I received a hardy wooden spatula as a gift for the holidays from a dear friend who knows of the contradiction I live between tiny living and my love for ALL kitchen utensils. It was the perfect gift – practical, unique, local, sentimental (made of apple wood, by the talented Tieton-Cowiche maker, Norm Brown).
Two months in, I use my Norm spatula in my everyday cooking. My new spatula has stolen my silicon spatula's thunder, deeming it subpar to everything about my Norm spatula, from the handle to the size. It lifts all the best bits from the bottom of my pot when I deglaze. It spreads brownie mix like a champ. It gets the beloved crunchies from the bottom of my wok when I make fried rice. People, I totally swoon for this spatula.
I'm contacting Norm to buy more for all my cooking friends. I'm also going to buy a spoon to complement my spatula. Pro-tip: oil it on the regular per the directions to keep it in the collection for years to come.
The Norm Brown Wood Carving website features his bowls and bigger stuff, but if you want a spoon or a spatula for yourself or a friend, best to email him directly unless you can wait for the farmers market to open or a local bazaar where he sets up shop. You can contact Norm through his website, Facebook, or give him a ring 509-678-5980.
In the meantime, while I love tiny living, a bigger kitchen would mean I could get one of his bowls. If you need more local shopping inspiration, check out our Shop Local List.
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