I love to cook and I enjoy turning simple functional bowls. Perhaps
including an instructional manual for the care and feeding of our salad
bowls might upgrade their image a few steps above Target's imports.
Nothing original here, of course.

Some suggestions for an info/instruction sheet. Please post your ideas
and some you've learned from others. Additions or subtractions to mine
are encouraged.

1. The bowl interior is deliberately left with a slightly rough
unvarnished oil finish that is food safe and hypo-allergenic. The open
slightly abrasive surface allows for more efficient crushing of pepper,
spices, garlic, anchovy and other ingredients Flavors can meld and
invade the wood's pores remaining as subtle reminders of your flair for
good cooking.
2. As with your prized iron pots and skillets your handmade wooden salad
bowl must be properly seasoned before using. This will allow your bowl
to do its job properly, enhancing appearance, flavor and aroma of your
salad creations. To season: With a clean cloth or kitchen paper rub in a
tsp. of olive or salad oil and a tsp. of salt until scoured clean. Put
away for several hours to absorb the oil, then repeat. Then after about
an hour rub in another tsp. of oil without salt until dry. Voila! Your
bowl is properly seasoned and ready for building salad masterpieces.
3. Your custom wooden salad bowl is special and deserves special care.
To develop a lovely patina and your own subtle bouquet never put it in a
dish washer or use detergents (not even LDD, Leif). Clean your bowl as
chefs in the great restaurants clean their saute pans; by scrubbing
with salt and rinsing with water. Perfume-free soapy water is allowed if
you must, but please re-oil.
4. To maintain a happy long term relationship, renew your vows by
re-seasoning your bowl from time to time.
5. Your bowl was made from appropriate woodstock by a skilled craftsman,
and you should enjoy using it. If for any reason you are not satisfied
please call.... or email..... If you are pleased I'd enjoy knowing that.
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Without some serious editing, these ideas are probably outrageous; two
pounds in a one pound bag and too much sugar for a dime. An incorrect
musing on a very serious socio-political-economic problem of the day:
making Cinderella's foot fit an ornate slipper so we can all leave the
party. Yall's take? Arch

Fortiter,