Month: March 2021

The One Mistake to Avoid For Renovations

Posted on March 31, 2021April 8, 2021Posted in Home, KitchenNo Comments

Homeowners can feel the urge to jump through homes whenever they’re unhappy with where they live. After all, finding a home you’ll want to stay in forever can be daunting. However, renovating a home or kitchen can be a manageable solution to avoid the urge to move all together. These upgrades bring the heart to a space and improve the home for the better. There’s one big mistake people are making when renovating their homes: not taking into consideration if there are young children living in it. Babies and toddlers especially make a mess and will most likely scratch, draw on, or break something they’re not supposed to. There isn’t much sense to redo your floors if they will be drawn over in a week or two. It’s logical to wait until children are a bit older before you start investing in any serious upgrade. Patience is key for these kinds of renovations. While a renovation can look pretty temporarily, it could really cost you in the long run. Source: House Beautiful

Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe

Posted on March 30, 2021March 30, 2021Posted in RecipesNo Comments

A fresh and easy asparagus soup is the perfect meal when spring arrives. Make use of delicious seasonal asparagus with a base of onions, garlic and lots of chopped asparagus. This recipe calls for cream, but you can skip it if you’re looking for a lighter meal. The secret ingredient here is a little bit of vermouth at the end. Read how to prepare this dish below. Prep time: 15 minsCook time: 30 minsTotal time: 45 mins Ingredients: 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed of woody stem bottoms 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped) 1 teaspoon minced garlic, or 1 Tbsp minced green garlic 3 Tbsp butter 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (vegetarian option) 1 cup water 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat sour cream 1 Tbsp dry vermouth 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more to taste) 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste) Directions: Cut asparagus tips and reserve, cut the rest of asparagus into 1/4-inch rounds. Cut tips from the asparagus 1 1/2 inches from top and reserve. Chop the rest of the asparagus stalks into 1/4-inch rounds. Sauté onions, garlic. Melt the butter in a 4 to 5 quart pot on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic (or green garlic) and cook a minute more. Add the chopped asparagus (not the spear tips) to the onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 5 minutes. Add the broth, water, thyme sprigs and bay leaf to the pot. Increase the heat to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, until the asparagus are tender, about 10 minutes. At the end of cooking, stir in the chopped parsley Blanch asparagus tips. While the soup is cooking, blanch the asparagus tips in a small pot of boiling, salted water, until the tips are just tender, about 2-4 minutes, depending on the size of the asparagus. Drain. Rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside. Purée the soup. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Use either an immersion blender or an upright blender (working in batches) to purée the soup. If you use an upright blender, work in small batches, fill no more than a third the blender bowl at a time, and hold down the lid while blending. For a creamy texture, if you want, press the puréed soup through a sieve or food mill. Stir in the cream (or full-fat sour cream). Stir in the vermouth and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with asparagus tips. Source: Simply Recipes

Coloring Easter Eggs Naturally

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021Posted in HolidaysNo Comments

Easter’s right around the corner, and colored eggs are a staple in many households. While dyeing kits can be convenient, they can get pricey especially if you’re hoping to color a dozen of eggs. You can achieve a similar effect with natural ingredients such as fresh produce and spices. These types of eggs give a more rustic feel but can still achieve a deeper and brighter color the longer you allow the eggs to soak. Some colors can dye within 30 minutes, but other lighter colors can benefit from an overnight soak. Read below on how to achieve your favorite colors. Instructions: Combine 1 qt water and 2 Tbsp white vinegar in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil and add your dye ingredients for the egg color of your choice (listed below). Lower the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool. Strain the dye to remove any food fragments. Add the eggs to the strained dye and let soak for at least 30 minutes. When it reaches the desired color, remove the egg with tongs and pat it dry with paper towels. Color Options: Red/Dark Pink: Add 4 cups chopped beets and follow instructions above Orange: Add 4 cups yellow onion skins and follow instructions above. For a brighter orange, let the eggs soak overnight Yellow: Add 3 Tbsp turmeric and follow instructions Light Blue: Add 3 cups chopped red or purple cabbage and follow instructions. For a brighter blue, let the eggs soak overnight Dark Blue: Add 4 cups blueberries and follow instructions Deep Red: Add skins from 6 red onions. Add in 2 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and strain the liquid into a jar. Green: Add spinach leaves to a saucepan and pour in 2 cups cold water and 4 Tbsp white vinegar. Place in bowl and follow the steps above. Purple: Pour a cup of red wine into a jar. Add an egg and let soak until you are happy with the color. Rinse with cool water and let dry. Source: Good Housekeeping

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Posted on March 26, 2021March 26, 2021Posted in RecipesNo Comments

