Playing Favorites :: Round and Round

Here's your sign

Of all the geometric shapes, I find circles to be the most pleasing.

Squares and rectangles and triangles and ovals are okay too, but I am drawn to circles.

The other day I was shopping at TJ Maxx for a few gifts and various other things.

I was not looking for a lazy Susan, or even an industrious Susan, or for that matter a circular, spinning anything. And yet I found one.

She's been around a time or ten

It was actually on display -- rather, just sitting, stacked with a few identical pieces -- on a shelf that you had to pass by as you waited in line to pay for your purchases.

As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. 

Impulse buy? I guess. But a really really good one. Some impulses are your friends. Stay alert.

First of all, it was pure white with a whimsical black design -- blanc noir, my favorite color scheme.

Then, it was big -- a full twenty inches across. I love big. Go big or go home. Or in this case, grab the big thing and take it home.

Also, it was made of melamine. I love and adore melamine.

Turn, turn, turn

It was a circle -- my favorite. And the big circle had a small circular decal stuck to it, right in the middle. 

Which said, along with a helpful circular arrow: Spin Me!

I picked it up. I saw that it was heavy, sturdy, and -- here's where it gets interesting -- priced extraordinarily reasonably.

I have located the same item (actually, the same thing only slightly smaller, and in a different pattern) online for more than twice the amount that I paid.

Tommy Bahama brand.

Sold American! My mama didn't raise no fools.

All the things

Last summer, when my mom was sick, to distract myself one day I went shopping -- TJ Maxx; where else? -- and picked up my first-ever two-tiered tray for the middle of the table.

I've enjoyed it and have decorated it over and over for seasons and occasions, but the black-and-white melamine tray struck me as so summery, and I knew it would be great fun to decorate but also use to put dishes on, for when everyone comes over to eat.

The other day we all got together for swimming and hamburgers on the grill. It was fun to load up the spinner with condiments and sliced tomatoes and onions, and salsa, and other assorted items for our feast.

Then when the meal was over, I put my decorations back.

Right now it's holding my beaded red-white-and-blue star in the middle, with the red metal and glass battery-operated candle holder from Home Goods.

Give it a whirl and circle back

Then there are a few more patriotic items (about to go back into storage), plus a small bowl of black-and-white ceramic balls with TG's and my initials, and my toy black vintage Cadillac, plus a tiny kitschy cow.

I picked up the black metal filigree ball at Hobby Lobby. My pirate ship salt-and-pepper shakers (empty) came from Cracker Barrel. I think I may have already told you about my little letter board that I found at Home Goods for a song.

Soon I'll be incorporating sunflowers for the month of August, but for now this looks summery and airy and just clever enough that I am definitely into it.

The two-tiered tray will no doubt come back out for autumn decorations, in September, which is -- in case you haven't noticed -- coming up the walk and fixing to knock on the door.

More than just a pretty face

Not long ago I was browsing on Amazon and found a set of three silicone trivets -- they came in lots of colors but I got black -- that I could not resist.

I like to be around you

Circular -- appealing enough without doing or being anything else -- but the designs remind me of Spirograph shapes. So fetching and fascinating.

What I like about them is that they look like decorations on my tiny island, and yet they are workhorses because you can put something straight out of the oven down without reaching into the drawer for my square silicone trivets.

Basic black and ready to rumble

They're so low profile that they never get in the way and I just enjoy seeing them there.

Easy-peasy to wash, simply adorable, just what I needed but didn't even know it.

I'll see you around

Okay this next thing astonishes me still, although it's been a minute since I learned it.

I don't imagine I will ever truly get over it.

I saw this on Instagram and was initially incredulous but have since confirmed that it is absolutely correct.

First let me say, it has been decades since I owned an electric can opener. I don't like them. I'm low-tech and use a Swing-A-Way opener, which is a gadget that's been around since Skippy was a pup.

But I found out just recently that I have been using it all wrong.

Whoa! Wrong way

Which -- I will admit -- has resulted in a great deal of frustration. I have opted for pop-top cans of late, with the ring pull, whenever they are available, no matter what is inside.

You wanted corn but only carrots have the ring pull? We're having carrots.

