Diary of a Dishie

Link to the new blog

2011-09-08T00:57:00.002-04:00

Check out Diary of a Dishie here. Lots of new stories since 2008!

We've moved....

2008-08-22T18:20:00.002-04:00

....to our own hosted blog at www.diaryofadishie.com....

Hope to see you there!

Kimbesa

Tall Cooler Glass of Lemonade

2008-07-29T23:08:00.006-04:00

On a hot, muggy evening, I could sure use a tall cooler glass full of lemonade. Fresh-squeezed, with just a bit of sugar.

Glasses like these, made for Corelle's Landscape pattern, would work just fine. They have nice heavy bottoms, and hold a good 16 ounces.

Tomorrow I’ll go back to the Produce Palace and get some fragrant lemons, to keep for those humid August evenings that are sure to come. And perhaps a jar of those Sechler’s sweet lemon pickles, too, for good measure.

Handy, refreshing treats for the end of summer.

It's Peach Cobbler Season

2008-07-22T22:11:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year. Peaches are on. And they're soooo good from the farmer's market. You can smell them as you walk the aisles...

I have a special casserole dish that I love to use for cobbler – vintage Corning Pyrex, in the distinctive ribbed berries and twining vines of the Gooseberry pattern, in pink and white. I don’t know how long Corning made this pattern. My educated guess says it was in the 1960s or 1970s, but it is now discontinued. I got a set of three Gooseberry dishes at a “granny sale” years ago, and I’ve enjoyed using them ever since.

The bowl is Haeger, bought from JC Penney some years ago. (Works for ice cream as well as cobbler...)

My favorite cobbler recipe is of older vintage. It came to me from a neighbor 30 years ago, and it smacks of having been around a lot longer. The sweet, fruity smell of mouth-watering cobbler is sure to bring your family to the table long before the dish is ready, especially if you use fresh fruit instead of canned.

This cobbler is very simple and very good. Here’s your excuse to get out your favorite baking dish, and combine the art of the food and the art of the bakeware into a masterpiece. Enjoy!

Essie’s Cobbler

¼ cup creamed butter or margarine (was oleo)
½ cup granulated sugar (plus ¼ c. extra)
1 cup flour
2 t. baking powder
¼ t. salt
½ c. milk
1 quart sliced fruit (best with fresh fruit in season)

Cream butter and sugar together. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add this dry mixture to creamed mixture, alternating with milk, to make a thick batter. Best to do this by hand, as over beating will make the cobbler tough.

Grease a 1.5 quart casserole or baking dish. Spread the batter in the bottom of the dish.

If using fresh fruit, prepare and slice it, then add the extra ¼ c. sugar. Leave it to set while you prepare the batter, so that some juice will form.

Add the sliced fruit on top of the batter. If using canned fruit, add the extra ¼ c. sugar at this stage, depending on sweetness desired.

Dot top with butter and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. The batter will bubble up through the fruit and make a delicious dessert that’s great plain, or with a side of ice cream.

Mosser Glass is Luscious

2008-07-19T22:19:00.010-04:00

Recently, we made an opportunity to visit Mosser Glass in Cambridge, Ohio. We'd already seen the factory on Made in America on the Travel Channel, but there's nothing like a personal visit.

It really was like being a kid in a candy store. Only you can handle the goods if you're careful!

We arrived in the afternoon, and had plenty of time, with the shop to ourselves. The wholesale catalog shows many items, but not everything. And we were treated to some new items, like this spooner in the Bermuda Blue color.

Watching them make the glass is a treat, too. They were doing the Georgian pattern pitchers in cobalt blue that afternoon.

Each piece starts with a glowing blob of hot glass on the end of a metal pole. It’s pulled out of a furnace and put into a metal mold. We saw these pitchers being made by a group of men who are working in concert, but it’s not that obvious at first. It’s a little more to it than the average assembly line. -- an artisan production concert.

After initial shaping, a worker puts the piece into another furnace, called the glory hole, to heat it again, so it can be worked some more. The spout is shaped by hand. Then the piece is broken off the pole, fire polished, and placed on a conveyor through a hot oven, so it can cool slowly. If this wasn't done, it would put stress on the glass and it could shatter. When the piece comes out of the oven, it is still warm to the touch.

We want to go again, so many beautiful pieces of this luscious glass to see... We have been impressed with this glass and how well it goes with vintage dinnerware!

Hartstone Pottery - Sweet!

2008-07-16T01:09:00.011-04:00

This quality pottery is handmade in Zanesville, Ohio, by “the original” Hartstone.

This company has roots back to the 1970s. It went through a period of corporate ownership, and was closed.

But in a town of 25,000, the loss of 400 jobs was painful, not to mention the loss of a piece of history. Southeastern Ohio has a long history of pottery making, and most of it is gone. Roseville, McCoy, Crooksville, Shawnee and Weller are just a few of the Ohio potteries that are familiar to collectors of vintage American pottery and dinnerware.

So in 2005, a group of local business people got together and Hartstone Pottery was reborn.