If you’re looking for the quickest side dish, look no further than air fryer asparagus. Your air fryer can cook much more than just doughnuts and french fries. Cook delicious and tender asparagus in under 10 minutes. When picking your asparagus, look for plump, straight and green spears. You’ll find the best results with medium to thick spears. Yield: Serves 4Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: 7 to 9 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound medium to thick asparagus 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions: Heat an air fryer to 400°F or 425°F (choose the higher temperature if available). Meanwhile, trim the woody ends from 1 pound asparagus. Transfer to a medium bowl, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and toss to coat. Add the asparagus to the air fryer and spread into a single layer. Air fry until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy on the ends, stopping to shake the basket (or rotate the pans in larger air fryers) about halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the top. Source: the Kitchn

How to Master Espresso Powder

Posted on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021Posted in CookingNo Comments

If you’ve ever baked a chocolate or mocha-flavored cake, then you’ve probably seen a recipe call for espresso powder or instant espresso. This ingredient is a quick way to boost the flavor of the chocolate. You may also have seen espresso powder called for in dry spice rubs for meat, especially to grill. So what exactly is espresso powder? Here’s how to best utilize it, and what to do if you don’t have any on hand. Espresso is a very dark and concentrated instant coffee. It’s not just espresso beans that are grounded finely. These crystals will dissolve in liquid quickly. It’s also important to note that this isn’t technically made for a morning latte. Bakers primarily use it for flavoring cookies, cakes and more. An espresso powder is different from instant coffee in that it’s much more concentrated. Use this powder in your chocolate recipes to enhance flavor. A teaspoon won’t make them taste much like coffee. Using more than a teaspoon will start to bring out coffee flavors. If you ever find yourself without espresso powder, use instant espresso instead. Add 50% more than the amount of espresso powder a recipe usually calls for. Be mindful with instant espresso as it can taste harsh or sour if too much is used. Source: the Kitchn

How to Make the Best Homemade Breadcrumbs

Posted on March 24, 2021March 24, 2021Posted in CookingNo Comments

Bread crumbs add texture, color and a crunch that immediately elevates any dish. You can sprinkle these on a dish to take a dinner from drab to delicious. While there are store-bought options out there, you can easily make your own. Breadcrumbs can come from any kind of bread or roll that can be going stale in the freezer. These breads are great to turn into crumbs. Sourdough French bread Rye Whole wheat or white sandwich bread Leftover hot dog and hamburger buns Use a food processor to quickly turn any bread into tiny bits. Tear the bread into smaller pieces and then pulse in the processor until the crumbs are coarse. If you have a thicker crust bread like French or sourdough you can also trim the crusts beforehand. Total time: 10 minsYield: 2 cups Ingredients: 4 slices bread, about 2 to 3 cups 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon dried thyme 1 pinch salt 1 pinch ground black pepper Directions: To make breadcrumbs quickly in a food processor, remove the crusts from the bread (if you want to), tear the bread into pieces, and pulse in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs. Pulse longer for finer crumbs.Freeze the crumbs for later or toast them to use within a few days. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bread crumbs (either fresh or frozen), thyme, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar, and store on your countertop for up to a week. Source: Simply Recipes

Brownie in a Mug Recipe

Posted on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021Posted in RecipesNo Comments

Looking for one of the quickest desserts you can make? Brownie in a mug! Complete this recipe in just 5 minutes. Use a mug that is microwave safe, with no metal in the ceramic glaze. A regular 12 to 16 ounce mug will work best. Use a neutral oil or butter instead of an extra olive oil for a more mild oil taste. Prep time: 3 minsCook time: 2 minsTotal time: 5 minsServing: 1 serving Ingredients: 1/4 cup flour (30 g) 1/4 cup sugar (50 g) 2 tablespoons (13 g) cocoa (natural, unsweetened) Pinch of salt Tiny pinch of cinnamon 1/4 cup water (60 ml) 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter, or neutral oil 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 small scoop of ice cream or 1 or 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream to serve Directions: Add the dry ingredients to the mug and stir: Place flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon in a microwave safe ceramic mug. Stir with a fork or spoon to mix well and break up any clumps. Add the wet ingredients and stir: Add the butter or oil, water, and vanilla to the cup and stir until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Zap in microwave: Place in microwave and heat on high until the mixture is cooked through, about a 1 minute and 40 seconds for a 1000 watt microwave, or 1 minute 10 seconds on a 1650 watt microwave. You may have to experiment and adjust the time for less or more powerful microwaves. If you don’t know the power level on your microwave, start with 60 seconds and increase until the brownie is done. It should still be moist when cooked through, not dry. Top with ice cream: Let cool for a minute and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a teaspoon or two of whipping cream poured over. Upgrading your microwave soon? Shop our entire catalog of Cosmo Appliances here. Source: Simply Recipes

