Month: February 2020

How to Elevate Your Cooking Experience with a Convection Oven

Posted on February 27, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged convection oven, double oven, true convection, true european convectionNo Comments

Why are Convection ovens becoming more and more popular with home cooks? Primarily because they’re faster, more efficient, and they make more delicious results than regular ovens. Even though a lot more homes have convection-capable ovens, many cooks still don’t know how to use them. So we’ve compiled some information that will help you feel confident using your convection oven. Understanding Your Convection Oven First, “convection” is a setting on your oven and your oven has a button that enables the convection feature. Convection ovens can be gas or electric, so when the convection setting is off, you’ll experience all the advantages and disadvantages of cooking in those respective ovens. What happens when that convection setting is on? The oven uses fans to circulate hot air and cook food more rapidly than a traditional oven. Instead of relying on radiated heat from heating elements, a convection oven spreads the hot air so it envelopes food and cooks it from all sides. There are different types of convection: Convection and True Convection. Convection is your normal oven, but with an added fan on the back to circulate air. When shopping confirm that the oven has this third heating element around the fan. True Convection or ‘European convection,’ features a heating element behind the fan, allowing for better cooking results than standard convection. Tips for getting more out of convection Adjust the Recipe Follow the rule of 25, when using True convection experts recommend adjusting any recipe in two ways. 1. Lower the oven’s temperature by about 25 degrees and 2. Expect the food to be ready about 25% faster than the recipe suggests, so reduce the cooking time by roughly 25%. Keep in mind variables such as initial oven temperature, quantity of the food, desired level of doneness, and oven model will all affect cooking time. Experiment with the temperature or cooking time, also start checking early and often until you get used to cooking the convection way. Air Supply To be effective air must circulate over and around the food when using your convection oven. Use trays and baking pans with lower sides that allow hot air to flow freely. You should place trays and pans in a way that they don’t hinder effective circulation. Use shallow roasting pans and rimless cookie sheets when possible. Try to keep a two-inch clearance on all sides. Do not cover the ovens shelves with aluminum foil. Avoid overcrowding the oven Remember, convection relies on air being able to circulate air, avoid overcrowding the oven and blocking the flow of air. When you use multiple racks try not to fill the racks wall-to-wall and make sure you monitor the dishes for browning. When to Use the Convection Setting When you’re roasting Foods like meat and vegetables, convection immediately sears the food, locks in juices and continues to cook it faster, more evenly, and the drier environment yields crispy skin and caramelizes much better. When baking convection heat melts fat and forms steam quicker, which helps create more lift in pies and pastries. When baking a big batch of cookies, with convection you’re not limited to making one tray at a time. When you’re toasting or dehydrating, convection is efficient at removing moisture as quickly as possible. When Not to Use the Convection Setting Not all foods are suited for convection cooking method. The fan disrupts delicate dishes that start out as batter and set while cooking like cakes, soufflés, breads, and custard. Blowing air on these foods can create lopsided results. Don’t use convection when making these foods: *While some argue that convection creates even browning and a great crust, others say that it dries out the interior of bread. The choice here is really up to you.

Cosmo’s Double Wall Oven: the Ultimate Combination of Performance and Beauty

Posted on February 21, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, News, ProductsTagged double oven, double wall oven, new products1 Comment

When it comes to cooking and innovation, Cosmo’s newly released double wall oven ultimately combines performance and luxury. Double ovens are every home chef and baker’s favorite appliance. They’re cool looking and give your kitchen major “wow” factor. Two is better than one because they provide an extra oven so you’re able to spend more time with your family and spend less time in the kitchen than ever before. Don’t worry about the next big meal you’re planning. Cosmo’s COS-30EDWC wall oven offers unparalleled power and impressive features. Cooks who entertain large parties need extra-large cooking capacity. At 5.0 cu. ft. per oven, the Cosmo double oven has enough space for cooking up a feast. If you cook a lot, then you know how annoying it is to prepare a few different dishes but have to wait for one to be done before cooking the other. The best part about having a double wall oven is the ability to prepare multiple dishes and cook them at the same time, but at different temperatures. Have you ever baked or roasted something in a conventional oven only to find that the top and bottom “finished” before the center? Then you’ll love the power of Turbo True European convection technology because this system delivers the ideal temperature and airflow for faster, more even baking results with “uniform” cooking. True European convection works perfectly for preparing delicious roasts, chicken, turkey, pizzas, cakes, and a lot more. Both ovens feature a striking bold blue oven cavity finish that enhances the oven’s aesthetics while also being easy to clean. Its modern design looks good in a variety of decors, and it costs much less than most other ovens with similar sleek appearance. Cleanup is also easier with its Hidden Bake element that has a smooth surface. Maintaining oven cleanliness is also a stress free chore with the convenient self-cleaning feature. The Cosmo double wall oven is undoubtedly the height of home cooking luxury, with more features than a conventional oven. When you upgrade your kitchen with Cosmo Appliances, you bring professional quality home at factory direct prices. Previous Next PROS 7 OVEN FUNCTIONS TWO X 5 CU. FT. CAPACITY OVENS BUILT IN PRECISION TEMPERATURE PROBE HIGH EFFICIENCY SELF-CLEANING OVEN SABBATH MODE AND DELAY START FUNCTIONS 2-YEAR WARRANTY ON PARTS AND LABOR I WANT THIS DOUBLE OVEN

