Cosmo Appliances

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    • Month: November 2020

    The Best Dishwasher Hacks

    Posted on Posted in Appliances 101No Comments on The Best Dishwasher Hacks

    Dishwashers can save you valuable time in the kitchen. Who doesn’t want to skip out on the extra work after cooking a meal? While it may be tempting to just throw your dishes in, there are some key tricks you should implement to get the most out of your dishwasher. The last thing you want is to have to clean those dishes again after. Rinse Before Washing Modern dishwashers on the market are powerful enough to de-grime your dishes, but it’s best to give your dishes a rinse before loading them in. This will prevent any larger bits to remain stuck on your dishes. Take some time to scrape off any residue from your meals in the trash beforehand. Overloading Your Dishwasher Filling your dishwasher to max capacity will diminish its performance. It may seem easier to load everything at once for one wash, but this can lead to more work if the dishes are half clean after. Packed bowls or plates at the bottom of a washer can block the sprayers, preventing your other dishes from getting clean. The Right Detergent Powder detergents usually contain bleach which prevents build up in your washer over time, but it’s best to pay attention to the recommended amount of detergent. An excess can result in a film like residue on your dishes. Clean Your Dishwasher If your dishwasher is giving off a smell or there’s visible buildup, it’s time to clean it. Remove the dishwasher trap if you can and wash it in your sink. Clean the seals regularly throughout the dishwasher with a microfiber cloth. You can also place a cup of white vinegar at the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle to clean out food bits. Sources: Apartment Therapy

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    How to Personalize Your Kitchen

    Posted on Posted in How-To, KitchenNo Comments on How to Personalize Your Kitchen

    Plants may seem like just a decorative piece in a kitchen, but if growing the right ones, they can offer tastier meals and fresher cocktails. Consider adding low maintenance herbs to brighten up your kitchen space. Here’s some tips on how to start your plant collection. Pots. Plant pots can add the most character to a plant and speak to your style. Choose pots with interesting colors and shapes. Combine earthy clay pots and soothing natural sandstone for a dynamic look to your kitchen. You can also add a modern flair with classic black and white ceramic. Variety. Add a few different herbs to your kitchen that vary shape and texture. This can also make cooking easier with less runs to the grocery store. Try rosemary for an even more delicious roast chicken, or oregano for your favorite tomato sauce recipes. If you have cocktails in mind, consider easy growing mint for the most refreshing drinks. Space. If you’re short on counter space try out some hanging garden options. There are many pots on the market that will easily match your taste. It’s important to have your plants in a sunny spot in your kitchen, make sure you have a window spot that offers lots of natural light. Did you learn something new? Sound off in the comments. If you’re looking for more from Cosmo be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Sources: Apartment Therapy

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    What You Shouldn’t Clean with Baking Soda

    Posted on Posted in Home, KitchenNo Comments on What You Shouldn’t Clean with Baking Soda

    Baking soda is a staple for cleaning when it comes to your kitchen. While it may be tempting to use it everywhere, there’s some places you should absolutely steer clear from. Baking soda is abrasive which means it can damage lightly sealed surfaces or discolor some metals. Here’s a list of some places you should avoid using it. Aluminum cookware. Baking soda can usually be used on many metal surfaces but take caution with aluminum. You may be able to get away with using it if you quickly apply it and rinse it off. Leaving it on can cause it to oxidize which would change the aluminum’s surface color. Gold-plated service pieces. While 24k plated gold may be uncommon in a kitchen, some decorative wedding china may have some true gold accents. Baking soda can easily scratch gold since it’s a soft metal. Marble surfaces. Stone manufacturers advise against cleaning marble with baking soda. The repeat abrasive cleaning from baking soda can deteriorate the sealant. It’s best to use proper marble cleaners to avoid damage. Antique silver. While baking soda can be used to remove tarnish from silverware, be careful with antique silver. It may be too abrasive and ruin the finish, especially if you are unsure of the provenance and may not actually be sterling silver. Avoid pieces that contain decorative insets all together. It’s best to take these pieces to a professional who knows how to properly clean them. Did you learn something new? Follow our Facebook and Instagram for more from Cosmo. Source: Kitchn

