Hmmm, for an extremely bright, well educated economist, I can see there is a need for enlightening a wondering/wandering mind. I feel a little like Mr Darcy, when in writing to Miss Elizabeth, he states that what he has written is a true narrative of all his dealings with Mr. Wickham. This is written to share my innermost thoughts and feelings about my journey toward the panini press.
First point, as to the effect of my careful, well planned purchases over the years, there has been much pondering as to how this came to be. My thoughts go back to the first time we were at Mother and Dad's house in the woods and Mother got out her well cared for griddle to cook pancakes for our little army. She had made a pillowcase type cover out of flannel that she carefully tucked it in after each use and cleaning. Oh, how I admired that griddle. It meant I no longer had to cook two to three pancakes at a time in my cast iron frying pan, but could, instead cook eight pancakes at a time, thus making breakfast/lunch/dinner ever so much more efficient and quick with fewer dirty dishes to wash when the little mob of hungry mouths had disappeared. So, my wish list consisted of a griddle, with non-stick surface, and one day, when there was a bargain, and our budget could handle it, I bought my griddle.
And thus began the quest for something to make life a little better, a little easier, or maybe just a little more enjoyable. It took several years to perfect the ability to discern between what was needed and what was wanted. Along the way I discovered I didn't want wigs, and didn't need 500 pair of panty hose. I also discovered, I couldn't sell soap or the latest and greatest supplements. And, more recently a careful purchase of a small pressure cooker has proven to be an unwise purchase. I wonder who wants it for Christmas? I did, however discover there were things I could do quite well, which meant I had to break away from the mainstream and go it on my own. This meant discovering things like a little hand held scanner to carry with me so I no longer tear out pages from an old magazine at the Drs. office that contains a recipe I can't do without (although I must admit I have not always followed through with making said dish), or more important findings that required just a quick scan. It has also meant the discovering of a different sewing machine, little gadgets in the kitchen, or chickens laying "real eggs" in our backyard. It cannot be denied that the influence of siblings has played a role in my education along this line, however there came a time when I needed to become my own person. I found I could no longer wait for someone to say "you should try this or that". Time was flying by, there were things to do and a world to discover.
Lately the influences of my siblings has led to planning a place to plant a hydrangea in the spring (Judy), considering a new hoop for doing handwork (Elizabeth), looking into other scanning programs(Steve), encouragement to keep going on my projects (Louise), and a need to check out Costco to see what is new (Dwight). So much to do, so little time to do it in!
So this brings us to the current debate about the panini press. First, in order to make a fair argument it must be stated that this is not called a panini press, but a "griddler-gourmet", which puts it in a whole different class than "just" a panini press. My reasoning for purchasing said wonder was (1) my George Foreman imitation grill was dying; (2) this was on special at Costco; (3) I could cook two hamburgers/pork chops/chicken breasts or thighs on the grill side in very short order with a minimal amount of mess and a quick clean up; (4) I could cook two pieces of bacon and an egg on one griddle plate -when opened up wide so both plates lay flat - and two pancakes on the other griddle plate, thus eliminating two frying pans and the larger griddle, which means fewer dishes and easier cleanup; (5) grilled cheese sandwiches are a breeze to make - no more flipping them over, and ending up with one burned side and one side barely done. Both sides will be the same - either burned or well done. The only time they would be barely done is when the sandwich is removed too soon, an issue which any cook knows how to resolve. (6) Hot ham sandwiches, etc. are made quickly with little fuss and muss; (7) It is easily stored because of its size; (8) It sounds cool to ask if anyone wants a panini sandwich to go with their tomato soup.
I guess the bottom line is, if the world is ending in a couple of weeks, we won't need food storage, we won't need a new coat to replace one that is worn out. Perhaps a good way to spend this time is to sit back, relax, enjoy life, cook dinner, whether it is in a "griddler-gourmet" or over a nice warm coal stove, and marvel at how life was when we all started out in our little white house compared to where we are today.
There is another line from Pride and Prejudice where Bingley is leaving the Bennet home after asking Jane to marry him. As Bingley is leaving Jane to go and talk with Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth are talking and Jane says she never imagined she could bring such happiness to her family. I must admit, I take great delight in providing a source for merriment and curiosity, however, that does present a challenge. Where shall I look for the next great adventure? If Dwight would just follow instructions and go buy said item at Costco, this would be over and done with.
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