100 posts and a prize to boot!

What the @#$%?

We aren't the kind of family whose long history in this country comes with a multitude of heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. In fact, when my grandmother came to the U.S. it was after recovering from the Holocaust which means she was lucky to have survived with her life, personal belongings were the last thing on her mind.

This is a bittersweet point to me. While I prize my pink star sapphire ring that was once my mothers 16th birthday gift, there is nothing that was once worn by my great grandmother that reminds me of where I come from.

What we do have in our family is a legacy of interesting Eastern European recipes. And the interesting tool above is part and parcel of our rich history. One of the few pieces of our families past, this kitchen accessory was brought from the old country (most likely Hungary) by my grandfather and used for many years to create one of his (our) signature dishes.

In honor of my 100th post, I wanted to give something back to those of you who have encouraged me along the way. It's nothing huge, a trifle really!

Your task is to name that funky tool, and tell me what it's used for. Now it's not really fair for family members to answer this so, please, let the other kids try first ;)

(**please leave your email in the comments part, no one but me sees. and who knows? you may end up with a little treat in the mail, a secret ingredient from the old country!)

The person who guesses the correct use and/or gives it the funkiest name, wins the top secret recipe for which this tool was made. Because really, can we let this poor tool that has been used and abused for so many years continue to live without a proper name?

Easy enough? Good.

This is my way to thank you for sticking around and to encourage you lurkers to speak up! I may have some other goodies looking for a new home that may arise during this contest so check back. In the meantime....guess away!