How to cover mortar bottom?

Hi Everyone,

I bought a mortar and pestle this weekend (at TJ Maxx, who knew?) and am happy with it except for the bottom of the mortar. It is unfinished and I'm worried it will scratch my countertops. Any suggestions for what to put on the bottom? I'd like something washable, non-abrasive, and grippy.

Walt

P.S., it has a 3 cup capacity, 7 in. in diameter, and weighs 10 lbs. Did I get a good deal for US$15?.

I'd just use some of that grippy shelf liner, tacked on with double sided tape or a spot of glue or something, and replace it as it needs it.

[Jenise]

I'd just use some of that grippy shelf liner, tacked on with double sided tape or a spot of glue or something, and replace it as it needs it.

Agreed. That's a great deal, Walter. Do you have any of that stuff around? I have reams of it (I use it in the wine cellar to stabilize bottles). I can mail you a piece to save you from having to buy a whole roll.

Btw, what's yours made out of? With that weight, I'd assume marble.

I think it would be a great use for a vinal cutting board.

I'd just use some of that grippy shelf liner, tacked on with double sided tape or a spot of glue or something, and replace it as it needs it.

Ah, I didn't know that was adhesive, but as you say I can just glue it on! Perfect:

Agreed. That's a great deal, Walter. Do you have any of that stuff around? I have reams of it (I use it in the wine cellar to stabilize bottles). I can mail you a piece to save you from having to buy a whole roll.

Btw, what's yours made out of? With that weight, I'd assume marble.

Granite. It's surprisingly porous. I washed it this morning to use it, and when I came back to towel it off, it was already dry. Interesting.

Thanks for your kind offer, but you've got going on with your own kitchen to worry about improving mine. I think my wife's parents use that stuff.

Edit to add, I found a listing online. I had no idea hunks of rock were so expensive. €38!

Walt

Actually, you don't need to glue on the liner. Just place the mat on the counter and put the mortar on top. The weight and friction will keep it from sliding around.

I agree with Bernard. You can also put a wet dish towel on your counter and the mortar on top, without it sliding around.

BTW, with the granite mortars, you should "season" it by grinding rice in it first to smooth out the inside.

I suggested affixing the grippy stuff to the bottom because of the way I use my mortar. I often pick it up and hold it and wander around the kitchen while using it. I tend to put it down someplace other than its original location. But seeing Walt's edit, that doesn't sound practical with his!

Hi All,

I tried using a cutting board, but it did tend to slide around. I'll get some of the Shelf Grip this weekend.

I'm seasoning it with some hard wheat. Now I see why they used big grindstones and mules to make flour! I think it will take about a half hour of decent pesteling (sp? mortaring?) to make a half cup of coarse flour. Fascinating. I've got basil seeds ready to plant at the end of the month, and can't wait for that.

Walt

Felt, cut to size.

The answer here seems SOOOOO obvious to me:


It is like asking "whenever I take a ride in the car, my gloves keep falling off the dash."

"Could there be a better place to keep my gloves??"

F

The answer here seems SOOOOO obvious to me

The answer here seems SOOOOO obvious to me:

That is awful.

Walt

A followup, Target had cork contact paper, which adhered easily and prevents all scratches and movement. $10 a roll, but very attractive.

Walt

I can't be bothered with digging out some special material every time I need to grind and I wouldn't want to stick anything on the bottom permanently as washing drying would be compromised.

I usually just put it on a towel on top of a cutting board - easy to hand and easy to clean up after.

You got a great price on the mortar. I use a medium size for most grinding, but I actually use a much smaller one when doing some seeds, especially in small amounts, as you don't need to chase them around the bowl the way you would in a larger mortar.