Healthy Recipes with Big Flavor

Posted on February 19, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in How-To, RecipesTagged dinner ideas, easy recipes, recipeNo Comments

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes a variety of commitments, from exercising to eating right. However, serving up healthy meals doesn’t have to be boring. Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Prep time: 30 minutesCook time: 50 minutes Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 spaghetti squash (2 pounds each) 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided pepper, to taste 1 pound ground chicken 1 cup diced red onion, divided 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 can Black Ripe Sliced Olives 1 lime, juice only 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese 1 avocado, diced 1 large tomato, diced 1 jalapeno, minced 1/2 cup Lindsay Black Ripe Medium Olives 1 lime, wedged DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 400° F. In microwave, cook one whole squash 3 minutes. Repeat with second squash. Cut each in half and scrape out seeds. Drizzle 1 teaspoon oil over each half and rub around until insides are coated. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper, to taste; place on parchment-lined baking sheet center down to lay flat. Bake 50 minutes. Heat large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Put 2 teaspoons oil in pan then chicken, 3/4 cup onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is cooked through. Add tomatoes, cumin, chili powder and remaining salt; stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes to reduce liquid, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sliced olives and lime juice. When squash is cooked, scrape insides with fork to release from edge then create nest. Put 1/4 of chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese in each squash half. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, remaining onions, jalapeno, whole olives and lime wedges. Mediterranean Chicken and Grain Bowl Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS 8 ounces farro or brown rice 6 cups spinach, stems removed 1 1/2 cups diced seedless cucumbers 1 1/2 diced tomatoes 6 thin slices red onion 3 cups cauliflower florets 3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette 3 cups cooked skinless chicken breast 6 tablespoons fat-free or low-fat crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons kalamata olives DIRECTIONS: Cook farro according to package instructions. On serving plate, place 1/2 cup farro. Around farro, arrange 1 cup spinach; 1/4 cup cucumber; 1/4 cup tomatoes; 1 slice red onion, separated into rings; and 1/2 cup cauliflower. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over salad. Top with 1/2 cup chicken and garnish with 1 tablespoon feta cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons olives. Repeat with additional servings. Curry-Spiced Tofu with Asian Vegetables Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces light, extra-firm tofu, drained and patted dry, cut into four slices 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, curry powder, divided 12 ounces packaged fresh stir-fry vegetables 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 large onion, cut into 3/4-inch wedges 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup light coconut milk 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce DIRECTIONS: Put tofu on large plate. Sprinkle tofu on both sides with 1 tablespoon curry powder. In large microwaveable bowl, microwave vegetables and water on high 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are almost tender-crisp. Pour off remaining water. In large nonstick skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook tofu in single layer 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer to separate large plate. Cover loosely to keep warm. In same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in vegetables and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring constantly. Stir in coconut milk, chili garlic sauce and remaining curry powder. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Spoon vegetable mixture over tofu.

Bakers Edition: How to Create a Better Kitchen

Posted on February 12, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged bake, baking, double oven, food, kitchen, kitchen appliances, kitchen designNo Comments

