The Little Things That Count

I was chopping some nuts today with the food chopper and it took me down a funny little sequence of little memories.

When I moved up to Provo in January of 1973, my room mate, Darlene saw me making cookies and kind of doing my version "chopping" nuts by crushing and twisting them between my fingers.  She chuckled at me and showed me how to chop them with a knife.  I was 23 at the time.  Not sure how my mom had done it, can't remember.

Years later, my MIL gave me a set of knives and had to show me how to used a chef's knife, I found that to be a wonderful improvement and I now own 2 long ones and at least 3 of the shorter Japanese versions. Could NOT live without them . .  OK, slight exaggeration.  I still had nuts go flying all over when I chopped them.

Fast forward to last summer.  I was at my big brother and sister-in-law's house and she got her food chopper out, went chop, chop, chop and had the nicest, neatest little pile of nuts ready to use.  I  had her show me what she did and now that is how I chop mine.  Those little cups they sell with those choppers to hold the food being chopped just get in the way.  Clean the counter if needed and put the food right there.  Whack, turn slightly and whack again until it is just right.  So simple . ..  and I might add, just a little obvious  ;= ?

So many knives, 3 choppers, three teachers and 50 years later, I don't dread chopping nuts.   It is the little things in life that count!  Thanks girls!