Okay, here are some kitchen thoughts.

Carmen and I live in the basement of our house. The upper floors are rented to Carmen's son and his family. We live in a little less than a thousand square feet. Thus, our kitchen is somewhat compact. Because of local fire laws we were not allowed to put in a regular range and oven. But we make do very well with a portable counter-top induction single-burner range and a combination microwave/convection oven.

Both of us love to cook and to bake. There is nothing, (except perhaps a 24 pound turkey,) that we can't cook or bake. Well, yes, there is one thing we can't do: we can't broil very well. And I do miss making cinnamon toast from time to time. But almost any other broiling can be done on the combination wood and gas grill and smoker we have parked in the yard. I keep that pretty busy all year 'round.

I think a lot of people are surprised that we can do as well as we do without a range and oven, but some mighty delicious food comes out of our small kitchen.

One thing we didn't skimp on was the pantry. It is a luxury that makes cooking a true joy. Even with the small floor space, (about 4 X 6 feet,) there is plenty of wall space for wire shelving to hold canned goods, baking needs, a few extra pots & pans, spices, bulky or seldom used cooking utensils, cookbooks, and the portable induction burner when we aren't using it. You'd be amazed at how much the pantry holds. Carmen is a true artist when it comes to making every inch count and never misses a chance to hang something from a hook.

I hope this gives you some ideas.


Allan