Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What I Found at the Hardware Store (updated with recipe)

I adore the housewares sections of hardware stores.  A really good hardware store, preferably one in the country, has the most practical, heavy-duty tools for housekeepers.  I normally do not "shop," by which I mean I don't browse through a store to see if there's something I want to buy (because there always is because those marketing people know what they're doing - this is a terrible way to keep spending down!).

However, I do like a quick run through the housewares section of an old-fashioned hardware store.  And that's how I found these great little glass dessert dishes for $1.59 each.


I have had small dessert dishes on my list for a month or two, so I was thrilled to finally cross it off and bring these cuties home.  Mr. Thrift likes them, too, which is no small feat when I'm trying to combine my thrift and his taste (and my taste! I have taste too!).

Here they hold nice little servings of Graham Cracker Pudding.  This winter, it will be home-canned peaches with a crisp cookie on the side for a company dessert.

Updated with recipe for Rebecca:

Graham Cracker Pudding - recipe from my mother with a few tweaks by me

In a medium saucepan, bring to boil, stirring constantly (get a book!):
1 quart milk
1 cup crushed graham crackers (I used cinnamon graham crackers this time - that was nice)
2 beaten eggs
1/2 -2/3 cup brown sugar
pinch salt

When the glop comes to a definite boil, remove from heat.  Refrigerate overnight - it will solidify.  The next day, beat the heck out of it with an electric mixer.  Fold in 3/4-1 cup whipped cream - too much whipped cream will dilute the graham taste.  If you plan to use a sweetened commercial whipped cream, then use the lesser amount of sugar in the pudding.  Gently transfer to a glass serving dish.  My mom always made a little fluffy disc of whipped cream on top and sprinkled on some graham cracker crumbs for pretty.

11 comments:

Kristen said...

I love small dessert dishes. I have two sets of the Pyrex ones, which are also cheap. My mother always had a set of them, so it was just natural to get some myself!

Margo said...

and if they're Pyrex, you can use them as custard dishes and bake in them. How practical!

BLD in MT said...

Hmmmm....I've never thought to check the housewares section of the hardware store! I will have to give it a look next time we need something for the garden or whathaveyou.

A said...

Another thing small dishes like these are good for (or perhaps they do have to be Pyrex?), is making single servings of flan. Drip the sugar goo into the bottom of each. Pour in the egg/milk part. Set them in a baking pan filled up half way with water and bake. Then slip a knife around the edge and flip it onto a plate--it's like a restaurant. (OK, maybe it cools somewhere in there too)

Beth said...

I have a thing for dessert dishes, too!

BB gave me some for Christmas a few years ago: clear, simple, with a short pedestal

Then there are the red glass ones I found on clearance once...actually "stemless martini glasses" but for us, festive dessert bowls.

And I just love using glass, period...for serving, eating, baking, everything I can. Because of a good yard sale find, I now have two sets of nesting glass mixing bowls, all the way down to a "pinch" size that holds probably 2 tsp!

Okay that was long.

Enjoyed catching up here today. :-)

Beth said...

As if I didn't say enough:

Liked the reference to "Mr. Thrift" and "I have style, too!" (made me smile)

Sarah Barry said...

There is a hardware store in Jackson, MS that I love. I bought a set of salt and pepper shakers with copper tops for $3.00. I bet ya they last me a life time.

Your little dessert bowls are perfection.

Margo said...

A, I need to try to make flan again. And I love your idea of individual dishes, but yes, they have to be Pyrex or ceramic for the baking. ha - I know this from experience.

Rebecca said...

Clara and I got little individual servings of graham cracker pudding at Hilltop. It was meh. Did you share your recipe somewhere?

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I wish I could take you to the little hardware store in our downtown. In my mind, it is one of the best "gift shops" in town!

Sigh... little dessert bowls are happy things. Especially when they are filled with deliciousness!

Polly said...

What a clever idea, to check the hardware store!! This recipe looks divine.