Awesomesauce

So, I've been online purchasing up a storm for the last 3-months. I call it sick-shopping. Yeah, it's ridiculous and it's certainly not need-based. But sometimes you want to feel cheerful and you can't accomplish that by many other means. Let's say it's shopping realpolitik.

Fortunately I have Xmas to back me up though, if I'm being honest, I'm shopping mainly for me.

To wit:

Le Creuset Fondue Pot from HotCool Vintage on Etsy (These photos are mine...)

Sadly, these pics don't do it justice. It is PERFECTION.

I've been looking for a vintage fondue pot for 5 years. I'm one of the 10 people in the world who's been making fondue since the seventies. C'mon, people, it's dairy, booze and flour. Three of the 4 food groups.

This thing is from the 70s, if I'm not mistaken, (the modern ones just don't compare) and it's enamel coated cast iron. Based on my knowledge of the brand and the appearance of the bottom of the pot, I'm pretty sure I can actually make the fondue in it and then serve the fondue in it. You don't know how rare a feature that is! It's a one-stop meal?!?! Plus, it's hipper than a Brooklyn artist!

The vendor, Francine, was incredibly helpful and actually worked with me by lowering the price of the item to compensate for the (let's face it) exorbitant shipping charge. This thing weighs 7 pounds.  All in, I paid $125.00, which was entirely reasonable given its vintage-beauty and usefulness.

My favourite dinner party meal is brie and wild mushroom fondue served with an assortment of veggies and baguette. Oh, with a cherry-bomb, Californian cabernet, it's just unbeatable. In the past I've used a well-loved, but suboptimal chocolate fondue pot with a tea light. It's worked more than adequately but, given that I actually make this food a few times a year, I think I'm ready for the fancy model.

I guess this is a sign to the universe that I am ready and willing to get with the holiday menu, as soon as it sees fit.

And, on that topic, last night I slept for 3.5 hours in a row, followed by a brief waking and then another 3.5 hours of sleep! Medically unassisted!! I felt better today than I have in almost 3 months. I'm not taking it for granted or getting invested, but since I spend so much time complaining, I figure I should tell you when the going's good. :-)