The Silver Thimble No 3

I believe this is one of the ambulances donated by the Silver Thimble Fund, an organization founded by Hope Elizabeth Hope-Clarke.

Giada making Thimble Pasta With Sauce

Thimbles with Mushrooms and Artichokes

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 pound mushrooms, trimmed, cleaned and finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 3/4 teaspoon
1 cup dry Marsala wine
1 pound thimble pasta
1/2 pound frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Saute, stirring occasionally, until all the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms have cooked down, about 10 minutes. Add the Marsala and continue cooking until almost all the wine has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in remaining salt. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta and add it into the mushrooms, Marsala and onions Add the artichoke hearts, Parmesan and cream and cook until the artichokes are heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Recipe and video from : Everyday Italian (Episode: Entertaining the In-Laws Italian Style!), Giada De Laurentiis, Food Network.

Imperial India thimble on eBay.

19th century sterling thimble, made in India "for export to British market." No holes, excellent condition.
US $130.00; 8 bids, starting at US $20.00.
2 March 2009.

Another beautiful thimble sold by one of my favorite eBay sellers, Elegant Arts Antiques.