Skillets
As I stood in front of my kitchen window scrubbing an old skillet, I’m reminded of the owner, of this skillet. Washing dishes is therapeutic for me, but especially cleaning skillets. Not sure why; but I think of what I cooked in it. I also think of all the meals Claude cooked in this skillet at his French restaurant. This particular skillet belonged to a well-known chef, Claude, from Paris Restaurant (now closed) in Paso Robles.
It is just an ugly simple restaurant Sysco-ware skillet, but I really like the way these skillets cook. Claude returned to Paris and I purchased about 6 of his everyday skillets he used in his restaurant, in different sizes. In addition to a few other items.
Do I think I cook better because they belonged to Claude, heck no, but I do find I want to cook better since these were his skillets. I also find inspiration from him.
I wish I had only one skillet, but I must admit I have different skillets for different purposes. Just as many of you do. I have different sizes and different styles. My favorite go to skillets are my cast iron ones. Because, I grew up with those. I saw Mi Abuelita and Mi Mama using them. I typically use these for cooking Mexican food.
The saying, “hacer los sartenes chiar” literally translates to make the skillets cry or sizzle, it’s a saying I heard many years ago, used by an acquaintance as she prepared to start dinner she stated she was going to, “make the skillets sizzle.”
Cast iron skillets must also be cured or prepared before using them similar to a Molcajete. I think one of the highest honors is to inherit your familiy’s skillets.
I have a favorite small non stick skillet, I use only for cooking eggs. I have my favorite all-clad, that I use to stir-fry vegetables and also to cook fish. I have a ceramic skillet that cooks evenly and browns beautifully. Not all skillets brown. Awhile back, I got rid of my Teflon skillets for health reasons. I have several paella pans also.
As I stand in front of my kitchen window admiring the beauty that surrounds me, I know each day is a canvas. I finish washing my skillet, I think of all the love I want to pour into my meals, as I go out into the world to paint my canvas.
Abrazos