Anything to avoid engaging in the struggle to get the can open.

You know how it is: You need to open a can but the can opener sticks partway around, and then you have to back up and go at it again, and invariably you end up having to pry up the lid, which is all jagged edges and so sharp that you're afraid you're going to need a tetanus shot.

But it doesn't have to be that way. 

Being right-handed, I have always -- I mean, for my entire life, because when I was a kid, this is what we used to open cans -- grasped the can opener in my right hand and sank the cutter wheel down vertically into the top of the can.

Right way

Then I'd switch to holding the handles with my left hand, squeezing, and turning the crank with my right, praying all the while that we'd get all the way around the edge without hitting snags and missing entire sections.

I was going about it the wrong way.

Here is the right way: Hold the can opener in your left hand and place it horizontally on top of the can you need to open. Like, flat on the top.

Engage the cutter wheels just like you would do if it were oriented the other (wrong) way.

Begin turning the crank. It won't be effortless but it will not stick or balk, or skip whole sections of can lid.

Voilà!

When you're done, simply lift up with your left hand, and what will come away is the entire can lid -- including the lip to which it was attached.

What's left is the can as you have never seen it before: clean, with no ragged edges waiting to chew your fingers up. Like the sign says: Bless your heart!

It's magic. Tell all of your friends.

But first, try it and let me know what you think. And you're welcome.

I've got some egg-splainin' to do

Recently I happened across a recipe that I'll never again be able to live without.

It's one of those oh-so-simple but totally essential ones.

Mainly because it's extra low-carb and tasty, for both meals and snacks.

I refer to Baked French Eggs. Round and rich and ridiculously good.

Here's what you do.

Preheat your oven to 425. It takes twice as long for my oven to heat to this temperature, than it takes the French eggs to bake.

It's the heavy cream on top that makes them crazy good

Get a muffin tin (I use my six-up because it makes the ideal number of Baked French Eggs at a time, unless you're cooking for a hungry crowd).

Coat the cups with the non-stick cooking spray of your choice.

Break an egg into each opening.

Pour a small amount (a teaspoonful or so) of heavy cream on top of each egg.

Add salt and pepper to your taste.

Top with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese (I have been using the standard Kraft green shaker container of grated parmesan, and there's nothing wrong with that, but last night I bought some fresh shredded parmesan and I'm looking forward to kicking it up a notch next time I make these).

Bake for ten to thirteen minutes, depending on your oven and how firm you like your yolks.

In my oven at 425, in just ten minutes I get the yolk the way I like it, which is very soft, almost runny.

Give them two or three more minutes for a firm yolk.

Take them out and use a spoon to immediately scoop them out onto a plate.

They're tantalizing and tender

What you don't immediately eat, allow to cool, then cover and store in the fridge. They reheat in the microwave like a dream.

These are heavenly -- I think it's the cream on top that makes them so deliriously delicious -- and great to have on hand even if you're not eating low carb.

It's my new favorite way to fix eggs.

Again -- you are abundantly welcome.

I'm so glad I got around to telling you these things.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Thursday

Comments

[Carla TePaske]

Oh My GOODNESS!!! I had no idea about the can opener. I also do not use electric can openers.. old school for me.. but I see I should have gone to school to learn how to use a can opener. Thank YOU, Jenny!
I use a lazy susan when I create bouquets. Spin that bouquet around and around to find the perfect spot for that flower or foliage. ;-)

[Mari]

The Lazy Susan was a good buy for sure. I like black and white too.
I love the trivets and am going to look for these. They are so classic!
Guess what? I actually have been using my can opener the right way. Incredible, right?
I have save the egg recipe. Sounds perfect for us!

[Jennifer]

@Carla ... Yay! I am so glad you were today years old when you learned how to use a can opener, haaahaha! Awesome. And I would LOVE to see you make a bouquet on a spinner. You should make a video and post it to YouTube, and then to your blog. I'd be learning something for sure. xoxo

@Mari ... WHY didn't you tell me I was using my can opener all wrong? Haaahaaha!!! You and Bon will love those eggs. I promise. xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

We have so much in common. I love round shaoes, and dslike sharp edges and corners. I have tons of trays, both tiered and not. Your new turning one is beautiful. And the trivets are decorations in themselves! I had no idea about the can opener! And I make these Baked French eggs all the time!! You can dress them up bu lining the cups with ham or canadian bacon, and use different variations.

