What Is a Ramekin Fork?

A ramekin fork is a small, specialized fork made to eat out of ramekins, hence the name. Ramekins are small ceramic bowls used for the preparation and serving of certain foods.

Features

A ramekin fork is short and has stubby, wide tines. It does not allow a person using it to take up more than a small portion of food at a time. Food served in ramekins was traditionally seafood or meat, served with rich cream sauces, so small servings were sufficient, according to online silver resource Sterling Flatware Fashions.

History

Silverware has historically been associated with wealth. In the 18th century, it was part of a woman's dowry; in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wealthy families would serve elaborate dinners using many different pieces of silverware. Because of this, silverware sets were produced with various specialized versions of the standard utensils, including the ramekin fork.

Warnings

Individual silver workers today often create new pieces of silverware from damaged old pieces. Ramekin forks, for instance, are frequently made from old teaspoons, according to Sterling Flatware Fashions. These pieces are then sold on the secondary market as originals produced at a factory. You should always be aware while buying, that what you think is a hard-to-find antique piece may be a newly fabricated item.

References

• Sterling Flatware Fashions: Place Forks
• eNotes: Ency"Encylopedia of Food & Culture"; ed. Solomon H. Katz; 2003
• Reference.com: Ramekin