Where to Start with Wood Flooring

Posted on March 22, 2021April 22, 2021Posted in KitchenNo Comments

Wood flooring is a highly versatile flooring that can work with virtually every interior style. But not all wood floorings are the same. The type, finish and species all play a critical role in not only the look, but how it will maintain over time. Solid vs. Engineered Solid wood floorboards are solid planks of hardwood. They’re common in older houses and can be sanded and restained many times. A drawback of hardwood is they may warp in humid environments. Engineered floorboards are made up of layers of wood veneer. These boards of tiny sheets of wood are more durable than solid wood and don’t warp. However, since these boards are made of thin layers, they usually cannot be refinished. These are a more permanent color decision while solid wood can be altered afterwards. Finish vs. Unfinished Floorboards can come in one of two ways, pre-finished or unfinished. A pre-finished floorboard will come with the stain already on them before installation. You won’t need to sand or stain them which will cut down on labor and time. They tend to be more expensive for this specific reason. An unfinished floorboard is sanded and stained on-site. You’ll have more control over the color and finish, while also cutting down on the price. However, they will require more labor and process for installation. Species Hardwood floors come in dozens of options, both new and reclaimed or salvaged from other building projects. Here’s a list of some of the most popular kinds. Oak. One of the most common floor types. Favored for its durability, wide grain and ability to stain in main different ways. Maple. A distinct grain pattern, finer than many other woods. These floors are more susceptible to rot from insects compared to other wood types. Cherry. An extremely durable wood, with a reddish hue and shiny texture. Bamboo. A lighter finish compared to other woods. Due to it being a woody grass, it’s more fragile than other hardwoods. Bamboo is a renewable resource. Pine. A wide variety in species due to the countless types of pines. It’s best to advise with an expert before selecting a specific type. Source: House Beautiful

The Easiest Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Posted on March 19, 2021March 19, 2021Posted in RecipesNo Comments

Chocolate mousse is an older dessert that can be intimidating with all its precise steps. Separating eggs, getting melted chocolate to the right temperature and careful folding can be overwhelming. However, there’s an easy two-ingredient version that anyone can do. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, rich and sweetness. Read more below on how to master this dessert. In the classic French version, a chocolate mousse uses egg whites for volume and egg yolks for creaminess. In this version, you’ll just need a simple ganache and whipped cream. Be sure to carefully whip the cream to medium peaks, otherwise you’ll end up with a grainy mousse. When folding the cream, be sure to do so gently into the chocolate in thirds. You can serve the chocolate mousse in small ramekins or even cocktail glasses. It’s perfect as a make-ahead dessert. Yield: Serves 4Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 1 hour Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream, divided 1 cup good-quality chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate (6 ounces) Garnish options: grated chocolate or crunchy toppings, such as chopped nuts, toffee, or brittle Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons Chef’s knife and cutting board Large and medium mixing bowls Whisk Large spatula 4 serving dishes or ramekins Directions: Warm 1/2 cup cream and use it to melt the chocolate. Heat 1/2 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes for the chocolate to melt. Whisk the chocolate and cream together. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Set aside to cool while you whip the remaining cream. Beat the remaining cream to medium peaks. Place the remaining 1 cup cold cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or with a whisk by hand until soft peaks form. Transfer 1/2 cup to a small bowl and refrigerate for topping the finished mousse before serving. Continue whipping the remaining whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate in three additions. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture with a large spatula in three additions. Work swiftly and gently and don’t stress if there are streaks of cream in the chocolate mousse. Portion the mousse and chill before serving. Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins or cocktail glasses. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 before serving. Dollop with the reserved softly whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired. Looking for your next kitchen upgrade? Check out our entire line of Cosmo Appliances including ranges, cooktops, ovens and more here.(link) Source: the Kitchn

What Oils to Use When Cooking

Posted on March 18, 2021March 18, 2021Posted in CookingNo Comments

Oil has evolved over time. We have come a long way from shortening, margarine, lard and butter. Our pantries can have oils from all over the world. With all these choices, come more questions. Here’s a guide to cooking oils depending on different cooking methods. Smoke point. This is the temperature an oil will start to smoke. The smoke comes before burning. Not all oils behave the same when heated. Some oils are very stable and can heat to very high temperatures without issues, like avocado oil. Others, like walnut oil, will degrade quickly if heated too high. They will develop unhealthy compounds which shouldn’t be consumed. Unless you’re searing food, you typically don’t want the oil to be smoking hot for very long. Doing so can result in free radicals, which are not good for your body. When cooking with oils there’s some general guidelines you can follow. The higher the heat, the more stable your oil should be. In general, the lighter the color of the oil, the more neutral its flavor. Unrefined oils taste more like the thing they came from. Unfiltered oils are not lower in quality. They’re just not as good for high heat because they have tiny particles in them that will burn quickly. Searing. Use a refined neutral oil like canola oil, soy oil or vegetable oil. You’ll need the oil to smoke for a short period of time so you’ll need a highly stable kind. Sautéing. Use a flavorful or neutral oil like extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil. You’ll want the skillet on medium to high heat, so a moderate to high smoke point oil is the way to go. Frying. Use a highly stable oil like peanut oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil. The temperature sometimes spikes between batches of food so you’ll need an oil with a higher smoke point. Source: Simply Recipes