As I have said before, I come from a family of craftsmen. My father’s main craft is wood working. He has built many beautiful objects, from jewelry boxes to heirloom family cribs for each of his children. For several years he has been making fine cutting boards for our family, friends, and charity auctions. I use these treasured boards everyday in my kitchen, and I hope to have them for a long time.
Maintaining wooden cutting boards is not difficult, and is well worthwhile. I do step 1 (Mineral Oil) on my boards about every other week and once a month I do step 1 and 2 (cream) together. If your boards look dry, do these steps as often as needed. Tip: If you avoid using soap and/or excessive hot water when cleaning your boards, the treatments will last longer. I find a quick rinse under warm water or a wipe down with a warm wet cloth to be sufficient. I do not cut raw meat on my wood boards.
Step 1: “>Boo’s Brand makes a good one that is reasonably priced on Amazon.
After several hours, or overnight, you board will look like this:
You could stop here if your board was not as dry as mine was. I like to do step 2 at least once a month. This beautiful board was initially made for the purpose of displaying our family chocolates at my little sister’s wedding. Treasured boards, deserve step 2!
Step 2: Cream and Protectant
My dad has made his own board cream at home; a combination of beeswax and mineral oil. (1 part beeswax to 4 parts mineral oil- combined in a jar which is warmed in a water bath on the stove). When I ran out of his homemade stuff, I purchased Now that you have shown your wooden cutting boards the love they deserve, they will remain lovely and functional for a while longer. If you’re feeling jelly over my beautiful boards, I don’t blame you. My dad is awesome.
