece and was my grandmother's and the largest one (okay, I have two;) is 17-1/2"! A Bonjour coffee press, a Chantal jade tea kettle and the Michael Graves teapot, which was a gift from a friend some 30 years ago, fill the deep drawer.
The top drawer to the left of the range is my miscellaneous drawer. It holds a Salter scale (which i love btw) and my margarita straws from Ikea! I find that cutting off the bottom 2" from the straws makes them the perfect straw for margaritas in my favorite Marta glass from CB2. And, apparently we eat a lot of corn on the cob with all those corn handle holders! :)
All-Clad skillets!
All-Clad steamers.
This top drawer to the right of the range holds tongs, spatulas, pot holders, a timer and a digital thermometer. The red silicone pot handle holder is actually used as a warning -I place it on the handle to the oven door so that I don't reach in and grab a HOT skillet handle, and trust me I have! The little piece of foil is to wrap the Le Creuset lid handles when the oven is above 500 degrees (I think that is the temperature it needs to be wrapped?) The blue wires in the back are Wolf temperature probes that measure the internal temperature of foods while cooking.
The shallow little woven baskets that I use for organization in many of the drawers I found at Walmart (for around $5.) To those that inquired about them; you'll find them in the "bath" hardware section (think towel rings). I just purchased several a couple of weeks ago, so they still carry them.
Several crepe pans and All-Clad Teflon skillets. I only use the Teflon on occasion- mainly for eggs. Have I told you my crepe pan story? For years Dan "waxed poetic" about how his grandmother made him crepes. He made it sound like every time he saw her she was making crepes for him. And after visiting France and watching him get so happy having a crepe from a street vendor I came home and took a "crepe class" at Sur la Table in Dallas to learn to make his beloved grandmothers' crepes. It was only after I took the class and while making the first batch for him that he mentioned that she had only actually made them for him once... ONCE! ha!
The baking drawer!
More baking! This drawer just makes me happy! My favorite popover and Madeleine pans. The scalloped white porcelain baking dish is a favorite from HomeGoods- it's the perfect size for so many things and is just so pretty! The antique English white ironstone leaf inside it is my spoon rest that I grab when I need one on the stove. I have Slipat, but honestly I've never been a big fan- you?
The All-Clad big boys! 15" skillet and saute pan with smaller lidded saute. This is also Dan's BBQ essentials drawer with the extra long tongs, lighter and the remote BBQ thermometer.
More baking...
And, this final drawer is deep enough to hold files of recipes (this isn't my only recipe filing system- I also have several large notebook binders of recipes that I keep with my cookbooks.) You can see that my current obsession is finding and saving "shrimp and grits" recipes. I haven't actually made any of the recipes yet, so if you have a fabulous recipe please email it to me!
This drawer also holds my Reynolds Handi-Vac vacuum sealer. I love this little device! It does an amazing job of sealing meats for freezing without the cost or storage requirement of the large and pricier versions.
So, that's this side of the kitchen!
The next and last "kitchen drawers" post will be the sink side. Told you- there are lots of drawers for Jenny to look inside!
For more drawer organization and storage:
To see the drawers on the sink side click HERE
To see the drawers on the island click HERE
For more drawer organization and storage:
To see the drawers on the sink side click HERE
To see the drawers on the island click HERE
Love your house and I love seeing what's in your drawers.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see a posting on your countertop storage and decor. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKim
Love, Love, Love!! We've been kicking around the idea of a remodel for years, and I told Scott that drawers are the way to go. So much easier than digging around looking for something in the back of some cabinet, too deep, and too tall! So, now it's just figuring out what makes sense to spend, what will best fit the house, and realistically how long we're going to live with it. Is it a forever kitchen? A flip kitchen? A let's do what we need to do to sell it kitchen? Oh the joys of renovation, I know you know them oh too well! Love your kitchen Joan, and thanks for being brave enough to show us what's in your drawers! ;)
ReplyDeleteArtie, Exactly! It was during the move from the last house when I found all these things that had gotten shoved to the back of the cabinets that I became convinced that drawers were the way to go!
