There's something about the interesting shapes and surface patina of old-fashioned cooking utensils that makes them somehow irresistible to lovers of shabby chic. It may be your childhood memories of helping in the kitchen, or simply the feeling that these pastry cutters and jelly moulds are a window into the history of the cooks of bygone years who used them on a daily basis. These days our kitchens are well equipped with food processors, microwaves and any number of other appliances, but somehow these lack the charm of our ancestors' well-worn utensils. If you're creating a vintage style kitchen, it's great if you can find ways to use your collection of tinware items rather than simply have them on display. You'll notice that many designs are similar to today's items - they haven't changed a great deal since the nineteenth century when baking trays, graters and colanders, to name just a few, were mass produced for Victorian cooks. There's no reason why, when properly cleaned, these items shouldn't form part of your everyday battery de cuisine. They will also look great on display, try hanging spoons, ladles and whisks on a rack above your work surface or next to your cooker to create interesting shapes and a unique talking point.
Obviously all vintage items should be well cleaned before use, but do be particularly careful with vintage copper utensils. Many moulds were made of copper as this metal is an excellent conductor of heat, but beware if the copper has developed tarnish or verdigris. Tarnish can be cleaned by rubbing with half a lemon dipped in salt, and to add an extra shine, polish them with a cloth dipped in vinegar and sprinkled with salt. Don't forget to wear an apron while you're doing this, a vintage linen one will fit well into your shabby chic kitchen scheme! Verdigris, which develops when the copper comes into contact with acid and fat, is poisonous if eaten, so it must be completely removed before the item is used in food preparation. The traditional way of removing verdigris is to use a solution of salt and ammonia (1/2 teaspoon salt, splash of ammonia in 1 cup (250 ml) of water). Use this to wipe off the verdigris, then polish with a clean cloth and chalk powder. If you're in any doubt at all, however, do be sure to seek expert advice.
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