Confession time: I thought today's title might grab your attention so I unabashedly used it to lead into this story, which in all actuality, IS about a smoking pot.
OK, it's not much of a story, more like an embarrassing moment.
One evening, I was expecting some customers to stop by the house to drop off a small rocking chair for me to paint for them. I had never met these people before and of course, I wanted to make a good impression on them. They were to arrive around 5:30, and I had everything organized, including a delicious dinner cooking in the kitchen for my family. The house looked good - at least the front room did.
Suddenly a horrible smell erupted from the stove. Black smoke billowed from a pan, in which some broccoli had been simmering....or at least I THOUGHT had been simmering. Apparently in my rush to get everything together, I'd forgotten to put water in the pan before turning on the burner, and the broccoli had charred beyond recognition within minutes. I grabbed the small pot and ran to the sink, where I poured water all over it.
From bad to worse, now I had retch-inducing steam AND acrid smoke everywhere. Have you ever smelled burned broccoli? It's the second worst smell in the world! And I only say "second" because I don't want to be accused of exaggerating by claiming it to be THE worst smell in the world. But it might be.
Just then the doorbell rang with my new customers at the door.
Seriously? NOW?
There wasn't a thing I could do about the horrid-beyond-belief smell. So I let them in.
The aroma hit them in the face and I could see them recoil instantly, despite my profuse apologies and explanation. Try to explain to perfect strangers that your house doesn't usually smell like a garbage dump, and then convince them that their priceless piece of furniture is perfectly safe in your hands.....well, it was a tough sell. I'm surprised they didn't turn on their heels and leave immediately.
But enough about my smoking pot today. Let's discuss YOUR pots instead.
Today's Small Thing is to make your pots look SMOKIN' HOT - or at least reasonably attractive - in their shelf, cupboard or drawer.
My pots and pans really got messed up over the holidays, and now that we are more than half way through January, it's about time to get in there and straighten them up. It won't take but a few minutes and I'll be feeling as high as a kite when I see how lovely they can look with a bit of attention.
Take a moment to stack and arrange your pans neatly today. You'll love seeing them that way.
What state are your pots and pans in today? Do you have a tip for keeping them nice and shiny?
Song of the Day: Country Kitchen, John Williams
