Mother's Helpers

Quite a few of you begin your emails with,

"I know you must be a fanatic Francophile like myself bla bla bla.."

Honestly I came to Paris because of the enchanting kitchen gadgets. It was love at first sight with the Chef's Palm Zester (which just happens to be American born and bred).

I can thank Chef Marthe as the Pied Piper who led me down the road to French kitchen gadget madness. I fell hard for her herb-cutting sissors.

In no time at all I had my own pair. Sadly I left them back in NYC...

An instant coupe de foudre/like a flash of lightening the attraction I felt for this adorb apple peeler/slicer.

I discovered it all on my own at the Agricultural Salon and no one pushed me to buy it (15€). I take full responsibility.

I met the French Fry potato-cutter in the Sunday marché. I never eat or make French fries but the appeal of instant carrot sticks was irresistible. What's a girl to do?

Here's a French gadget I had no problem passing up. Too many parts, bits and pieces.

This one selling in the street I liked a lot but fortunately my pockets were empty. Most of these run around 10€ on average so you won't break the bank if you do fall in love...

At the Foire de Paris this week lightening struck again. It's not like I eat pineapples daily, weekly or even monthly. But with a mere twist of this gadget you get such lovely slices. True, most of these demonstrators are strapping young men, who probably lift 50 pound barbells when not cutting up bushels of pineapples at trade shows. Somehow this fact eludes me as I stand entranced and then dig into my purse for the do-re-me.

Did I mention that you get a FREE (unripe) pineapple along with your purchase? Here's my sad attempt at duplicating the master's technique. I filmed him as a reminder. I think I need to re-watch it many times or start lifting weights. 365 Creative Dresses says there's nothing a good sharp knife can't do in the kitchen so she takes a pass on these Frenchies. But she was not along at the Fair to dissuade me...

Ahhh the 'Holy Grail' of gadgets (belonging to Chef Marthe again). I am still on the look out for this baby. Le sigh...

Y'all can dream of Mona Lisa's and Eiffel Towers.

I'm waiting for the next French gadget to come along...