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Showing posts from July, 2019

5 Great Housewarming Gift Ideas for the New Homeowner

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If you’re worried about what to get new homeowners for their house, think about a theme of renewal and practicality. What might they have not replaced in a while? Or what’s something they might not have yet but that is incredibly useful? You could help ease the transition for them with a practical yet thoughtful gift. The best parts about moving into a new house are decorating it and throwing a housewarming party to celebrate a new chapter in life. If you’re the one going to the party, here are a few ideas for welcoming your friends into their new home. Set of Food Storage Containers A set of high-quality food storage containers is a winning idea. It seems like it’s one kitchen essential that needs to be replaced or upgraded periodically because lids get lost, plastic melts, or food stains the inside of the container. A set that includes glass containers with plastic lids would make a really nice gift for new homeowners. Choose an aesthetically-pleasing set with h

6 Items Professional Chefs Have in Their Home Kitchens

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Honing the craft of cooking requires a home cook to examine their inventory of kitchen equipment. Is it time to get rid of your scratched skillet? Or get better cutlery, like Wusthof knives ? It’s important to take stock because having the right tools will elevate the precision and efficiency of your dishes. Knowing which essentials to have in your kitchen is helpful for anyone who loves to cook and wants to learn more. Professional chefs will tell you to select a few quality, choice tools. Here are six items pro chefs swear by, and that you should consider adding to (or upgrading in) your kitchen to get the most out of the cooking experience. Favorite Chef’s Knife Every chef has a favorite knife. Ask any chef and they will tell you they just can’t live without a particular chef’s knife. For many chefs, this knife is their 8-inch Wusthof because it’s a workhorse of a knife. You can get by on a few knives such as those found in a high-quality Wusthof knife set —or may

4 Top Kitchen Tool Upgrades Worth the Investment

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Kitchenware can run the gamut from cheap and low-quality to very expensive and built to last. Many of these cooking items are investments for your kitchen. Upgrading to better quality kitchenware or appliances can save you time cooking, provide additional features, and become something to pass on to multiple generations of family cooks. Knives There are two routes to upgrading knives: getting new, specialized knives, or upgrading the quality of a knife you already have. Specialized knives like a santoku knife are perfect for chopping, slicing, and mincing, while a paring knife handles delicate tasks like cutting garnishes with precision. Knives meant for specific tasks can make all the difference when you’ve only relied on a chef’s knife to do most of your work. If you already have a variety of knives, upgrading quality, such as to a Wusthof or Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife—both world-renowned for their excellent craftsmanship—can significantly extend the longevity

5 Kitchen Essentials for Your Next Cheese Appetizer Party

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With cheese as the star ingredient, hosting an appetizer soirée at your home this summer is bound to be a hit with friends. For inspiration, think air fried goat cheese and fig jam wontons, bite-sized cheesesteak sandwiches, three-cheese fondue, and a specialty cheese and charcuterie board.   After you plan your menu, the next step will be taking inventory of your kitchen. For smooth preparation accompanied by a wonderful presentation, you’ll want a few essentials to set yourself up for a successful cheese appetizer party. Here are five kitchen items any cheese lover can appreciate. Guilt-Free Air Fryer If you haven’t discovered the magic of the air fryer, it’s time. You can enjoy flavorful fried foods without feeling guilty. High-quality air fryers, such as one of the Cuisinart models, are specially engineered to ensure golden brown, crispy foods without tons of oil or a splattering mess. A great stainless steel unit complements any kitchen décor. Your air fr

4 Kitchen Tool Upgrades That Will Help Improve Your Cooking

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Whether you have been lugging pots and pans around since college and now want a new cookware set, or are merely looking to expand your knife collection, upgrading your kitchen tools can help you improve your technique and make cooking easier. From a full new cookware set to completing a pots and pans set made with higher quality materials, to a pressure cooker that drastically cuts down on cooking time, these upgrades will help you reach the next level of cooking in your kitchen. Copper Cookware Not only will copper cookware add a touch of timeless beauty to your kitchen, but it will also heat quickly and evenly. It is the opposite of the other workhorse material of the kitchen: cast iron cookware. Cast iron heats slow and holds on to heat, while copper, as a conductor, heats quickly but loses the heat soon after being taken away from the stove. Copper cookware is ideal for fish, sauces, eggs, and other instances where overcooking in a still-hot pan is all too easy. It does s