Ode to my refrigerator
You probably know this already, but I’m a huge fan of Eugenia Bone.
She wrote her canning book in the context of how you might use the things you put up (an obvious, yet oft overlooked aspect of canning and preserving). She’s practical in her approach and writes things that beginners and experienced alike may endeavor with success.
Alas, this is not an e-love letter.
This is more of a thank you note tacked onto the fridge.
She mentioned something at the end of this post about photographing your refrigerator contents. Well, I’m here to say: it’s habit forming, not to mention a bit energy inefficient. I allow my top-dollar, below-40-degree-F air out into my 300-degree kitchen. I don’t even enjoy using my camera, but I can’t stop.
It’s hard to say for sure the actual effects (if any) of daily exposure to things you or your friends made staring back at you from the fridge. It’s subjective, like art.;)
I’ve never had an easy time being speedy while the fridge door gapes. My mom used to chime in with “you’re not taking inventory, pick something!” whenever our indecisiveness directly affected her energy bill. (She was the earliest kind of eco-crusader.)
But now, it’s not indecisiveness at all; it’s surges of mental pats on the back, praise and plenty of awe. All the time I spent assembling a jalapeno pistou or the time my friend Autumn spent making basil simple syrup is right there, featured real-time every time I pop in that chilly little tavern of wonder. I get a peek at the past every morning when replacing the half and half after our coffee, or when grabbing a head of lettuce for dinner’s salad.
While one can really get used to this type of kitchen ecosystem, one thing is certain: you’ll never take it for granted. Having things you (or someone you know) made in kitchen circulation is the best kind of pride.
Still life with fridge, the collector of accomplishment.;)
Inspiration, Kitchen
Reader Comments (8)
The top of my fridge also has all of my bits and bobs leftover from canning projects. It's fun finding ways to use them!
Also, I don't know how you knew that I've been craving to make basil syrup all summer but had no idea what I could do with it. Thanks for the ideas!!
The very idea of photographing the interior contents of my fridge horrifies me. I'm so bad at keeping things straight, not to mention using everything up before it goes bad.
Plus, I would be terribly ashamed to admit the number of heads of cabbage that are still in there, fresh, leaves still light green and tightly wrapped around their cores, just waiting for the day I decide I need to make cole slaw or kimchi or chow chow. It's looking less and less likely by the week.
LOVE the fridge pic post (can still hear my mom telling me that I was letting all the cold out when standing too long with the fridge open...sad thing is I tell my kids the same thing!). One thing about excessive canning, which I am guilty of, is that from the top, all the cans look the same. I have had countless times of taking out pasta sauce, when I really wanted the strawberry jam.
Johanna, oddly enough, two years ago I couldn't have agreed with you more. Something has happened to me, and I'm trying to figure out what exactly that something is!
I love your blog. Keep up the good work!
I am absolutely in love with you in the most platonic way possible.
We're fridge soul mates! Mine looks exactly the same. My husband often yells to me "Is this the paneer or the farm cheese? Is this kombucha or broth?"
And I love it!
That's so funny Nicole! I'll totally be your fridge BFF. :)