DeleteI LOVE you kitchen! There is not one thing I would change. The draw concept is an idea long over due.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are SO helpful as we are renovating our kitchen. I am curious about how you like working with the sink on one side of the kitchen and the stove on the other with the island in between. Thoughts? Thanks so much for sharing your brilliant ideas with us. Sandra
ReplyDeleteSandra, the kitchen work triangle was important to me when designing the kitchen. While the island is between the range and the sink I shortened the island by several inches- it could have been at least a foot longer and would have been to scale to the space, but to make sure that it was indeed a triangle and the island was not an obstacle I had to constantly walk around to get from one to the other I shortened it. It's a difficult angle to show in photos, but the "triangle" is there and works very well with only a slight stepping around the end of the island. Hope that makes sense!
DeletePerfect! I thought that must have been what you did but couldn't tell from the photo's. FYI - I have your pictures in my decorating file under "Perfect Kitchen". You did a wonderful job and I am so grateful that you have shared your journey with all of us.
DeleteI am impressed, as always, with your restraint in not cramming the drawers with numerous articles. Also, your stainless steel pots are so shiny--I always end up burning mine, giving them a "toned" look.
ReplyDeleteJim, that's called 'patina'!:)
DeleteOh Boy, that was fun! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCindy
I know! Who woulda thought? Drawers!
DeleteI absolutely LOVED this post. Now I know I need to get my kitchen more organized. I am emailing you a shrimp and grits recipe that I think you will like. It's different and very good. I had a shrimp and grits dish at a seafood restaurant that had smoked gouda cheese which was delicious.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Got it Carolyn! Thank you, it looks wonderful. I think Ina has a recipe too, have you seen that one?
DeleteI love that you have all drawers. I have many so many good reviews of going that route and am planning that for our renovation. Your organization is amazing Joan! And your collection of All-Clad!
ReplyDeleteElla must be a very neat drinker for you to use that wicker mat on those gorgeous hardwood floors. My Buddy isn't so neat so we have to use something with a rubber backing to protect our floors.
ReplyDeleteToo funny Rachel! She is, and I take that for granted;) She has had some puppy friends over to viisi who did require wiping up after! She's really quite neat and tidy on all accounts, like on our walk today she walked 'around' a large patch of wet pavement- not a puddle just wet pavement (melting snow) instead of walking through it! She's funny that way.
DeleteThis is the best!! You really live the mantra "If something is not useful or beautiful, it is clutter". Great post! Tina
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of all drawers, my least favorite cabinet in my house is the pots and pans cupboard, I have to get on my hands and knees to get to the back of the cupboard, trust me, it is not a pretty site!! Your kitchen is so well planned and thought out, love it!!!
ReplyDeleteKathysue
I am so impressed! A well organized kitchen makes for such an efficient one and you are totally inspirational! Drawers definitely are a great way to not only "hide" things but serve as great storage. I love my big deep pot drawers....your kitchen is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Joan. This is right where I am in my kitchen design and I was planning to do all drawers. Can you tell me the dimensions of the large drawers? I would guess somewhere about 33 wide by 22 front to back. And then you have two drawers minus the kick plate, making the drawer fronts about 16 inches high; is that about right?
ReplyDeleteSteve, the "interior" measurement of the large drawers are 26.5"w x 20" deep and the face is 15" ht.
DeleteI loved this post!! I always enjoy "peeking" into other people's drawers....umm...that didn't sound right. :) You know what I mean. Ha! I really do get so many great ideas from your blog. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHere's THE best Shripm and Grits recipe from a Georgia Peach that's exiled to California. I make this recipe to remind me of home.
ReplyDeleteShrimp and Grits
For the Grits:
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream or half & half
¼ cup ( ½ stick) butter
1 cup stone ground grits (I can’t find them so I use polenta!)
