Friday, April 1, 2011

Myrtle the Spurtle


Alright, so it's not really made out of myrtlewood but "Walnut the Spurtle" just doesn't roll off the tongue nearly as well. Spurtle: a Scottish spatula-like kitchen tool dating back to at least the fifteenth century. From what I've gathered it was originally the flat shape (like mine) and then over time became a rod-like shape used for stirring porridge and soups. Eventually I hope to get the dowel-shaped spurtle as well but for now I'm enjoying the flat shape for flipping pancakes, crepes, etc. My favorite answer to the question of "why a spurtle instead of a regular spatula?" is: Because it's old and it's cool, that's why! :) If you care to pick one up for yourself, send $10 (includes shipping) to a fellow native Oregonian:

John Hehn
PO Box 726
Sutherlin, OR 97479

You can request light or dark wood although I'm not sure he's always able to grant said request. However, I did request a dark spurtle and received a lovely black walnut. I'm thrilled with it and looking forward to discovering many more uses for this fun little piece of history.