Homemaker Meme

A couple of years ago I co-hosted a bridal shower for my sister. She had asked for something practical, and so we did just that: the theme of the shower was homemaking, and each guest brought her a recipe (and its non-perishable ingredients). I provided a file for her to keep all her new recipes in, and the other hostess gave her a basket full of cleaning supplies (there was a game to go along with them). All in all, she was thrilled. I was delighted to be part of a happy, helpful, non-embarrassing bridal shower!
One of the activities we did was to share some household tips and stories--each person shared a few tips (on paper) as well as their most embarrassing housekeeping moment. (I think the blue ribbon of stories was the lady who dropped her cordless phone in the washing machine, so went to get her cell, and then dropped that in too!) In any case, I decided to start a meme based on that game. I think it will be a lot of fun--I know I would like to hear what other people have to say!

So it works like this: If you read here (that's all of you), and if you have a blog (that's many of you) and if you keep a house (most of you), then please pass this on! Be sure to put your post URL in the Mr Linky below, and please link back to this post from your post, so that others can see the full list of fun!!!

What three kitchen items do you use the most often?
wooden spoon, wire whisk, (often I don't even use an electric mixer) all things pyrex
What kitchen gadget do you wish you had?
I've thought about a food processor...I'm not sure I would use it though...
What kitchen gadget do you never use/wish you hadn't spent the money for?
The kitchenaid stand mixer. It's an extra hassle to wash, and takes up SO MUCH ROOM!
What is your favorite cookbook? (Link if you can!)
The one I use the most is the one my mom typed up of all our family recipes...but aside from that, the Better Homes and Gardens book (the red plaid one) is a GREAT reference! I use it second most!
Who is your cooking inspiration?
Everybody on Iron Chef! and my mom too
What are the three most important items on your spice rack?
basil, cumin, and cinnamon (of the 40 spices on my rack, it is REALLY HARD to pick just three!)
What are three recipes that you use all the time?
basic rue/white sauce/cheese sauce, whole wheat pancakes, hmmm, I can't think of a third
Can you share a cooking secret?
I don't know how much of a secret this is, but the LESS you handle pie crust dough (mixing, rolling, etc), the flakier it will be. Less is better, yet again!
What is your greatest cleaning secret?
Dawn brand dishsoap--it takes grease off dishes, hands, clothes, oven hoods, etc. I've never seen anything else like it!
What is your favorite thing to clean?
I like sweeping, because that pile of dirt is visible proof that I accomplished something.
What is your least favorite thing to clean?
toilets. I cannot even discribe how much I hate cleaning toilets.
What is your most embarrassing housekeeping moment?
I only had enough dishwasher soap to half-fill the cup, so I decided to fill the other half with regular dish soap. It never occured to me that that would be a problem until my 3yo said "Look Mommy, a bubble waterfall!" and sure enough, a mass of bubbles was pouring out all across my floor!
Who do you tag to do this next?
I tag YOU!