Wednesday 18 June 2008

Baker's Rack - Getting Back to Old Time Country Cooking

The baker's rack has become a fixture in many kitchens. It is a functional piece of furniture that offers homeowners storage solutions and attractive display options. In fact, the bakers rack is so versatile it can be found in other areas of people's homes, other than the kitchen. Many people chose to put one in the family room for extra storage of CDs, DVDs, or games. Another popular location for them is the bathroom, where people use the display shelves to store towels, soaps, and candles for a spa-like setting. Some have even incorporated the baker's rack into their garden's design -- it can make a handy tool and potting bench.


Professional bakers were the original users of the popular bakers racks. The backless design and vented shelves offered the perfect location for the baker's wares to cool, and quite often these bakers racks would display the goods on the street for any passersby. These original styles of bakers racks were constructed from metal to allow for the heat radiating from the baking being absorbed. The popularity of bakers racks eventually spread into the common population, and in many kitchens they were also used to cool baking and cooked dishes.


Before the age of microwaves and toaster ovens, people cooked and baked in different ways. A loaf of bread was once made at home and left to cool on a bakers rack, not purchased from the supermarket's shelf. A pot of stew was slaved upon until it was the right consistency, the right texture, and the right taste. A baker's rack was integral to all of that - to hold the pot of stew to avoid burning the table.


As the owner of a bakers rack, consider this: Whether you are a seasoned baker or have never measured a cup of flour, try to challenge yourself and decide to try your baker's rack the way it was originally intended. Commit to bake a loaf of bread from scratch - without the use of your bread machine. Imagine you are living in the days when this was a normal, everyday task. After putting your bread recipe to the test and the loaf is finished baking, use your rack as they did in years long ago - to cool the bread off.


Similarly, plan a family stew night and have everyone pitch in and help. If you have camping-style plates and cutlery, why not fish them out and put them to use? When the pot of stew is ready, have everyone dish their meal into their bowl from the bakers racks. It wouldn't hurt if you served your old-time loaf of bread as well!


The popularity of bakers racks has existed for a long time, and unlike some other trends, this one has never died. In today's world, it serves multi-functional purposes in many people's homes. Why not challenge yourself to use your baker's rack for its original purpose?


Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops like http://www.gourmetdecorstore.com that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous living space by using versatile kitchen carts indoors and out.


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