Bowls ~ No Kitchen Is Complete Without Them

Every time I take a bowl from my cabinet, I can't stop hearing my friend Stacey laughing and making fun of me for the actual amount of bowls that I possess. It during a dinner get-together with my dear friend where we were cooking together in my kitchen, music playing, wine chilled, and we were doing what we love best- enjoying our company. As we cooked I kept pulling bowl after bowl out of the cabinet. "Jesus, how many bowls do you own?" she laughed. I just smiled and said many! You can't have too many, especially if you love to entertain.

If you enjoy a good bowl (and you're like me) you try to find ones that have some whimsey, and/or multi purpose. For me, I've always loved the colors and patterns of the classic Pyrex bowls. I'm not talking the new clear ones (no no no), I love the classic, pull it from the freezer and put it in the oven type Pyrex. The kind of Pyrex that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel demands back from her drunken-early night-club days (I want my Pyrex back!). They are great to use as a utility bowl, but even better to serve in or arrive to a party with. The colors, patterns, and memories that go along with them are just fun to have.

If you're looking to start your bowl collection, start small (not necessarily in size). Figure out how you really use your bowls, which sounds like a rediculous thought, but think about it? Do you just use them to prep and serve? Do you find yourself taking dishes to parties (pre-covid)? Do you just want to brighten up your cupboards?

If you want my advice (what else do you have to lose?) here's where to start in your journey with bowls:

• Large 20qt. mixing bowl (preferably metal). This will be great to help in mixing larger salads, lasagna prep, etc).

• Stackable mixing bowls (various sizes- new Pyrex is durable and great!).

• Thrift Store finds- great place to find older mis-matched Pyrex, or other colorful bowls. Try to stay away from holiday/seasonal themed if you can- you can use colors for that corresponding season, but patterns and phrasing is just a waste of bowl space in the cabinet.

• Clean, plain white bowls for serving. Keeps the table clean looking and goes with just about any theme you'll have for a party.

Once you've started your collection the sky is the limit; you're on your way! Find bowls that speak to you, that you can use in your life. They're meant to be used and not to sit on the shelf and collect dust. And I know my friend Stacey will be reading this rolling her eyes, and laughing at the memory of my cupboard full of bowls of all shapes, colors and sizes and probably thinking to herself "Lord, my friend needs a different hobby!" (I still love her nonetheless).