½ cup grated parmesan
½ onion, chopped fine
2 ½ teaspoons salt
Several grinds of black pepper
For the Shrimp
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon regular mustard powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
A few grinds of black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper
6 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
¾ cups chopped green onion, white, light green and a little dark green (I use the other half onion plus a couple of green onions)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (I use a can of Rotel for some zing!)
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 quarter of a large lemon
Finely chopped parsley for garnish
For the Grits:
In a deep-sided large pan (grits tend to spatter), stir the broth, cream and butter together over medium high heat until the butter is melted and it all comes to a low boil. Stir in the grits, onion, salt, and pepper and reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 30 – 45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The grits should be tender and the liquid absorbed. Stir in the cheese. You may add a bit more broth if needed. When cooked, the grits can be kept covered for an hour or so, then slowly reheated over low, stirring in a little broth.
For the Shrimp:
Mix together the paprika, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne. Pat the shrimp dry if necessary and place on plate. Sprinkle the spice mix liberally over both sides of the shrimp, turning over to get a good coating. Leave the shrimp in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
When the shrimp are ready, sauté the bacon pieces in a wide skillet over medium high until crispy. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. Pour the bacon grease into a small bowl. Spoon 2 Tablespoons of grease back into the pan and heat over medium high. Sear the shrimp briefly – just a few seconds per side – to seal in the spice mixture. You do not want to cook the shrimp. Remove the shrimp to a plate (you can scoot the bacon to one side and use the same plate). Reduce the heat to medium and add more bacon grease to the pan so that you have about 4 Tablespoons, then drop in the green pepper and the green onion. Sauté until the pepper and green onion are soft. As they release some liquid, you can scrape the tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
While the vegetables are cooking, drain most of the juice from the tomatoes into a measuring cup. You can just hold the top of the can askew and drain out what you can – no need to dirty a strainer. Add enough chicken broth to make one cup of liquid and set aside.
When the green vegetables are soft, add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are heated through and start to soften. Break up any large pieces. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. There should not be any white flour visible. Pour in the broth and tomato liquid and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat a little and let the mixture bubble away until it is nice and thick, stirring to avoid scorching. Squeeze over a quarter of a lemon (making sure you’ve removed seeds) and stir. Add the shrimp to the sauce in the pan, cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. You can add a bit more broth if you like a saucier version.
Spoon the grits into shallow bowls and spoon over the shrimp and sauce. Sprinkle over the crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Serves
Enjoy,
Sarah
Sarah, you sweet Georgia peach! Yum!! This sounds amazing! Smoked paprika, cayenne, a can of Rotel and bacon?!! Perfection in my book! Thank you SO much for sending, I really appreciate it,
DeleteJoan you are a fount of information and inspiration - as usual! I continually toy with the idea of an all drawer kitchen in my next home but I get stuck when it comes to things like baking sheets/pans, trays and other shallow dishes being stacked. I want them standing on edge (long or short doesn't matter to me) and separated with some vertical dowels. Do you find it inconvenient to pull out the piece on the bottom or half way down the stack? Our Cajun is a neat-nik dog, too. He walks around puddles and tiptoes through wet grass! Fresh snow is another story - he loves to romp in it, but only fresh snow!
ReplyDeleteDeb- click on "here" in the first sentence of this post and it will take you to the first post where you'll see my baking sheet/pans, trays cabinet. Even in all-drawers kitchen you can still have a cabinet or two;) Sounds like Ella and Cajun (love the name) would be best buds- she loves the snow too!
DeleteThese are such fun posts, Joan, though I feel like a bit of a voyeur and now have kitchen drawer envy!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear about your rugs... I have been looking for oriental rugs for my kitchen for YEARS. *Someday*...
xo Heidi
Aaahhhh to dream. PERFECTION...of course. I noticed your toaster as am in the market for a new one. What is the brand and do you love it? I am also curious how you are loving your soapstone by now? I having been reading everything I can about soapstone...trying to talk myself out of wanting them so badly but no such luck as yet. I would love to read a review from someone that has had them for years with "not so careful" people sharing the use of them like, perhaps teenagers!(Not that I do but you never know what the future holds ;) I would LOVE to read a post from you on why you decided on the countertops that you did, the process that you went through in selecting them, etc.. Oh, and do you know where the soapstone was quarried? I know, lots of questions but I have the greatest respect for your taste and your knowledge of all things "home".