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    Single Door vs. French Door Refrigerators

    Posted on Posted in Appliances 101, ProductsNo Comments on Single Door vs. French Door Refrigerators

    Refrigerators often hold the most important ingredients in your kitchen. French door or single door models may seem like a superficial detail but can actually make a big difference in how you use it. French Door Refrigerators Having two doors swinging out instead of one allows for better clearance in tighter kitchen areas. Since the freezer on French door refrigerators are located below, you have immediate access to your necessities–no more leaning down to see if you have any milk. They also tend to be more energy efficient than their single door counterparts, since you can open one door instead of the whole fridge, preventing cold air from escaping. French door refrigerators take advantage of the entire fridge width. You can easily store a full pizza in one of the tiers or drawers. However, French Door refrigerators often come with a more expensive price tag than a single door would. All the extra space means the door shelves tend to be more narrow, which may make it more difficult to store large pitchers or bottles on the doors. Single Door Refrigerators Single door refrigerators are favorable for their cheaper price. It may not have the fanciest features but if you need a fridge within a budget, the single door may be the way to go. They also are easier to clean, less handles means less work for you! Single door refrigerators are easier to close compared to French doors. French doors have to be closed with a good push, which can be a risk if you’re used to letting the door swing back closed on its own. If you’re looking for a statement piece in your kitchen, a single door wouldn’t have much to offer. Due to its larger door width these refrigerators need a lot of room to open. This can be an issue in smaller kitchen areas or apartments. Looking for a French Door Refrigerator? Check out the Cosmo COS-FDR225RHSS EXPLORE Source: Kitchn

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    Easy Pumpkin Pie Squares

    Posted on Posted in RecipesNo Comments on Easy Pumpkin Pie Squares

    Need a last minute Thanksgiving dinner recipe? We’ve got you covered. Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious and easy pumpkin pie squares. Prep: 20 mins Cook: 35 mins Servings: 24 Yield: 1-9×13 inch dish ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup rolled oats 2 eggs ¾ cup white sugar 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Mix in flour. Fold in oats. Press into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes, until set. In a large bowl, beat eggs with white sugar. Beat in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Mix in salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Pour over baked crust. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, until set. Let cool before cutting into squares. Source: AllRecipes

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    Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwich Recipe

    Posted on Posted in Kitchen, RecipesNo Comments on Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwich Recipe

    Try out this delicious oatmeal cream cookie recipe, courtesy of Culinary.net . These are easy to make and use practical ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Learn below how you can bring a new experience to your holiday season. Servings: 10-12 Oatmeal Cookies: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup dark brown sugar ½ cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ½ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats Vanilla Bean Cream Filling: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 2 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon heavy cream Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. To make oatmeal cookies: with a mixer, cream butter, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and oats. Gradually add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spoon dough into hands and roll into balls. Flatten balls and place onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Move cookies to wire rack to cool completely. To make vanilla bean cream filling: with a mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and heavy cream; mix until combined. Pipe or spoon a large dollop of filling on half the cookies; top each with second cookie. Source: Culinary.net

