the perfect cutting board (because today I have nothing else to write about)

Recently I notice my plastic cutting board is literally falling apart…I figure this can’t be good for food, and toss it.  My criteria for a new board are these:

    Doesn’t collect bacteria (essential)

    Aesthetically acceptable

    Doesn’t leave knife marks

    Can go in the dishwasher (not essential but preferred)

I’d be good in a job at Consumer Research or Good Housekeeping.  I rarely buy things (other than clothes, accessories, or jewelry) on impulse, as I enjoy the hunt — from the sophisticated to the mundane.  Something as uninteresting as a new cutting board can keep me entertained on the internet for longer than I will admit.  A normal person can probably buy a car in less time.

I find all kinds of cutting boards.  Glass with beautiful designs.  Cut-outs in various shapes.  Wood in different grains and types. Plastic in bright, friendly colors.  But none meet my criteria.  

And then I stumble upon an eco-friendly cutting board by Epicurean — the board comes in all sizes, does not harbor bacteria, is attractive but not over-the-top gorgeous (which is fine for a cutting board), protects against knife marks, and is even dishwasher safe.   

I buy the 9 by 12.  And guess what?  It’s as good as promised.  

With the horror of the past week, it's sometimes nice to spend some time on the trivial... and it doesn't get much more trivial than a cutting board purchase.