"salt and pepper" news and stories

I am one of those people who is not to be trusted when there's a bag of potato chips nearby. Once the bag is opened, it seems to whistle a tune only I can hear and I'm drawn to its call until I cave and start munching. Because of this weakness, I try to keep potato chips out of my apartment and walk by that aisle in the grocery store swiftly, with head averted.

I'm afraid that my will to avoid potato chips has been broken by these Kettle Chips Baked Salt & Pepper ones. They are perfectly seasoned with a satisfying crunch. They are easy to eat by the handful and don't leave you feeling greasy or overfed. As far as I'm concerned, they might just be the perfect chip.

What would a dinner table be without its salt and pepper? They've become so ubiquitous in everyone's kitchen. However, we rarely wonder why. Both were heavily used in cuisine for hundreds of years, but so were several other spices. What made people focus on salt and pepper?

The story begins with salt. In Ancient Rome, it gained popularity as a condiment. Italians during the Renaissance served salted dishes at the same time as sugared dishes. It was not until the 17th century that the French created a salt-sweet divide. Salted foods were eaten throughout the meal because they stimulate the appetite. Sweet plates were served at the end; they satiate the appetite and shutdown our desire to eat.

It was in France that salt met its inevitable spicy partner, pepper. 17th-century Classic French cuisine, which developed at the court of Louis XIV, considered pepper and parsley as superior to the various spices imported from the Middle East. In fact, it viewed all spices as vulgar ingredients masking the true flavor of a dish. Pepper was the only spice acceptable. And, it eventually attained the same status as fine herbs which were thought to be more wholesome and exquisite. The French heightened the importance of pepper giving it the status it has today.

I know. Could we get over the eggs already? You already know I can't because I love hard boiled eggs, plus, I have this "thing" for salt and pepper shakers.

The egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers are by Primal Design. Together, the egg measures W3.7 xD2.6 xH1.7" and is made of ceramic. It's available from MollaSpace for $12.

More salt and pepper shakers:
Flashy Mini Lanterns
Weeble Wobble
Ice cream cones
Sleek and magnetic
Pretty little pigs
Self-shaking shakers for the lazy
Peugeot's electric pepper mill

I love an eye-catching set of salt and pepper shakers, and a set that's earth-friendly? Even better, since Earth Day is coming up this Sunday, April 22.

The Salt and Pepper Orbs are designed by Andi Kovel and are handmade by Esque in Portland, OR. What makes these gorgeous spheres appropriate for touting for Earth Day? They are made of recycled glass and are processed in an electric furnace that is powered by wind. They're a little expensive at $159 for the set, but isn't the Earth worth it?

Available for purchase at Branch.

It's been a while since I've posted about my favorite things on the table (other than food, of course): salt and pepper shakers.

The Lift n Shake is a cute reminder that after putting down all those calories, you need to hit the gym. The happy little weightlifter is made from cream plastic; the barbell is plastic as well. Salt and pepper is on either side of the barbell. Just lift it up and tilt to shake. You won't build muscle, but that's okay.

Available from Chiasso for $22.

More salt and pepper:
Heart-shaped
Talk to taste
Silvery sleek
Ice cream cones
Sleek and magnetic
Pretty little pigs
Self-shaking shakers for the lazy
Peugeot's electric pepper mill
Weeble wobble
Cha Cha Cha
Teardrops
Loops