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Heavily plated

I have a problem and I'm ready to admit it.

I love little plates. Not small plates, those tapas-style dishes served at many restaurants, but the actual serving pieces they come on. Plates that are maybe 7" across or smaller. I love them and I have begun to hoard them.

They are perfect for a wedge of cheese and some chutney, or a little pile of veggies, or orange slices, or a sandwich. I have a stack of little plates in our kitchen cupboard that just keeps growing. I have two square, burgundy plates from back when square dishes were all the rage; I have a pair of cool textured glass plates with rounded edges; and I have an assortment of handmade pottery plates. I love bright colors and mottled glazes.

Today I went to Whole Foods to pick up lunch and ended up buying these two little dishes because I have no control over my plate-buying habit.

In general I'm not too compulsive a shopper. I hate shopping for clothes and shoes since I've always had such a hard time finding things that fit. But when it comes to food-related items, I go a little crazy. While I am usually pretty practical, I am a sucker for the overpriced flavored syrups they sell at Williams-Sonoma. I do not hesitate to spend $8 on a tiny jar of local fig preserves. Sigh.

It probably comes from watching too much Food TV. Even though my cooking may not be excellent, I have to say I win points for presentation. And that's just as important, right? Just wait until you see my collection of little bowls.

February 14, 2006 4:32 PM