It’s give away time again folks! This time though I’m sorry to say the competition is only open to those in the USA. The prize? A pestle and mortar.
A mortar is a bowl shaped container made of a hard wood, marble, pottery, or stone. The pestle is a bat shaped tool that is used to grind inside the mortar and pulverize grains, herbs, and other food substances.
Italian frescoes of the 15th Century show Mortars and Pestles in use by Apothecaries (ancient Pharmacists). The Molcajete, or Mexican version of the mortar and pestle appears in Mexican pre-history in the Tehuacán Valley, as early as the discovery of our hybridized present-day corn, 6,000 years ago.
The best ones are generally considered to be made of either granite or cast iron and the one I’m giving away is a large, solid, high sided granite one. High sides? Perfect if you’re a little messy like me for keeping the spices actually in the pestle.
I’m sure you’d all agree a pestle and mortar is essential kitchen equipment. Sure using the food processor is easier but the grinding process of a pestle & mortar releases the oils, and flavour essence of the substance much more effectively than a processor ever could. Depending on the food you are preparing the process can be quite labourious but if you enjoy cooking, using a mortar and pestle will simply be a greatly enjoyable part of your “craft” of food preparation.
I have the team over at CSN stores (who have more than 200 online stores that sell everything from cookware to yoga accessories to bamboo flooring to barstools) to thank for allowing me to give away this great prize.
To enter all you need to do is leave me a comment here, making it clear if you are in the US, by April 29th and I will pick a winner on May 1st. I’ll then contact the winner directly and pass their details on to CSN stores so that they can arrange dispatch of the item.
So come on, why not have a bash at entering? You might be the lucky winner.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
When I look at this mortar and pestle I see happiness. I see italian pesto and puerto rican mofongo. I see my own garam masala. I see garlic, ginger and fermented black soy beans. I see good food and delicious meals. I see smiling faces and happiness.
Hi Tracy – that is such a lovely comment, thank you.
How lovely! I would love to crush my own pepper, mix up some coriander….the possibilities are endless! (I’m in the US!)
The possibilities are endless with a P&M. Good luck.
mmm…Makes me want some hummus.
I’ve never tried making hummus in a pestle & mortar, one to test out.
oooh….I have yet to find a mortar and pestle that are designed to work. Apparently some fool manufacturers think that a smooth interior and/or smooth headed pestle is the way to go………wha???This one looks like it will do the job and then some and now I want it….bad. But I promise to use it for good. Here. In Maine. In the US. Promise.
.-= anna l’americana´s last blog ..World Nutella Day 2010…. =-.
Smooth pestle & mortars don’t work all that well, you need a rough texture to grip the food.
hello! i have just discovered your blog and it is really lovely. really really. so thank you for all the hard work that i am just discovering keeping up a blog requires. and also, a mortar and pestle is one of the 3 or 4 kitchen playthings that i have really just been dying for, but i’ve only recently moved into my first apartment and things like, i dunno, spoons and forks sort of took priority. but i would love this! love. so much beautiful, fresh, pungent pepper. and i am in the united states. so that is my entry.
Hi Katie, thank you for your lovely comment. Good luck!
Lovely! When I finally discovered how indispensable they are I started using the one I rec’d as a wedding gift. Would love to reserve one for herbs and another for spices.
I have a few now and keep one for sweet stuff specifically, the others I interchange.
Have always wanted one for my kitchen. Think it would be great for any number of jobs. Much better than chopping and mashing with a spoon like I do now!
.-= Fran´s last blog ..*Tomatoes* =-.
Good luck Fran.
I’ve yet to find the perfect mortar and pestle – maybe this is the one?
I’m forever grinding spices, particularly cardamom, which I use a lot in baking. With chocolate, it’s the perfect pairing.
.-= aforkfulofspaghetti´s last blog ..the simple things in life: The Draft House, Clapham =-.
Ah Helen, this pestle and mortar does look perfect but, I’m sorry I can enter you in the competition as you live in the UK
Cardamom is one of my favourites and you’re right it goes so well with chocolate – one of my top ten bakes are brownies with cardamom and rose petals.
What a beautiful mortar. This would make a wonderful addition to the collection of cooking implements I am putting together for my daughter.
Thanks for the chance to win. I am in the US.
Thanks Schmidty – how lovely of you to be putting together a collection of cooking items for your daughter too.
Thank you for hosting this fabulous giveaway – I would be SO thrilled to win! I live in Pennsylvania.
Good luck Aimee.
Looking at your bread recipes and wanting to try some.
Located in the heartland of Kansas and do not have a mortar & pestle – have always looked at them, but never purchased.
Jo, I’m glad you like the bread recipes! Good luck with the competition, but, even if you don’t win I’d recommend you get yourself one as they are invaluable in the kitchen.
I’m in the USA, and think this is a great article and terrific product. Thanks !
Good luck!
Stephanie http://www.blogger.com/profile/09087048974291257420 said…
Awesome giveaway I’m in the US
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
Good luck Stephanie.
What a great give-away! Just this week I was trying to crush some fennel seeds for a marinade thinking how I wished I had a P & M! I was also zesting about a million lemons and wondering if there was some gadget that made zesting easier/faster/more efficient. Any ideas??? Anyway, I really hope I get the P & M!
Oh, and I am definitely in the US, although my mind might be elsewhere!!!!
Thanks for such a great site!
Thank you for the kind comment about my site, I’m glad you like it
I’d suggest a fine microplane grater for the lemon zest, they work a treat.
I am in the USA, this would be lovely to have.
I’m sorry you didn’t get it Stephanie.
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