Subtitled: I really, really love my husband.
So here’s a funny story for you. When I first proposed getting a gas stove to my husband, he was concerned—and rightly so—about the high costs involved. One of the biggest expenses we’d incur, he said, was the installation of a gas line beneath our decades-old electric stove. (It was here when we moved in—a trusty, if not perfect, appliance.)
Cue sweet Maggie to the rescue.
I met Maggie about a year ago when I spoke to their Catholic Moms group. When she read my post about our no-stove predicament—and about my deep desire for a new gas range—she emailed me with a proposal. Her husband’s a plumber, she said, and installs gas lines all the time. Would I be willing to watch her cutie-pie little girl now and then in exchange for her husband’s services?
Um, let me think that one over awhile.
Not!
We made plans for them to stop by the very next night.
Being the big prideful thing that I am, I pulled out my stove to clean under it before they got here. (You would have done that too, I know.) Well, guess what I found when I pulled it out?! Yes, yes, I found crumbs and coffee grounds and plastic fridge letters and more coffee grounds…but what else???
You can’t guess? Okay, I’ll tell you.
I found a gas line! (My husband blushed audibly when I phoned to tell him.)
Cue my friend Cathie’s recommendation of a warehouse appliance sale this past weekend and you have…
Ain’t she purty? I just keep sighing.
The rest of our appliances are white but I don’t care.
And look!
There’s even a warming drawer!
“Why are you taking a picture of that?” Jem wondered.
Because it will never again be as clean as that.
Nor will the oven.
It’s almost a shame we have to use it.
One of the first things I made on the stove was gravy. After all that soup, I needed gravy.
And after that, I baked.
There is a scene in “When a Man Loves a Woman” (how I love that movie) where the Andy Garcia character says, with the perfect blend of humility and pride, “I…bake.”
“You bake?” The Meg Ryan character is both incredulous and delighted.
I bake.
That is, I do now.
Do you see the convection oven feature? I haven’t a clue how to use it.
But I’ll learn.
I promise.
As we were sitting down to our fresh-baked scones—the first homebaked goods, mind you, that we’ve had in weeks—Angela exclaimed, “Mom, this is such a cool stove!”
I agree. Even better, though, is that it’s hot.
All for the greater glory of God, and that includes baking and braising and broiling,
Oh…my…goodness! That is one gorgeous heat-makin' machine! I don't know what I'm more envious of…the fact that you found a gas line already installed (tell me God doesn't prefer gas!) or the convection feature you will be enjoying. I can hear your collective sigh of relief all the way in here in Maryland. 🙂 I'm so glad you are back in action again!
Oh you will love it!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure which one I envy more- the new stove or the scones. I need the recipe. Happy cooking.
Oh, Margaret, your new stove is beautiful! I think I'll pull my electric stove out a bit today hoping maybe a gas line will magically appear! 🙂
It's beautiful! Enjoy.
How beautiful! The convection distributes even heat through the whole oven. It is great for baking multiple sheets of cookies at once. I use it often, but especially when doing my massive Christmas cookie bake.
Bon Appetit! What a great find … the gas line, the new stove, and of course the generous husband.
I'm green! Are you still going to babysit?
I'm with Meredith, not sure which I envy more– the stove or the scones. Can't wait to replace our "came with the house stove."
Yeah!! What a beautiful stove! When you make 3 loaves of bread a at time or 3 sheets of cookies, you will be loving that convection feature!
It's beautiful!
Jenn asked: Are you still going to babysit?
My response: Yes! I wouldn't have found the gas line if it weren't for Maggie.
It looks just like mine (except for that lovely warming drawer you have and the convection feature inside). Same top, same front. Have you resisted the desire to buy all new cook ware? Of course you have, but it's tempting! I hate putting all those old pans inside my pretty new oven. I did buy a new Lodge griddle for the top though!
It's gorgeous, Mags. Truly. I am not a foodie but even I can appreciate that beautiful range.