ReplyDeleteVicci- the toaster is a chrome, two-slice Dualit, and I do love it! I'm working on a post on the soapstone right now, so hopefully your questions will be answered in that post! I'm sorry, unfortunately I don't remember where the soapstone was quarried.
DeleteSuch great ideas for me to glean for my "to be" farm kitchen. I am bleaching our cabinets this week, they are so old and grimy. I'm finding myself restraining from getting too far ahead of our remodel plans. Thanks for the super ideas. I hate cabinet doors, drawers are such a better idea!
ReplyDeleteHi Joan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us take a 'peek into your drawers'! Makes me feel like a little girl again, peeking into my mother's purse-so exciting!
You have made me long for my kitchen from 2 houses ago that was packed with drawers. I absolutely loved them. They were both practical and so functional. They also help add that furniture look to a kitchen that is so easy on the eyes.
I have the same Chantal tea kettle, even the same color. That now makes us best friends forever right!! ha ha
Thanks once again Joan for bringing a smile to my face as a result of looking at my sidebar and seeing a new post from you.
Fondly-Lisa
Yes Lisa, I do believe having matching tea kettles is one of the requirements for BFF's;)!
DeleteOh my gosh, Joan, I love those two intricate cake pans in the next to last photo! Amazing. I really like the idea of all drawers. It must be so much easier to see and access everything. Thanks for the peek inside the rest of your kitchen drawers.
ReplyDeleteOn a separate note, I wanted to let you know that tomorrow I will be posting about the joys of living with dogs, a topic I know you relate to. There will also be a precious new photo of Ella. She loves to roll around on her back, and belly rubs are her favorite -- always with those paws up as if to say, "Look at how cute I am!"
Claudia
Hi Joan,
ReplyDeleteI hope it was as nice in New Hampshire today as it was in Connecticut!
I always love your organizational tips! I too love drawers vs. cabinets. Both for the practical part as well as their looks (I like the hardward better too). I also loved hearing about the length of your island and the triangle. I have always worried about you having to walk from your sink to the range with a pot of boiling water and now I can stop the worrying!
OK, this is totally off the subject but have you ever posted the name of the stain you have on your floors? I love the color. Are your floors oak? I've got fir upstairs and oak downstairs. Thanks for any advice you can give for when we get ours redone.
Have a happy evening,
Mary (Ruth's side-kick)
Sister Mary, Now you sound like my own sister worrying about me with a pot of boiling water;)
DeleteThe weather was indeed gorgeous here today- it was our first yard day of the season cleaning out the beds and I'm happy to report that we made great progress. My clipping hand and back are aching, but all is good!
Our floors are eastern white pine and you can find the stain formula on my sidebar under "my paints and stain colors"! Tell Ruth hi!
which sister would that be?
Delete"anonymous" older sister Susan that would be you! :)
DeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteI love these little sessions and always come away eager to spruce up my drawers. I do love my silpat and use them whenever I bake cookies...I have the precut parchment paper as well but seem to grab my silpat liners most of the time. I have so many of the same pans and kitchen necessities you have. It's nice Jenny has an aunt that assist her with getting her kitchen well stocked over time.
Karen
All my favorite things! I love cooking with my Cruset and my All clad. It's not about owning a fancy name, or whipping out a pot to impress, it's just that I truly enjoy using them. I swear they make things taste better and more fun to prepare. And I love to cook, so cooking in something of quality makes it that more special. And can I just tell you, yours is the kitchen of my dreams? Kid you not. It's so homey and elegant all at once.
ReplyDeleteExactly Carol! And, I couldn't agree more about them making cooking more enjoyable. I thank you for your wonderful compliment!!
DeleteHey Joan!!! I LOVE your drawer posts!! Lol you are so organized! I just recently added all drawers in my kitchen- with the exception of a corner cabinet. I went the 'lazy Susan route'! I agree that drawers are awesome for being able to successfully use every inch of cabinet space- with ease!!