We made a visit to the factory recently, and enjoyed seeing this charming pottery being made.

The patterns are hand painted on the bisque. Then the piece is fired, coated in clear glazed, and fired again.

Also, we’re quite fond of the unglazed baking stones line, which includes pieces for bread, pie, pizza, cakes, brownies, muffins and lasagna. These pieces are dishwasher safe, and you can cut right in the dish!

I made a Pineapple Nut Bread recipe according to directions. This recipe called 3 cups flour and that is about the right amount for the capacity of this generous sized pan. The nut bread was similar to muffin batter, in that it was leavened with baking powder. This is the kind of batter that you want to stir until just mixed.

The loaf was nicely browned and evenly baked. We love this dish! Based on the crustiness of the bread, I think this dish will really shine when used for a kneaded loaf. Can't wait till cooler "bread baking" weather...

Restaurant ware, vintage and modern

2008-07-13T14:35:00.007-04:00

Remember the days of swivel bar stools covered in red Naugahyde, Dixie cups and burgers in a basket? That's where restaurant wares take us, whether modern or vintage. Back to Happy Days...

Syracuse China has been known for many years, for restaurant ware china in the vintage market, and for its modern cousins. Many people like these wares because they're so durable. You can use restaurant ware plates to help melt the cheese on your grilled cheese sandwich, for example, without worry about the plate's taking the heat. These heavy plates can take normal use and then some.

Buffalo China is another favorite. Vintage examples were made in the USA, and available in the secondary market. You'll see the modern versions of this ware in buffet, cafeteria and other restaurants, too. Bowls like these in the photo, in white, are great for serving chili or stew on a cool evening. There's something comforting about the weight, as well as the memories...

Polaris Vintage Syracuse China

2008-07-04T22:47:00.008-04:00

Hard to believe it's been so long since my last post, but it has been a busy shopping season. You could almost feel the pent-up garage sales.... waiting for the snow to go and nice weather to arrive.

One of the best things we found in our travels so far (and the summer's not over yet) was a set of beautiful vintage china by Syracuse, from the 1960s-1970s. The Polaris pattern has elegant platinum stars and rims, on a creamy white background. Many people associate Syracuse with restaurant, hotel and railroad wares. Polaris is one of the fine china patterns Syracuse made, in the days before major changes in the company that occurred around 1971.

We can never get enough of classic, American china like this...

Earth Day - Vintage is Green

2008-04-27T22:36:00.007-04:00

I'm glad to see Earth Day expanded to Earth Week. It got me thinking about vintage dishes, and why vintage is green.

Vintage is recycled by nature. It’s been discontinued by the manufacturer. Most pieces some from the secondary market and were previously owned. Dishes with a history. They’ve been around once and are ready to go around again in a new home…yours!

Vintage has already been made. All the inputs (clay, glaze, electricity to heat the kiln, etc.) have been used. Vintage may have age, but it also has enduring quality.
Vintage still has useful life. No need to get new dinnerware when vintage pieces can serve as well. We can make the most of them by continuing to use them.

Vintage reminds us of nature. Many vintage patterns are based on nature themes, such as flowers, leaves, trees, birds and other motifs drawn from the natural world. These patterns remind us to seek harmony with nature.

Vintage holds good personal memories. We get many comments from shoppers and buyers about the dinnerware they used as a child when they ate at grandma’s house, or the china that came from mom’s estate. Vintage makes us happy when we use them and remember special people, the past, or simpler times.

With vintage, it's easy being Green...

Depression Glass, Classic Style

2008-04-22T09:27:00.009-04:00

This past weekend, the local Depression glass society had its spring show. Always a treat to see this beautiful glass, and the society members make it enjoyable. They run a table where you can get help with identifying your own glass (included in the cost of admission).

They identified ruffled blue berry bowl in the “Fancy” or “Diamond Arches” pattern by Hazel Atlas for me.

I’m old enough to remember Depression glass from my grandmother’s and great aunt’s collections. Charming patterns like Cameo or Sharon in pink, Parrot in green, or blue Aunt Polly.

I remember going to the flea market at Shipshewana, Indiana in the 1980s, seeking and finding treasures.

At the show this weekend, I was glad to see a competition for setting a table with a mix of vintage and new elements. My favorite, featuring Manhattan glassware, didn’t win, but I loved its sleek, modern look.

The contestant combined Manhattan clear dishes with new flatware made by Retroneu, set off by a colorful flower arrangement. A bright and shiny, festive table setting if ever there was one! Note the spark of deep color from the arrangement, reflected in the shiny flatware.

I’ve been following the trend to use an eclectic mix of dishes and tableware, vs. matching everything, and it makes so much sense to me. There are so many ways to be creative with color and texture by mixing different china, glassware, flatware and other elements on a table. Even items not intended as tableware, such as garden ornaments , planters and figurines, can be added to the decor to fit a theme or color scheme.

Complementary colors in glassware especially can go with your china or pottery dinnerware. For example, yellow or red glass tumblers, cups or plates bring out the charm in your blue and white china. Smooth glass can complement textured dinnerware, and the possibilities are endless.

