Nancy Singleton Hachisu's Profile

I would not buy this, but perhaps might have 20+ years ago. Back when I was setting up my kitchen, I bought plenty of questionably useless little kitchen gadgets. They now reside in a box in my storage house. Nonetheless, I think it essential for people to find that out on their own. If you are still in the stage of considering these fun, but (in the end) drawer-cluttering gadgets, enjoy them while you can. Next stop...scale down. But scale down cannot happen without the acquisitions, so they are not a bad thing. Go for it if you think it will make you love spritzing that lemon.

Casey, nothing like gougères and champagne to put a lift in your step. The kids all call them cheesy-puffs and their fame is legendary (though we adults love the beverage+ set). We are done with Christmas day here...so after a mad feast (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & Christmas Day) no more gougères until next year. Kind of like the vegetables--when we have a lot, we eat them all the time. See you in NYC in March/April (IACP).-N.

Orchid 64--agree with you that Christmas is like that ubiquitous Japanese Valentine's Day--both exploited by merchants to sell the heck out of certain relevant items (that they have promoted) during the season. As for Japanese New Year...yes, this holds the feeling that we Westerners have for Christmas...though sadly, traditions are slipping away. Especially in the city. Gambatte!