ReplyDeleteI have one of those too Jessica! You'll see it in part III;)
DeleteYour drawers are so neat:) My children (early 20's, late teens) chuck stuff everywhere - inside of our kitchen drawers looks like a bomb went off. Your kitchen looks really relaxing and a nice place to be.
ReplyDelete::clapping:: like a 5 year old. What is it about looking into peoples drawers?! I have just about all drawers too...but have bought a couple of le creuset lately....and am finding less room. Like your idea of putting them on the top drawer. Less lifting.
ReplyDeleteLovely peek, girl!
IF I could ahve had all drawers in my new kitchen I certainly would have. But, every cabinet (bottom ones) has a pull our shelf so that makes life ALOT easier and storage much easier and more organized. Thanks for these tours of your drawers............did that sound weird:):) XO, Pinky PS, maybe you would think of doing a post on what is on your counters, where you got it etc.??????
ReplyDeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteIf I ever get to remodel our old kitchen, I'm going to have drawers! Here's my recipe for Shrimp and Grits. http://cottageatthecrossroads.com/shrimp-and-grits/
Leo and I used to live on the coast of SC. It's the quintessential dish of Charleston.
So organized !!! Looks great ! Have a wonderful rest of the week
ReplyDeleteThank you for the drawer tour. I wholeheartedly agree, drawers are the way to go. I have a very "cozy" kitchen and love our decision to convert one of my deep lower cabinets (read: poor use of space)to a set of three drawers. One is for all manner of snacks for the kids, the other is a happy home for my Le Creuset. I wish I had more lower cabinet space for more drawers so that I could do away with several upper cabinets. I love how open your kitchen looks without them. Gorgeous! And very practical. A wonderfull marriage.
ReplyDeleteI too am an All-Clad "collector" and what makes it worse is that All-Clad is made in a suburb of Pittsburgh where I live. Well twice a year in June and December they have a "scratch and dent" sale. Most is in such good shape that you can't tell it is seconds and the prices are fantastic. While some pieces are really dented or scratched most are no more scratched than they will be with normal use. So if anyone gets to Pittsburgh in early June or December check it out.
ReplyDeleteOh my Nathan- I'm afraid that sale would do me in!! :)
DeleteIt's so fun to have a look inside your drawers. I hope you will post on more drawers, shelves, cabinets...etc, etc. I just love your green demi-john to the side of the cabinet. I wish I could find one here. Best regards, Wenda
ReplyDeleteI love these posts... all ideas for when I own my own home, one day. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for knives. My hubby and I need one more pan (we'll be trying All-Clad now!) but the knives are more urgent of a need...
ReplyDeletekbd- Knives are coming up in part III! I have a 'collection' of those too;)
Deleteperfect! Thank you :)
DeleteI never realized how fun it would be to see inside kitchen drawers:) I have just a few questions. I noticed that you have all metal utensils for your stainless steel pots and pans. Do they scratch them up and does bar keepers remove the scratching? Also, do you have scratches in your range? Not matter how careful we try to be I keep finding scratches in ours and it drives me crazy. Also, I love the wicker mat. I would love to get one for our beagle. Where did you find it?
ReplyDeleteKyla- yes, I suppose the stainless utensils do slightly scratch the interior of the pots/pans, but it's not bad, and not deep scratches. I find stainless utensils work the best, and feel the best in my hand when cooking. Like the marble island I can't imagine trying to baby the inside so that it didn't get scratched- since I use them all the time, scratches happen! I do try to not scratch the exterior, but I do have slight scratches on the exterior too. No, I BKF doesn't remove them.
DeleteI 'do' have scratches on the range. Again- in that environment its just going to happen. I have them on the front edge, the cooktop cover and the back- I have no idea how any of them got there;) I've found it helps to relax with them. I've been told that Wolf makes a scratch repair kit, but as I recall it was pretty expensive. Just like laugh lines, scratches on a stainless cooking surface are inevitable!