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    4 Ways to Reduce Stress

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    Stress is natural, and can actually be beneficial providing alertness in intense or dangerous situations. However, prolonged and chronic stress can cause negative effects on your health like anxiety, fatigue, headaches and depression. When dealing with stress it’s important to identify any causes that can be eliminated. If the stress is due to uncertainty there are ways to manage it. Exercise. Physical activities such as jogging or cycling that increase heart rate, release endorphins. Endorphins are hormones naturally produced in the brain that alleviate pain and reduce stress. Exercising also decreases other hormones which cause stress, like cortisol and adrenaline. Find an exercise that naturally interests you, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Relaxation Techniques. In a state of stress, people tend to restrict their breath since their heart is racing. Breathing techniques can help slow down heart rate. Try inhaling 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds. Other meditation techniques, like yoga, aid to lower cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. Sleep. Functioning with a lack of proper rest makes it harder to function. The stress hormone, cortisol stimulates your body making it more alert and more difficult to fall asleep. Getting a sleep schedule in order improves your circadian rhythm, the body’s “internal clock”. This will put your body in sync to fall asleep easier at a usual time. Establish your sleep routine and avoid any distractions such as phones. These devices make it harder to fall asleep. You can also try a bedtime ritual like reading a book or enjoying a warm bath before bed to calm your body. Diet. Key nutrients and proper nutrition can also reduce stress. Look for foods with Vitamin C to lower blood pressure. Some examples are broccoli or cauliflower. Foods with complex carbohydrates increase the production of serotonin to elevate your mood and happiness. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables all contain complex carbohydrates. Magnesium also helps to alleviate headaches and fatigue. Some foods containing magnesium are spinach, salmon and soybeans. When trying out any of these techniques it’s important to understand what works best for you. Everyone manages stress differently. Finding what works for you is a process of trial and error. Sources: Insider

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    How to Pick the Best Kitchen Sink and Faucet

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    Sinks and faucets are essential to any kitchen. Recent trends may influence your decision for your next upgrade, but it’s important to choose a sink that will work well for your needs and withstand years of use. Material Options. Sinks come in many different materials such as stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, and solid surfaces. If you tend to throw dishes into your sink, then stainless steel may be better for you, due to its tougher construction. Stainless steel is also an attractive choice when paired with solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone because of its undermount capability. Solid surface sinks are easier to clean due to their smoother area but can be chipped or damaged with hot pots and pans. Number of Sinks. Double-bowl sinks are the most common kitchen feature, but may not be necessary if you don’t wash as many dishes. Dishes may not always be hand washed when dishwashers are available, so the extra space isn’t always needed. Larger pots and pans may fit better in one large oversized sink bowl. The need for space differs from household to household, so recognize your needs when deciding on a sink construction. Faucets. There are many faucets to choose from on the market. Most use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. These valves prevent water from leaking and control the water pressure.  A ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. A faucet with a spray arm is useful for filling pots with water or cleaning the sink afterwards. Other features to consider are garbage disposals or hot water dispensers. It’s best to avoid brass finishes as these faucets aren’t as suitable for high use areas like a kitchen. Instead opt for materials like chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel or pewter. Sources: HGTV

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    Tea or Coffee in the Morning?

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    Coffee and tea are the most common drinks in the world. The debate of the health benefits between the two is ever evolving. It’s hard to distinguish which drink may be best to start your day with all the cluttered information. Here’s the key differences that can help you decide which one to sip on the next time you need a boost of energy. Caffeine Coffee and tea both contain the same stimulant: caffeine. But they differ in the way that they’re metabolized in our body. On average, a cup of coffee contains 80 to 100mg of caffeine. Tea on the other hand has 30 to 50mg per cup. This can vary across types of teas and brewing methods. Caffeine affects everyone differently and personal tolerance also plays a role. An excess of caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety or elevated heart rate. It’s recommended to not consume more than four or five cups of coffee a day. Energy Tea differs from coffee in that it contains the chemical, L-theanine. This chemical metabolizes caffeine over a longer period of time which can lead to sustained energy. Coffee can provide a quicker buzz, but tea enhances cognitive performance and attention. Antioxidants Antioxidants are chemical compounds that may reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants, but coffee has more. Some common antioxidants found in coffee are chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and n-coumaric acids. The major antioxidant in tea is catechin which has anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease or stroke. It’s important to note that although coffee contains more antioxidants, exceeding recommended daily caffeine amounts can lead to health risks like insomnia and nausea. Sources: Insider 

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