Query: Is there some little useful-but-not-necessary-item that you lack, whose very lack bedevils you to the point of sighing wistfully and saying, "Gee, I really wish I had a [item] ?

I ask because I seem to have magically wished for a slotted spoon about nine times in the last two months.

And yet, if I went and bought a slotted spoon I'm sure I wouldn't use it for a year.

Is a Kitchaid mixer too big an item for that question? Because I was just in the kitchen making a cake and thinking, "As God as my witness, if I ever have more counter space, I am getting a mixer!"

Even without a mixer, my coconut cake turned out okay: [link] Not as tall and fluffy as on ATK, and my coconut toasted unevenly, but I think it will be appreciated. I really hope teh brithday girl likes coconut.

Is there some little useful-but-not-necessary-item that you lack, whose very lack bedevils you to the point of sighing wistfully and saying, "Gee, I really wish I had a [item] ?

Boyfriend.

Hah!

Jack of all trades. Or as is known among my single women acquaintances in the 'hood: a handyman husband. Or "my guy." That's all we want, we'll even pay. One of them has a friendly ex to help (he's so trying to win her back, but it is sort of hopeless.)

Pretty cake, Sue!

Nonstick waffle iron that is actually nonstick. Leaving half my delicious waffle stuck to the iron is always disappointing.

Relatedly, is there a better way of greasing up a waffle iron than pouring oil on it and daubing at it with a wadded up paper towel?

Peaches, plums, and FIGS (!!!!!!!!) are in season at the Louisiana Farmers Market. I didn't even think about it at the time, but I think the blueberry stands weren't there today. Blueberries were just coming in when we moved here, strawberries were already fading out (mid-May.)

Man, I am just so full of fresh corn and ripe juicy tomatoes and fresh shrimp (which I peeled and de-veined myself today! I usually pawn that off on Tom.) I made an awesome shrimp-corn-tomato stew for dinner that was a long process but totally worth it! I even made shrimp stock out of the heads and shells!

Also, buttermilk ice cream with Luxardo cherries cooked with spiced rum, candied ginger, and Carpano Antica Italian vermouth.

Ooh, I'm tired. I was gonna fix up some chicken and dumplings tomorrow but I am thinking I need a day off.

I definitely prefer the cooking part of housewifery to the cleaning part.

Relatedly, is there a better way of greasing up a waffle iron than pouring oil on it and daubing at it with a wadded up paper towel?

Canola/vegetable oil cooking spray?

That cake looks beautiful, Sue.

Now am sad, for have no cake (shameful confession: I can totally take pie or leave it, and mostly choose to leave it; cake is my thing).

Relatedly, is there a better way of greasing up a waffle iron than pouring oil on it and daubing at it with a wadded up paper towel?

I know the answer to this! My waffles never stick and I never grease up the waffle iron.

The trick is to put a shit-ton of butter in the batter. Also it tastes better. But I put half a stick of melted butter in my batter. Also, my waffle iron is the kind with deep holes and that works better.