The last time I window shopped, I admired sparkling diamonds, jewel-toned stones, and strands of white gold.  On previous occasions, I brushed my hand against soft silk scarves and felt luxurious leather bags.  This time around, I headed to my local Metropolitan Market to do a little bit of window shopping for my kitchen.

Granted, my kitchen is pretty well stocked.  Years of collecting random dishes, silverware, lots of bowls, and the recent gift of a KitchenAid mixer have served me well.  That being said, I could not resist the offer from the Metropolitan Market to enter the Gourmet Giveaway for Bloggers for a chance to win three kitchen items of my choice.  

Let me be honest, choosing was not easy.  I was pulled in many directions by wine glasses, printed kitchen towels, and whisks of different shapes and sizes.  I looked at lunch bags and cutting boards, and played with salt and pepper grinders.  In the end, I settled on the three items below:

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Round French Oven in Flame:  clearly this had to be in flame because of my obsession and love for everything orange.  I have cooked with Le Creuset in the past and have a smaller red French oven at home, so I appreciate the durability and excellence of this kitchen item.  This particular French oven would add great versatility to my kitchen.  I can already dream of making chili in it or smelling the aroma of a roasted chicken!

For my second item, I picked this ice cream maker by Cuisinart.  How could I not?  We are experiencing a heat wave of sorts in Seattle and the summer berries are at their peak – perfect time for ice cream to keep me cool and collected.  Come fall, I’ll scoop ice cream over pies; and in the winter, the ice cream will make a sweet topping for chocolate brownies.

For my third and last dream item, I selected a set of orange and turquoise Thin Weave Sateen Placemats made by Pacific Merchants Trading Company.  Besides being my favorite color combination, these placemats are stylish enough to use for inside dining and are durable to be used on a patio for al fresco dining.  They would also make colorful background for future food styling.

If you were to pick your three dream items, what would they be?  This is a perfect time to do some shopping, as the Metropolitan Market’s Annual Housewares Sale is just around the corner!  Visit your local store July 18-21st to find everything you might desire for your kitchen!  Selected items are up to 70% off and all regularly priced iteams are 20% off.  They have it all – baking dishes, pots and pans, and small kitchen appliances; towels, napkins, and placemats; cups, glasses, and kettles.  Once you buy your dream items, you can carry them home in bright reusable totes.

I couldn’t leave the store without picking a few items for dinner.  I grabbed a pint each of raspberries and blueberries, along with an heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella ball, prosciutto, garlic naan bread, and castellano olives.  At home, I whirled up hummus, arranged cheese, tomato, and proscuitto slices with homegrown basil, and grilled naan over a gas flame.  Berries and olives went straight into decorative bowls.  And a chilled bottle of Chardonnay Viognier blend completed this light supper.