We had a tiny convection oven in Belgium and I loved it. I could shove as much as I could fit in there and it all cooked evenly.
I have that exact pan you're using for the gravy so now I'll think of you every time I pull it out. But tell me, what did you do with all of that gravy???
Congratulations, Cherie! Give that sweet generous man a (figurative) peck on the cheek from me.
I shall not covet thy stove. I shall not covet thy stove. 🙂
I've never cooked with gas, but all the "older" gals in our church swear by them. Someday I'm sure I will convert.
Blessings!
Hannah
Wonderful! Looks like a great stove. Gotta love new appliances, despite their price tags! Enjoy!!
That sure is a beautiful stove. I am sure you will have many happy cooking hours there. I can say with certainty that most women reading this are wishing they had something like that as well.
But doesn't Maggie feel cheated? Now she doesn't get the free babysitting anymore! 😉
On a different subject I am wondering how you cook your gravy, because I have never had mine turn out that color. It looks very rich and tasty.
Beautiful stove!!!! I am dreaming of the day I can have gas again. (if you didn't know we were talking about stoves, that wouldn't sound very good, would it?)
So happy for you!
I was curious how much it actually would cost to pipe in a new gas line? Guess you don't need to know!
Fantabulous, dahlink!
Enjoy!!
I miss gas. You just don't forget to turn off the flame when you use it. I walked away from a pan of finished mac and cheese yesterday, forgetting to turn off the burner (we have electric – first time in years and years; hate it a bit) and burned the cheese right off every single noodle. Gross!!!
Please tell us what kind and model you have. I want one! Waaaaaah!
I just cannot understand why anyone would cover up the gas line with an electric stove in the first place. Were the previous owners nuts?
Hooray!! I know I tend to like superficial things, but it's so pretty Margaret! I'm thrilled for you! Wishing you happy, happy cooking years ahead.
I am so happy for you. Yep! you and your husband and your new friend have all benefitted from the stove breakdown. See things do happen in threes.
That looks like a great improvement! You'll love the gas cooking and the convection is a wonderful bonus, too. Have fun … hope this means we see a few more baking entries on the ole' cooking blog!!
It's soooo pretty!
My parents have a gas stove. At my apartment, I have electric. Bah! I miss gas!
Pretty, pretty, pretty!
I miss the gas range in our old apartment and it wasn't half as splendid as your gorgeous new stove. I don't think we even have gas on our street, much less in the kitchen.
I will not covet my friend's stove….
My verification word is "fabled". Yeah that fits.
She's a beauty alright!!
Enjoy!
Oooh! How beautiful!
I grew up with gas stoves, but I've had electric for so long I don't remember what it's like to cook on it (other than that "click click click POOF!" sound). I bet it would cook a lot better than mine (it takes FOREVER for things to heat up! Maybe mine is on its way out…)
I have to admit, though (other than envying the fact that your oven light WORKS! *grin*) that I'm looking at the top of it and wondering how tough it would be to clean?
Gas stoves are way easier to clean than most electric cook tops. The top comes off in pieces which may even fit in the dishwasher, and the burners come apart, and then you've just got a plain enameled surface to wipe off.
Margaret, I have the same stove! email me if you have any questions.
Kate
kate@makingmusicprayingtwice.com
Coming back to add that I've wanted a gas stove since we purchased our home in 2001…it's time and will be one of our first projects for 2010…that and converting our fireplace to gas also…today I had a plumber out to give me an estimate…be very glad you *found* a gas line behind your electric stove…cause this plumber gave me an estimate totaling $2700.00 to do the job – WOW! Please tell your friend I will babysit for her precious child/children in exchange for a gas line. 😉
I use my convection feature on my oven almost exclusively~
Just lower the called for temp 25*.
The bonus,too,is that if the oven is somewhat dirty, it doesn't smoke and make a stink!
Happy cooking and baking!