I've had the wicker dog bowl mat for years and I don't remember where I bought it, sorry. I tried to find a source for it while writing this post, but couldn't find one.
Joan, do you use metal utensils in your Le Creuset, too? I use metal in my All Clad, but I worry about damaging the enamel finish of my LC. I notice chefs on TV use metal utensils in them all the time, and it makes me cringe. About 10 years ago, my mother-in-law (who doesn't have LC cookware) was visiting and helping in the kitchen. We were making a cream concoction for homemade ice cream and had to cook it first over the stove. She started the process using one of my LC sauce pans. I had to step away from the kitchen for a few moments, and when I returned, she was vigorously stirring in my LC with a wire whisk. ACK! I bit my tongue, took a few deep breaths and told myself I can always replace it... I never did, and it still performs beautifully. But there are scratch marks all over the lovely cream-colored enamel. I'm OK with patina, but I worry about wearing away the enamel.
DeleteAngela
Angela- I personally don't use the stainless in the Le Creuset; I use wooden spoons and spatulas. But, I do think I've probably used a whisk in there before. The enamel is pretty tough, so the whisk doesn't bother me, but I see what you mean about other metal utensils. My enamel has some discoloration which I don't mind, but you can use Bar Keepers Friend on the inside for staining.
DeleteThanks for the tour, Joan! I was lucky my post about Dutch ovens came right around the same time as this post:) And thanks for the tip...I was thinking of getting a "knock-off" but now I think I'll just save up for the real deal. And an oval one too;)
ReplyDeleteI have three drawers in my kitchen for my pots and pans and love them. They really are great for kitchen stuffs.
Loved the crepe story too! Ha!
Kat- as I found out the expensive way (I had three sets of cookware- hating every one and if I had just bought All-Clad to begin with I could have 'saved' money'), it really is better to save up and buy something only once that you will absolutely love!
DeleteJoan ... your drawers are poetry in motion... they are so beautifully organised... xv
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so much of your life with us and it is all greatly admired and appreciate for the organization, clean and calm looks, and tasteful skills. Looking in my aunt's "drawers" was one of my childhood joys though Mom wouldn't let me prowl anywhere else. Would also enjoy seeing what is in your "GO TO" folder in the recipe basket?
ReplyDeleteLOL....Jenny is going to be drunk by the time she gets through looking in all of your drawers! You really do have a lot! They all look great.....so organized! ;) Blessings! Angela
ReplyDeleteJoan...as many others do...I love your kitchen and organization! I am currently renovating a 1929 cottage/cabin in Colorado. I Think I have checked through all of your posts and comments but I may have missed it. Do you have a microwave and if so where is it located?
ReplyDeleteleslie- I do, it's in the pantry. If you go to my sidebar and scroll to the bottom to "topics of interest" and then look for "the pantry" in that list you can see it in that post. Good luck with your renovation!
DeleteAnd there it is! Thank you so much for answering!
DeleteGosh what a fun post! Your kitchen is fantastic and your tools just what one can dream of... Hugs z
ReplyDeleteDamn. I feel bad about myself now. Hahaha my cabinets...do not look like that. Gorgeous. I love how warm the rugs make it.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful, informative post. I have a few pieces of Le Creuset, and would love to own more. There are so many great colors I would love to have one pot in each! I will have to keep my eye out for sales on the All-Clad also. I really love the wooden bowls. So organic and gorgeous. What I like most is the way you have edited down to just the best quality, and most essential items. It truly is about quality over quantity.
ReplyDeletewhat a great post that makes me want to do some deep thinking in the drawer department!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. You are so neat and I was amused and pleased to see we have many, many of the same items: an All-Clad collection, several Le Cruesets, all-drawer kitchens with the exception of the corners, glass-front Sub Zero and marble counters. Separated at birth? Maybe I am your older sister Susan's older sister? I am now eager to see the next reveal of the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteXO, Victoria
Victoria, I would love having an older sister!!! Older sisters are WONDERFUL don't you think? :)
DeleteI totally agree, Susan, especially since I am one.
