Prodigal Ponderings — end grain RSS



Cutting Boards.......What's Your Style?

It's a given that not everyone has the same taste, nor are our needs defined identically.  That applies in the kitchen too.   Some love to cook. some don't.  Some want a well equipped kitchen, others aren't that into it and just want the basics available when they venture into their cook space.   Some are aspiring "chefs", and some are microwave aficionados.  Among those who really appreciate fine culinary tools and equipment, there are still personal preferences that dictate choices or the details that matter most.  It's one reason we try to offer something for everyone..... from the minimalist home cook to the expert chef........we believe quality is still worth investing in . The Prodigal Carpenter product line includes...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Following is a list ( not exhaustive) of the most common posed questions I've received from friends and customers. I've answered briefly, but am always happy to respond in more detail to those who contact me. How did you get started in woodworking? Following my dad’s footsteps I became a “fixer upper” by taking on several home projects like: built in cabinets, desks, shelving units, etc. 2. Did you have any formal training in woodworking?  Nothing like woodworking classes, but instead I watched plenty of YouTube videos and read a lot of online blogs, tips and “how to’s.” What impresses you most about other woodworkers?  Obviously their skill level and detail of workmanship; however most of all is their overall desire...

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What's New?

By now, if you've been following our blog or other social media, you know that we have transitioned from the interior marketplace we occupied and are taking a different approach. We continue to market our creations here on our online store, however we're now taking a different approach to "brick and mortar" venues.   In our ongoing "learning" process, we realized that our "niche" products (end grain cutting boards, cheese boards, pepper mills and sets, and other culinary tools) reach our target customers best when placed in venues where compatible products are found.   Hence, we recently were welcomed to show our wares in a local olive oil and balsamic vinegar store here in our hometown. ( Olive Tree and Vine........

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Advantages of Using Wooden Kitchen Utensils

  For centuries wood has been a popular option for cooking utensils. These days a lot of people prefer wood over other options, for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the benefits of utilizing wooden cooking utensils as opposed to metal or plastic. Wooden Utensils Will Not Scratch Your CookwareWooden utensils are easy on your pots and pans, and won’t scratch nonstick surfaces.  They’re also much “quieter” than metal utensils. Wooden Utensils Don’t Conduct HeatWooden utensils, unlike metal, don’t conduct heat…. consequently, they don’t impact cooking temperature negatively or create “hot” handles to burn your hand while cooking.  Plastic can melt if left resting in a hot pan or pot, not to mention questionable chemicals “leaching” into your...

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Shoes for the Cobbler's Children

I recently finished a 'special" project.........while undertaking a new cutting board design inspired by another woodworker's online video, I finally got around to making a special cheese board for my wife.  I've made numerous ones, some in the beautiful "tumbling squares" pattern  as well as several others.     She has helped with the design details, sourcing and choosing the complementary hardware for each, but every completed project found its way out the door as either a gift to someone special or to our retail marketplace.   So as I took on this new design I decided it was time to rectify that situation.   Here is a link to the "Slovenian Woodworker" who inspired my new board... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cniYoTxiEek&t=48s After considering his...

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