[betty]

I don't think we have any can opener but an electric one. Might have to change that in the days to come :)

Oh my with the egg recipe. So doable. Definitely on our list of things to try once we start using the oven again in November :)

betty

[Bijoux]

Well, since I’m all about the TJ’s (Maxx and Trader Joe), I absolutely adore your lazy susan. Like you, I have my patriotic decor up, but will be getting fall stuff out in late August. Right now, I have a gorgeous blue hydrangea from my garden in an old fashioned milk glass vase on my island. Simple and pretty.

Ok, years ago, my parents bought me a an opener that is specifically for opening cans horizontally. I think they are called ‘safe cut’ and are always black. OXO brand makes one. Life changing! Lol!

I hope you have a great weekend. Your decor cheered my heart!

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... Ooooh yes I would love to do the eggs in a liner with the Canadian bacon! Sounds scrumptious! And we are kindred spirits on circles! Love it my friend ... xoxo

@betty ... Yes do try them for your Sunday brunches when you can stand to turn the oven on! I'm sure you'll liked them. I dream of putting one on a biscuit but I don't dare, hahaha ... love to Winslow! xoxo

@Bijoux ... Girl we'd have us a time shopping together at TJ Maxx! Your hydrangea decoration sounds gorgeous and perfect. I have never decorated with hydrangeas but next year I'll have to try that. Their color is glorious. I did not know that about the OXO can opener. I may buy one just to have it. I think they make great products. I hope your weekend is special and most of all, relaxing! xoxo

[Mari-Nanci]

WoW!!!

Double WoW!!!

Triple WoW!!!

The correct way to use that can opener!

Which we use. But the wrong way, of course!!!

Thank you! Times a couple of dozen millions!!! -grin-

And I will be truthful here, although it will hurt your Southern Heart... Those eggs, though sounding wonderful, would be too much work for me. -blush-blush-blush- Sighhhhhhhhh.... But it's true. -more blushing- (Do you still love me?????)

Very cute finds, at top of post! Such a delightful idea, for a middle decoration, for our (round) table.

Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
🌺 💖 🌺

[Jennifer]

@Mari-Nanci ... well of COURSE I still love you but those eggs take about fifteen seconds to make! Literally there is nothing to it! Please try them, just once! They are so delicious fresh and hot out of the oven! You will not be sorry! And hahahaaa so I was able to teach someone the right way to use that blasted can opener. Now I LOOK for cans to open! The scales have fallen off me pirate eyes! xoxo

[Jeanette]

I love shopping at TJ Maxx! You can always find something that you didn't know you needed! KI think I may look for one of those lazy susans now! I have been using my can opener that way for a long time! SO much easier! Those silicone trivets are perfect on your counter!

[Jennifer]

@Jeanette ... I always say, if you can't find it at TJ Maxx, you probably didn't need it anyway, hahahaha. My favorite place to shop for gifts. I hope you can find the lazy Susan! I love mine. I wish I'd known many years ago about the right way to use my can opener. Such a game changer. Have a happy week! xoxo

[Jane]

Those eggs look delicious, I'm going to have to show Janna that recipe.

[Jennifer]

@Jane ... If Janna likes eggs and easy delicious recipes, she will love these! They're so wonderful right out of the oven! xoxo

[Barb]

That can opener tip has made my day! I always enjoy seeing how you decorate, Jenny. I like the trivets and the lazy susan. I'm awaiting baby news!!

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... it seems there are two kinds of folks in the world: those who know how to use a low-tech can opener, and those who don't! So great that we've crossed over into the "know how" category! Thanks for your kind words! Baby news imminent! xoxo

[Gayla]

Those eggs look delicious! I can't wait to try out that cream on top! I really enjoyed the ways you plan to use the tray and all your purchases. I'm ready to change up Summer decor and get into softer shades. Loved your post!

[Jennifer]

@Gayla ... Oh thank you! Yes do try the cream. You will not regret it. So rich! xoxo