Microplanes: Wood Rasp Meets Parmesan

Microplanes are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. The story of how Grace Manufacturing moved from making wood tools to the "better mousetrap" among zesters and cheese graters in told on the company site. A hardware store owner who sold their wood working tools brought home a new rasp. His wife decided to try zesting an orange with it and a new kitchen gadget was born.

My first Microplane and my favorite to this day is the one in the middle of the picture. Click on the picture to see a very large view. Zesting a lemon is as easy as grating parmesan. I've probably had it for ten years and it's gone through the dishwasher innumerable times without dulling at all.

If I could only have one Microplane, the middle one is the one I'd choose. The topmost Microplane in the picture makes small strips of cheese great for topping salads. The little one at the bottom is pretty good on nutmeg.

An Ohio River Valley Covered Vegetable Dish

Dinnerware makers thrived in the Ohio River Valley from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Pictured here is a covered vegetable dish made in the 1930s by American Limoges of Springfield, Ohio. The shape name is "Triumph." The decoration pattern is "Vermillion Rose."

It's filled with pork loin, Brussels sprouts and red bell pepper. See the recipe at Heidi Cooks.