Thursday, November 15, 2012

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. :-)

28 comments:

  1. fondue and sleep. a potent combination!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I know! I can't wait to try this new fondue pot. Maybe on Xmas eve...

      Delete
  2. I also like fondue. All kinds of fondues. I have my Nana's pot for cheese, Mom's for broth/oil, and a chocolate set that is mine. How can people not like fondue?

    Yay for sleep! Did you know that without light, people used to sleep in two stages? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16964783

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually remember reading that once. I have to check out your link. Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Ooh, just read it and it resonated! I have spent much time meditating on some pretty intense dreams for the last couple of months.

      Delete
    3. I think it is good to know that a two stage sleep isn't a bad thing. You don't have to make it your aim to get rid of that break so long as you feel rested in the end.

      Delete
  3. K-Line!!!

    Happy for your health!

    Sleep, eat, laugh, and love - you'll be better in no time.

    Big hug!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yeah sleep!

    I also love fondue and used to make it frequently. Haven't since I moved. it is coming on winter now and I must remedy that. I don't dip bread though, although I may have just recently come up with a gluten-free bread that will actually work without dissolving so I might give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know. You only miss sleep when it's gone.

      I love dipping new potatoes, red peppers and asparagus. And the bread is also a good idea. I wonder if there's some kind of cracker that would work too (gluten-free).

      Delete
  5. when am i coming over for dinner?

    i promise to bring a bottle of rye that'll put you RIGHT to sleep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're just trying to steal all of the fondue! :-)

      Delete
  6. I'm another one who sees nothing wrong with fondue, although we said goodbye to the 70s set many years ago (you know, avocado green, little stencils of flowers on the side?). If I'd been gifted yours, I'd still be using it, absolutely!
    Glad to hear you're getting some sleep -- nature's nurse!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad you're feeling a little better...I tend to sleep like that in little chunks too because of a variety of respiratory problems!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy - I didn't realize that that's the reason for your insomnia. So horrible! I really feel for you.

      Delete
  8. Fondue is literal awesomesauce! And look at you, clever girl, putting the retail therapy portion of your treatment to good use by making sure that you had a beautiful way to serve holiday fondue meals. Please share the recipe when you make it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I KNOW! I thought that was a very clever title :-) I'll share the recipe now: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Brie-and-Wild-Mushroom-Fondue-100682

      Delete
  9. Like! Fondue sets were like those coffee percolators in my youth. I think my Mum used them once then we got them to use in the cubby - many a fine fondue and fresh mud coffee in my playhouse!
    We also had a Bakelite rotary dial phone! I could probably buy a real house with what that little lot would be worth today.
    I'm o glad you are feeling normal. I'm writing to you from the Shartclub, where Liam has had a tummy bug and 25 changes of underwear in 36 hours. 3.5 hours in a row sounds sweet.

    Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh! I know you're over the worst of this now, but I'm still giving you good vibes re: Liam. I know he's been challenging your patience lately. xo

      Delete
  10. What a beautiful fondue set! I love Creuset. My husband has gotten me a few as investment kitchen gifts and I use them for everything. Glad you got some sleep! Cheese and potatoes would make me sleepy ;).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My mother gave me her set when I moved out of the house and I had no idea what a value they were until I was much older!

      Delete
  11. 1. I am so glad you are feeling better and getting some sleep. 2. I am extremely envious of your Le Creuset coup.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks R! And I do understand your envy.:-)

      Just remember, you live with those awesome mountains in view, which is also envy provoking!

      Delete
  12. I'm positively green with envy...I absolutely love LC and this is just too, too fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm sorry. If you bought this and blogged about it, I'd be green with envy too...

    ReplyDelete