Kitchen Adventures; Size matters… sometimes

I’m loving my new three cup granite mortar and pestle it’s perfect for preparing items for a small household. It’s my ‘manual food processor’.

Since it’s arrived, I had to say I’ve used it almost every day. Yes, I love it that much. Besides it being made from granite, it’s size is another reason I adore it so much. It’s not a wimpy mortar that only hold a small amount. It holds three cups! And since it’s made of granite, it has some heft to it, weighing a bit over 15 pounds.

It’s a handy kitchen tool that doesn’t require electricity to use, just human power. I’m loving that.  It also doubles as a primitive display piece and is proudly showcased on our marble center island. Truth is, I use my mortar and pestle even more than my electric spice grinder.

You’d think I’d be satisfied with my three cup mortar and pestle, and for the most part I am… but there are times when I do grind a large amount of herbs/spices in bulk to make various dishes such as homemade mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, etc.,. After a bit of searching, I was thrilled to learn that the same company that  makes my three cup mortar and pestle also makes an larger version! It holds about six cups. It’s also made from granite and weighs about 24 pounds!

For those who truly want to be over the top, they even make a mortar and pestle that weighs over 70 pounds and holds 12 cups! I don’t have use for something that size, but I’d bet it make a nice conversation piece. I could see myself filling it with vegetables and fruit fresh from the garden. Of course… I’m not purchasing that one, it’s much too big for my simple kitchen duties. I’ll be perfectly happy with the added six cup granite mortar and pestle.