molcajete

Shaped like a traditional molcajete--the stone vessel used since ancient times for grinding or crushing spices and other ingredients--this mortar and pestle set is meant to be used as a bowl, a saucer or as a decorative accent that will certainly make a statement.

Crafted from volcanic basalt by the artisans of the Comonfort Group in Mexico, the molcajete needs to be "cured" before using to eliminate any stone residues. This can be done by placing a few dried beans, corn or rice in the bowl and grinding them with the pestle until pulverized. Allow the pulverized grain to sit for 15 minutes, hand-wash the bowl, let it dry and then it will be ready to use.

Prepare herbs, spices and sauces the way our ancestors did--with handmade stone tools. The Comonfort Group presents this traditional basalt molcajete or mortar, crafted by hand in a labor-intensive process. The pestle, called a tejolote, is used to grind or crush the foodstuffs in the molcajete. The molcajete can also be used as a unique serving dish for salsa or guacamole.

The artisans recommend that the molcajete be "cured" before the first use. To cure the molcajete, place some dried beans, corn or rice in the bowl and grind with the pestle until pulverized. Allow the pulverized grain to sit for 15 minutes. Once this has been done, the molcajete can be hand washed and allowed to dry. This step will ensure that any stone dust remaining from the carving process does not affect the food.

Prepare herbs, spices and sauces the way our ancestors did--with handmade stone tools. Grupon Comonfort presents this unique molcajete or stone mortar, crafted by hand from volcanic basalt in the shape of an upside-down tortoise. The pestle, called a tejolote, is used to grind or crush the foodstuffs in the molcajete. The molcajete can also be used as a unique serving dish for salsa or guacamole.

The artisans recommend that the molcajete be "cured" before the first use. To cure the molcajete, place some dried beans, corn or rice in the bowl and grind with the pestle until pulverized. Allow the pulverized grain to sit for 15 minutes. Once this has been done, the molcajete can be hand washed and allowed to dry. This step will ensure that any stone dust remaining from the carving process does not affect the food.