Category Archives: Favorite Things

Gone Writing (but not without a little something for you)

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Washington Street copper pots hang, Maureen Abood

This week I’m diving deep on some work that’s been needing special attention. I’m glad to plunge, but then that means it’s quiet in my kitchen. There are lots of simple, little meals though: Lebanese eggs with asparagus, soft-scrambled; snack; … Continue reading →

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Pie Plates: The best of

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Grandma's pie plate, Maureen Abood

First off, the very best pie plate is any pie plate. Because any pie plate means there’s going to be a pie, and that’s the important thing. That said, there are several facets of a pie plate that I pay … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Metal Scoops

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Scoops with cannisters, Maureen Abood

Having baked my way through numerous kitchens now, I can say that there isn’t all that much to be gained from the ultra high-end oven, the super spectacular refrigerator, or the German dishwasher. Yes, they’re nice, but somehow the same … Continue reading →

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Ingredient (and a Favorite Thing): La Tourangelle Pistachio Oil

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Tourangelle Pistachio Oil, Maureen Abood

This, my friends, is pistachio oil. My new crush. I have been a fan of another special oil, walnut oil, ever since I was served a beautiful little butter lettuce salad dressed with it in the home of a beloved … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Etched Fostoria Glass

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Fostoria blue glasses top rim, Maureen Abood

Other than a Shelley teacup, according to family code, the greatest find one could possibly make at an antique shop is Fostoria Glass. The etched crystal that the company made sold like gangbusters at the early part of the last … Continue reading →

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Favorite things: Wooden Molds for Lebanese Sweet Bread (Kaik)

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Kaik molds, Maureen Abood

The molded sweet is a long-standing tradition at the Lebanese table, a true and beloved trademark. Sometimes that sweet is a cookie (ma’moul), sometimes a sweet bread (kaik, KAH-ick). They are beautiful, these little works of art, their imprints like … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Paper Lace

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Paper doilies, Maureen Abood

They do seem like a throw-back, like they are of another time and place. But the paper lace doily has its place, and if you believe Etsy, that place is high and mighty at the hands of DIY-ers across the … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: A baking stone, with handles

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Emile Henry stone with handles, Maureen Abood

A pizza stone is heavy. It’s awkward. It gets hotter than Hades. It’s the sort of thing you might “forget” and leave behind in the oven when you move, just to avoid figuring out how to pack it. But once … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Cheesecloth, ultra-fine

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Cheesecloth ultra-fine, Maureen Abood

I am astonished when I think back on all of the straining (in the form of labne) that I have made over the years, only to note that I haven’t used cheesecloth in the process. I used cheesecloth to strain … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: A smaller, taller cake pan

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Six inch cake pans, Maureen Abood

While few things say a party, or a birthday, like a layer cake, the ones we always made at home came out on the short and stocky side. I thought the issue was that the cake just didn’t rise like … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Little Cups

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Little cups 2 POST

First off, hello and welcome to those of you who are new to Rose Water & Orange Blossoms. I welcome you, we all welcome you! If you were here in my kitchen on Main Street today, up north in Michigan, … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: White Apilco French Porcelain

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Apilco gratin dish window POST

When you run around with children of a certain age, favorite colors are a frequent topic of conversation. The girls are in the purple, pink, and rainbow camp (rainbow is its own a color, in case you didn’t know, just … Continue reading →

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Favorite Things: Symon’s General Store

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Maureen Abood
Symon's facade POST

This is not so much a favorite thing as it is a favorite place. One that holds a treasure trove of favorite things, as all good General Stores do. I know this means you can’t run out and check out … Continue reading →

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Favorite Kitchen Things for Gift-Giving

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Maureen Abood
Wrapping paper POST

Pretty much everything in my kitchen is a favorite, right down to the red and white twine I use not in the kitchen so much as on the front porch, to tie up garland for Christmas or 4th of July … Continue reading →

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Favorite Cookbooks for Gift-Giving

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Maureen Abood
Stacks on the table POST

This isn’t so much a book review as it is simply a good list, a list of beautiful, special cookbooks to give to yourself or someone you love. One of the great pleasures I take in making this list is … Continue reading →

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