Deletecan you tell me honestly the actual number of hours to do the dishes, store everything so prettily everyday?
ReplyDeleteI am fifty yeras old and have never been able to keep house the way you do for a single day. depressing but wth!
Anon- that is a great, honest question, and would you believe I was thinking along those lines just yesterday, while thinking about organizing. I was starting to type you a long reply only to realize that I have a lot;) to say on the subject and that it might make a good post, so if you will indulge me a couple of days I'll answer you in a post. I'm sure there are others out there wondering the same... .
DeleteI knew I loved your kitchen!! lol I love an organized kitchen, too and this is where I'm a hoarder as well! I don't know why good cookware makes me so happy?! Thanks for a peak inside -- loved it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, where did you find that cute little bone mat for your dog bowls?!
Sorry Julie, I don't remember.
DeleteI love to see in other people's cabinets. Thanks for sharing yours. Susan @ throughmyporchwindow.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSo many thoughts!
ReplyDelete1) I need rugs in my kitchen!
2) I need to re-organize my drawers
3) I need to pare down my things
4) I need to upgrade and get more All Clad. I have one large skillet and I love it.
5) I have one Le Cruseut, which I LOVE....it was supposed to be round, but the store didn't have it in stock so sent it and I received an oval one. Decided I liked it enough to keep.
Also need to get Molly one of those wicker dogbone mats!!
Hope all is well!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
I absolutely adore your kitchen...but I especially adore your rugs!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat sort of places do you find rugs like that at? And, if you don't mind my asking, are you able to give me an idea of what sort of price I could expect to pay for something similar? I don't know if there's been a run on threadbare old rugs (which, given design trends, is perfectly possible) but I can't seem to find them ANYWHERE.
It doesn't help that I'm still on the grad-student-debt budget, but a girl can dream right?
(Also, I passed on your blog to my Mum as part of my attempt to get her to stop spending quite so much money on decorating magazines when blogs offer so much more - thanks to your beautiful house I think I actually made some progress! We both adore your house and your design aesthetic =D)
Jess, I would look at antique shops, antique shows, flea markets, etc. for the rugs. I really can't say what you might expect to pay since, like most antiques, that can vary depending on source, condidtion, part of country, etc. I have paid anywhere from $5 (the rug in front of the sink- and that was a total steal) to several hundred depending on size. Good luck!
DeleteThank you for shaing the blog with you Mum!
Your pics ARE the shopping list.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite way to know for sure what to have.
Learn better thru eyes than ears.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
I love looking in other people's drawers. Oh, that sounded so wrong. Your kitchen drawers look lovely.
ReplyDeletepve
Joan,
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your house! Your kitchen is my all time favorite. I am so glad to see someone finally ask about your rugs. I don't know why I never just asked you myself. I have been on the lookout for rugs like those for a good year. Haven't found any yet. I do have one question about your rugs in the kitchen however, what product do you use under them to keep them from sliding? I have tried a couple and find that over a short time the nonslide pad begins to slide as well. And I love the thinness of old rugs rather than a thick, new ones I see.
Give Ella a pat on her pretty little head for me!
~diane
Thank you Diane, that's an honor. I use rug pads (rug-to-floor). My favorites are from Eco Hold and they are "green" pads (made from plant based materials and they don't have that awful smell that the plastic ones have) Here is a link for a 5 x 8', but they also come in other sizes...
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CI5Y02?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B009CI5Y02&linkCode=xm2&tag=forthelove005-20
Ella thanks you for the pat;)
Hi Joan!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Loved peeking in your kitchen and that last photo
really caught my eye. I have a 4" thick binder with collected recipes
and keep it on my desk because it's too big and takes up space.
Thinking maybe your file system IN the kitchen is much better!
Thanks for inspiring all of us.
:)
Love your kitchen and you must try my Garlic Shrimp and Cheese Grits. It's not only delicious, but it so quick and easy to make. Let us know which are your favorites.
