Hellomy Foodie Friends!
Saratoga Springs is so alive and bustling over the summer with the energy and excitement of all of the wonderful events that fill the city. The horses are amazing to watch, they are truly spectacular animals. I always catch my breath at the majestic beauty of the horses that come to Saratoga Springs to race. This time of year is filled with events of having family or friends visiting, or traveling and often times includes finding gifts for those who have done something special or bringing a taste of our hometown to others. Whether you’re shopping for a neighbor or a friend, or family member who has visited, a locally made gift has value beyond the price tag. Local gifts can remind the recipient of some of their favorite memories of their travels or represent the beauty or culture of their hometown. One item that is useful and beautiful to give is a hardwood cutting board.
At Compliments to the Chef, we love wood cutting boards. We have a diverse assortment of food safe cutting and serving boards that are made with a Saratogian flare. Good hard woods are tough cutting surfaces that have been used for centuries to cut food or butcher meat on. A good cutting board properly maintained can last a lifetime, and they are safer than plastic which if it isn’t sanitized or left wet, can actually harbor bacteria. Some of the reasons for this are:
1. Plastic is not water-absorbent, so it stays wet longer, which means longer bacterial survival.
2. Wood is water-absorbent, so it dries faster, which means shorter bacterial survival.
3. Wood contains natural antibiotic agents that retard bacterial growth.
Adam’s Boards Are Back! Adam Cielinski boards are part of Saratoga Springs’ art history (and they are now back in our store). Adam is a local artisan that has been making cutting boards for many years. Once you purchase one of these beautiful boards, there is a little advice on their care:
1. Dry the board immediately after (hand) washing, and
2. Once a month, rub the board with oil, to keep it water-repellent and warp-free. Apply a coat of warm food-safe mineral oil, let soak in, and then wipe off the excess. Scratches can be sanded out, then re-oiled.
Choosing an Adam Cielinski wood cutting board can make a great “Saratoga” gift to bring to family or friends or a piece of Saratoga for our visitors to take back home. Choose from horse head boards, versatile handle boards that can be used for bread or a charcuterie arrangement, or a large cutting board. They are simply beautiful and functional. Stop in and pick up a piece of Saratoga History and have something that you can hand down in your family Enjoy Saratoga Springs this summer. Take advantage of the incredible offerings in our own community.
Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store located at 33 Railroad Pl. in Saratoga Springs. Check out our assortment of cool tools for cooks. Remember, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Have a summer filled with culinary delights and special memories.
Take Care, John & Paula
