The mortar and pestle is one of my all-time favorite kitchen tools. I love the ease at which they grind, mix, and inspire me to sing R. Kelly songs.
In my kitchen, the tool is primarily used for grinding herbs to use either in a paste for coating baked tofu or as a key ingredient in a mojito—one of my favorite cocktails. I sometimes like to use my mortar and pestle for making guacamole, too, but the tool has traditionally been used for much more.
In African countries, large wooden versions are used to pound yams and other ingredients and are a kitchen staple. In Mexican kitchens, the mortar and pestle, or molcajete, is made of volcanic rock and is used to mix salsas and moles and to grind corn—proof of which dates back more than 6,000 years. The tool is even commonly used for a little medicinal bump and grind.
Enough about my favorite kitchen tool, and on to the inspiration for this post. Today, my fellow blogger over at Almost Vegetarian launched the "Now It's Your Turn!" contest. She's giving readers a chance to win the most expensive gadget she reviews during "gadget week," and it immediately made me think of my favorite kitchen tool.
All you have to do to win is leave a short, yet painfully brilliant, kitchen-gadget story as a comment—come on, let's represent the VC blog. And make it good—if she likes it, you win.
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Comments ( 2 )
I ordered a mojito once at a Cuban restaurant (what better place to try one for the first time) and I did not like it. It was kind of plain (I thought it was supposed to be sweet)... I just did not like it. (Have I ever mentioned that there are not many drinks I dislike?).
What is your recipe for making a GOOD mojito?
Thanks!
Posted by Jaclyn | October 3, 2007 3:54 PM
Posted on October 3, 2007 15:54
Hi Jaclyn! I usually eyeball it when making mojitos at home, so I don't have a good recipe of my own. I found this one: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/405355 on the Chowhound message boards, and it sounds about right. Be sure to use more of the simple syrup if you like a sweeter mojito, like me!
Posted by Amy | October 4, 2007 2:13 PM
Posted on October 4, 2007 14:13