DENOYAUTEUR
19 June 2007
It is cherry season, and if I eat one more handful I think I am going to look like a cherry….. so I have decided to turn my attention to making jam!An enjoyable, even relaxing project, that marries well with Olivier’s love for tartines and our continued shortage of confiture! Tartine is the French delicacy of a lovely thick slice of bread with creamy butter topped with homemade confiture (jam).
However a black cloud, or should I say frustrated very red finger tips, began to settle over my little jam making jamboree, as I struggled with a paring knife in a feeble attempt to separate the clinging cherry from its pip! Lucky for me, help was not far away. While chatting with my mother, who is currently in Provence surrounded by les cerisiers (cherry trees), I recounted my sad story and she introduced me to the “Dénoyauteur“!
What you may ask is a Dénoyauteur… well, it is my new best friend! A simple little handheld machine that removes the cherry pip in one simple action. Place the cherry in the holder squeeze handles together and voila! De-piped cherry ready and willing to hop into a pie/ cake / jam, I could go on…. There are more complex devices, that are perhaps better for larger batches of cherries, but as I live in the city and storage space being at a premium, the smaller the utensil the better. Not only does this wonderful invention eliminate the red finger problem (attractive as this is at work…), decreases the de-pipping time and cherry loss, but it can be easily purchased in your local shops for about €2!! Naturally best to drop everything and run out and buy at least one if not two 🙂
19 June 2007 at 11:53 am
What a neat and handy tool … I look forward to many jars of jam and clafoutis!
19 June 2007 at 2:17 pm
What a great tool. Funny how some of the best kitchen tools are very inexpensive. Remember the jar opener from when we were growing up? Vancouver has amazing cherries, I’m inspired to create a pie or maybe some jam.
19 June 2007 at 2:27 pm
That is exactly how I feel! What is this jar opener you are talking about?
29 June 2007 at 4:18 am
Erika,
Very useful post and tool! Looks like a great timesaver.
Have you had a chance to put up the raw beetroot recipe? I’d love to try it!
Best wishes,
Caroline
http://www.rawlifestyle.wordpress.com
29 June 2007 at 7:21 am
Hi Caroline,
thanks for your note. It is a great tool, but must mention thought that an apron is still necessary as there can be some flying cherry juice!
I have not had a chance to post the raw beetroot salad recipe, but have not forgotten – it is on my to do list 🙂
29 June 2007 at 7:53 am
Erika,
Thanks for the tip of flying cherry juice!
I look forward to that recipe. I can understand how time flies when there is so much to do! Have a wonderful day/afternoon/evening.
Best wishes,
Caroline
http://www.rawlifestyle.wordpress.com