Eat Like a Rabbit

I must have mentioned my desire for one of these contraptions one day because my mother-in-law mentioned to my aunt-in-law that she was looking for one for me. The aunt-in-law sent us one not long after that conversation. Paul's aunt comes from California, which means she has access to pretty much anything you could ever want. She also has a graduate degree in home economics; so, has much insight on cool kitchen products. Many of our favorite items were gifts from her.

A cool concept is that the julienne peeler is almost exactly the same color as carrots. This makes the kitchen gadget stand out when in a drawer of other metal or black plastic products.

As is evident from the accompanying image, muscular strength is required to hold the carrot down. (I never complain when great physical work goes into making a meal. I often point out that good exercise can be found in all sorts of housework.) I recommend larger carrots. The safety mechanism on the peeler does not work when the carrot gets too thin. I simply chop up the parts that are too small and throw them in the pot, too. Otherwise, Paul will enjoy a carrot-stick-snack before dinner.

For the budget-minded shopper, I think continuing to use a potato peeler to shave thin layers of carrot after peeling off the outer skin can work just as well. It may take a little longer, though.

Remember, shredded vegetables spread out and give the illusion of more vegetable than their really. This doesn't work for, say, the child who hates carrots, but it does work for a large number of guests when you need to make a large amount of food.

Thanks, Auntie Marsha!