Whether you’re whipping up a big batch of extra fudgy brownies for a school bake-sale or crafting a delicate three-tier Orange Cardamom Cake with Rose Buttercream for a special occasion, we have practical tips and advice for the ultimate kitchen layout, tools, and equipment so you can turn your kitchen into a bakers dream. Do you love to bake? Here are some great ways to make your kitchen work for you. Custom Counter Heights Different tasks call for different countertop heights. Home cooks serious about baking may want to consider custom countertop heights to achieve the most comfortable height. A counter-height surface works fine when mixing or assembling recipes. For kneading or rolling out dough, most bakers prefer a lower surface to get the right amount of leverage. To achieve this, you can Install countertops at a custom height or lower a section of an island so it’s the right height. For a simpler solution, stand on a step stool and use a counter or use a kitchen table to achieve the most comfortable height. Previous Next Turn to Your Pantry Baking often requires lots of ingredients and bulky countertop equipment, so pantry organization is the key to maintain a pristine kitchen. Install pull-out and horizontal pantry drawers that help you easily access your baking supplies. If you have enough space, consider putting your baking station inside your pantry. Also consider extra shelving for mixer storage. Organizing the pantry into specific sections and using bins with airtight lids allow for easier access when you need the basics – flour, sugar, brown sugar, chocolate chips, etc. Previous Next The Right Work Station Granite and marble stay cool, making pastry dough easy to roll and clean up easily. Other baker-friendly countertops that can accommodate rolling, cutting and direct heat with no fuss are Quartz and Corian. If you can’t afford to install a whole slab, purchase a small marble section specifically for baking, or place marble on the kitchen island. Previous Next Double Ovens If what you are looking for is more baking and less waiting, double ovens are a bakers dream. They’re Spacious and versatile enough to accommodate your needs and allow a baker to cook two dishes at different temperatures at the same time. The double ovens, with convection are a must as the Convection ovens work with fans that recirculate heat, which evenly bake cookies and crusts. Even baked goods such as croissants develop a crispy, even texture with convection heat. An oven with a warming drawer or built-in Proof mode create the perfect oven environment for proving dough, you can also cook a variety of dishes in the warming drawer like meringues or melt chocolate. Extra Deep Sink The sink is an essential element to keep the kitchen clean. Clean-up will be a whole lot easier with a deep, wide more functional kitchen sink since baking often involves using odd-shaped pans, oversized cookie sheets and large mixing bowls – many of which can’t go in the dishwasher. Previous Next Stand Mixer Serious bakers have more than one, and double or triple up on the bowl attachments so they don’t have to stop to wash them before moving on to the next phase of a baking project. Previous Next Baking Supply Cart It’s easy to run low on countertop space and having your supplies within reach is essential when baking. With a rolling cart you can move around your kitchen more easily and have your baking essentials wherever you’re working. Tech Corner There are thousands of recipes and how-to videos online to access these you can wire in a TV, desktop or laptop computer or an iPad in a small corner next to your countertop. A kitchen desk area works well for multi-tasking bakers so you can monitor the oven when working or catching up on emails and social media.

6 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet in 2020

Posted on February 11, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in How-To, RecipesTagged 2020, food, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, new year, superfood, superfoodsNo Comments

If you’re on the lookout for simple ways to boost the nutritional content of your meals in 2020, we’re breaking down the trendiest superfoods that’ll be getting lots of attention. Fermented Food Fermentation is a natural process through which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert carbs — such as starch and sugar — into alcohol or acids. Yogurt, pickles, kombucha, and kimchi are all popular fermented foods today. These foods contain natural probiotics (aka good bacteria) that can improve digestion and your immunity, Fermented foods are rich in beneficial probiotics and are associated with a range of health benefits — from better digestion to stronger immunity. Try it: Add kimchi or sauerkraut to sandwiches or salads, substitute sugary sodas with naturally sparkling kombucha and you can also add yogurt and kefir to your smoothies. Seeds Seeds contain all the starting materials necessary to develop into complex plants. Because of this, these little guys pack a powerful nutritional punch. Extremely nutritious this fatty staple is having a moment. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and good ol’ chia all provide healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Try it: Stock up on any kind of seeds you like and have them in baked goods, salads and dressings; You can also make chia seed pudding or add a spoonful of chia seeds to oatmeal to up the fiber and protein. Avocado These days, the avocado has become a popular food among millennial and health-conscious individuals. The Avocado is a fruit and it’s considered a superfood for its many health properties. Avocados are very nutritious and loaded with almost 20 essential vitamins and nutrients and are a good source of unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. They’re weight loss friendly, heart-healthy and, last but not least, taste incredible. Try it: Mash avocado on toast, add it to salads or blend some with a handful or two of fruit for a delicious smoothie. Microgreens These are the baby versions of the vegetables and herbs you already know about, like kale, spinach, and mustard greens, radish, arugula, beet greens, cilantro, and parsley. Packed with vitamins and minerals, microgreens are becoming a fun, flavorful way to add to meals. Try it: Add fresh microgreens to your salads or grains, stir them into pasta, or use them as a nutritious garnish to your favorite meals. You can also drink them down with a greens powder as smoothies. Pulses Pulses, which include peas, lentils, and beans that provide loads of fiber, carbs, and protein are the new veggie superfood. Nutritious, sustainable and affordable, this nutrient balance can help stabilize your blood sugar and improve digestion. Try it: They’re great for making vegetarian burgers, eating in salad, soup, or pasta. Also, use pulses in baked goods -either whole or as flour. MCT Oil Keto has made pretty much all fats popular, especially MCT oil which is a big part of the diet. For those unfamiliar MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and even some dairy products. MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy or can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain. They’re less likely to be stored as fat than other types of fat are—and they don’t spike your blood sugar the way carbohydrates do. Try it: You’ll get some MCTs from coconut oil—but you can also buy bottles of flavorless isolated MCT oil. Add a teaspoon or two to your oatmeal, smoothies, dips or salad dressings for a little extra oomph.