ReplyDeletehttp://rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com/2012/09/garlic-shrimp-and-cheese-grits.html
Cheers! Rita
Thank you Rita May! Just printed your recipe- sounds (and looks) wonderful! Thank you for sharing it!
DeleteHi, I am late to finding your blog (a new favorite!) but I was wondering if you could pass on the name of the cabinet maker who made your cabinets? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog Amber! The cabinet maker was local and he has since retired.
DeleteThank you for giving me a light bulb moment!! I noticed right away your creamy Masons (I assume) ham stand on the end of the counter. I have one also, and have been trying to figure out how to display it ever since I got it. I never thought of plant stand/"container"! Perfect!!!!
ReplyDeleteLucky you Amy- they are really hard to find. The antique hamstand is English and was made by T.B. Finney. I have two, and I agree, they are a bit difficult to display. I have also used them to hold large candles.
DeleteThat is also a great idea- hmmm....
ReplyDeleteI found you many years ago, and have marveled at how many things you have that I have as well! I rememember seeing your huge assortment of floats on your porch- no one else seemed to have them then. I have a half dozen or so, jumbled in with a bunch of antique ink wells in watery hues. Love them! You have my favorite house in blogland-so lovely! I enjoy every post. And I especially love Ella- she reminds me so much of my old dog Samantha. We now have an adventuresome and happy-go-lucky yellow lab that is the center of our family of four's world!
Thank you for the recommendation on the Dutch oven size. You saved me from buying one too small! Your kitchen is my all time favorite, anywhere! It is a treat to see how you have organized your drawers. A most important feature in a kitchen is functionality and you have that and beauty. I love your blog. Hope your computer issues are soon resolved.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
I miss your wonderful posts! Hope your technical difficulties are resolved soon!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well. Can't say it any better than the prior "Anonymous" - miss visiting with you.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Any chance you'll be returning soon?? I can't help but worry that your absence is due in part to that foolishness on Cote de Texas. Maybe I'm looking for problems where they aren't, but please know that the devoted followers of your blog love and miss you! And we're anxiously awaiting Kitchen Drawers - Part III.
ReplyDeleteJen
Hi Joan, et al....hope all is well. Occupying my night shift by re-reading your entries. Thank you so much for sharing your poignant poem about your mother's lamp. So touching. And probably my favorite "extra" in the kitchen. (I have a bit of a lamp fetish.) Miss you-thank goodness for Instagram!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI look for a new post each day, sometimes more. I would be so sad if you gave up blogging. I'm so looking forward to seeing your herb garden with the old gate and all of the other things you work on. And the barn room. Please come back!!
Best Regards....Wenda
Dearest Joan, where are you my friend? I miss you. We all miss you and Dan and Ella. I do not know what is going on but you are important to us. More family than blogger. You share, we share. We need you back. You would not let a little computer problem stop you. That is not you Joan. We love you. At the very least please email me or let us know how we can help you. Trust us. We are here for you. Much love, shirley garner. Bellevue wa.
ReplyDeletedear Shirley, I promise all is well (so sorry to have worried you), and I promise I will be back "really" soon;) xxoj.
DeleteI check in daily to see if you are back. Don"t stay away too long-you are missed!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Do you suggest using the drawer liner on cupboard shelves too, or just drawers?
ReplyDeleteI only used them in the drawers here, but they would be nice on a shelf too. Since my cabinets were new wood/freshly painted I've enjoyed using them unlined- easy to get things in and out.
DeleteWhere are you?We all miss you!!!! I need my fix LOL!
DeleteI'm here.... check the blog! Just posted yesterday:) Nice to be missed!
DeleteI'm enjoying reading through your blog from the beginning, Joan. And I loved these "what's in the kitchen drawers" posts the first time around. You obviously enjoy cooking. Have you ever considered sharing some of your favorite recipes? I would like to see how you style your plates ... since you're such a talented stylist around your home, I imagine you present a lovely plate too. It would be fun to see some of your finished products and recipes!
ReplyDeleteClaudia
thank you Claudia! I'll see if I can incorporate a few in upcoming posts!
Delete