Inspiring to see all this beautiful glass…..

Love casseroles!

2008-04-14T22:03:00.008-04:00

We'd never heard of Merry Mushroom, though we must have walked by pieces in this pattern many, many times. This motif is the height of 1970s kitsch...

There are lots and lots of items made in this pattern, right down to the napkin holder, wall clock and dishes for corn on the cob. Many of the items were made for and sold by Sears.

This 4-quart casserole was made by Corning. Note the different style of the glass top, with the indents. The center knob is indented in the center, though the item is weighty nevertheless.

Reminds me of the dancing mushrooms that you might see in a Disney movie...

Yummy dish for a yummy dish

2008-04-01T19:52:00.004-04:00

Pfaltzgraff has a discontinued pattern called Jamberry. It makes my list of dinnerware patterns that are sweet for this time of year, when my craving for fresh fruit pops up as quickly as daffodils on a warm spring day…

The Jamberry pattern of stoneware china includes dessert bowls (the small ones for applesauce or fruit), and a larger salad or cereal bowl in the table setting.

Rhubarb shortcake is at the top of my dessert list for April. At home, Mom made Rosy Cobbler. The recipe probably came from the Bisquick box.

Rosy Cobbler is a great dish to serve in your coupe shape soup bowls, or deep ones sometimes called cereal or ice cream bowls. It’s a broad shouldered dessert. A larger bowl will give plenty of room for the sweet-tart rhubarb juices (and bit of cream if you like) as you enjoy the first fruits of spring.

Rosy Cobbler (Rhubarb Shortcake)

¾ to 1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups of 1 inch slices rhubarb (1 pound)
1 tablespoon water
1 ½ tablespoons butter or margarine
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Mix sugar and cornstarch; stir in rhubarb and water. Heat to boiling and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour into 8-inch round baking dish. Dot with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top hot rhubarb with Biscuit Topper. Bake at 350 degrees for ½ hour.

Biscuit Topper

1 ½ cups Bisquick
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1/3 cup milk

Combine Bisquick and sugar. Add butter and milk; mix with fork. Drop by spoonfuls on rhubarb. Sprinkle dough with a bit of sugar for sparkle.

...and when it comes out of the oven, enjoy!

Even dishes are Irish

2008-03-17T23:49:00.016-04:00

Like food, china and dinnerware can take you places, too.

Take Noritake's Keltcraft line, made in Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s. Soft, pale colors, as on this darling creamer, speak with charm about a vibrant land. Ireland in the spring is very green to us North Americans. In May and June it's so green in can make your eyes water.

The Kilkee pattern from the Keltcraft line is pale tan with butterflies and pastel blue flowers. This brings up that Kilkee is a real place, in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. West Clare is known as a ruggedly beautiful land with the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, where naturalists from around the world visit to see the unique plants tucked into its rocky surface.

The Keltcraft line has other pattern names -- like Ireland, Wicklow, Shannon Spring, Misty Isle and Tranquil Glen -- that evoke a sense of place. A travelogue in dinnerware....

The Woman's Club Tea

2008-03-15T00:21:00.012-04:00

In February or March each year, my local woman's club has a tea. The theme is Valentine's Day, Easter or Alice in Wonderland.

Really, it's an excuse for the members to get out their best dishes, invite their friends for an afternoon of conversation and treats.... and have some fun!

I confess. I'm a shameless dish flipper. I have to see who made them. I even flip the flatware.

I really enjoy the tea, and I like to come in the night before to savor the table settings at leisure.

The funky setting with the flamingo favors is my vintage Platinum Star Burst china by Creative, made in Japan. This is vintage 1950s-1960s china that a lot of our mothers and grandmothers had. Found a nearly complete service for 12 some years ago at an estate sale. Love those! And I liked the china because it was simple and modern. I like white or nearly white dishes for food.

The tea is a wonderful opportunity to be creative with dishes. Just like when you were a child, only with real, grown up china....

Happy Anniversary

2008-02-25T23:09:00.012-05:00

A year ago, I was having afternoon tea with my friend Siobhan in a castle in Ireland -- at Adare, in the west near the River Shannon. It was a wonderful treat.

Of course, I had to flip the china, and saw that it was Villeroy & Boch. Elegant white china. We enjoyed the dishes and the food in this fantastic setting.

Wedding photos were being taken out front as we drove up. We enjoyed our tea in the library. We had it all to ourselves, with a lovely view of the grounds from a bay window.

A beautiful place, beautiful dishes....a lovely time...

Finally....

2008-02-24T00:42:00.002-05:00

Been talking about a blog forever....finally did it!

I've been having fun finding dishes for many months, and I have a lot to say on the subject. If there can be foodies -- people who love food -- why not dishies -- people who love dishes. The way some people love shoes...

What do you mean, you don't go to Macy's or Neiman Marcus every so often, just for a field trip? You can never have too many dishes!

More soon,
Kimbesa