Year: 2021

How to Organize Your Fridge to Reduce Waste

There’s nothing worse than wasting money on food that has gone bad. Food waste is a large problem causing wasted resources and food to end up in landfills. Not to mention the food could’ve gone to people in need. Here’s a few ways you can use up your food faster while optimizing your refrigerator space. Front and Center. Keep items and foods you want to use front and center. If you see it every time you open the fridge you’re more likely to use it. Don’t worry about placing foods in places they “should” be going. Optimize the fridge to suit your needs so you don’t have to dig for items in the back of your fridge. Organize by Meal. Take some time to sit down and plan out a few meals for the week. Leave room for impromptu meals or spontaneous cravings. After you have your meal list down, go through and organize your fridge so the ingredients for each meal are grouped together. You’ll cut down on decluttering and organizing later. Learn Your Food. Your produce will taste better and last longer depending on how you store it. Some fruits and veggies are best kept on a counter at room temperature while others should be kept in a separate fridge drawer away from other produce. Broccoli and cauliflower can make other veggies go bad faster if they’re in the same drawer. You’ll save up on space while also prolonging the lifespan of your fruits and veggies with this method. Know Yourself. As soon as you get home from a haul of grocery shopping, prep any veggies or fruits for use. You can store them in clear containers so you can easily grab what you need or satisfy a craving later. If you find yourself always hungry for a turkey sandwich, leave the turkey and the bread together so you can easily grab both later. If you tend to snack, leave out some easily accessible healthy options such as grapes or carrots. Tend to be a long recipe cooker? Meal prep and store your meals on a specific day of the week so everything is organized and ready when you need it to be. The Freezer. Your freezer should be your go-to when preventing food waste. If your spinach is about to go bad, freeze it for a smoothie later. Don’t think you’re going to get to that chicken in time? Freeze it for when you have more time later. It’ll save you food and money in the long run. Source: the Kitchn

Breakfast Eggs & Weenies Toast Recipe

Breakfast food can be just as creative as other dishes. This toast recipe prepares egg, mozzarella cheese and beef Franks in an unconventional way. It’s super simple to make thanks to the help of an air fryer. You’ll want to leave enough room in the center of your bread to fit all of the ingredients. Serve these on their own for a quick and easy breakfast snack. Try these out for the weekend! Ingredients: Brioche Bread Egg Beef Franks Mozzarella Cheese Italian Seasoning Garlic Salt Pepper Non-stick Cooking Spray Directions: Crater the middle of a slice of Brioche bread and crack an egg into it Add slices of beef franks, mozzarella cheese and seasonings Oil your pan and air fry at 320°F for 8 minutes Shop Our Air Fryers Air Fryer Giveaway

How to Clean Small Kitchen Appliances

A smaller kitchen appliance can save time and energy in a kitchen. Coffee makers for example, are essential for a caffeine-craving household. These appliances are used so often and therefore require the utmost maintenance. Nearly every appliance has a control panel that is touched every time, leaving behind soil or bacteria. Microorganisms inside where food and beverages are prepared can lead to digestive upset or worse. Here’s how to get those small kitchen appliances clean. Espresso or Coffee Maker. Regardless of the kind of coffee machine, these should be cleaned regularly for both good tasting coffee and to prevent bacteria growth. A coffee maker combines moisture and warmth, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. All removable parts should be removed after every use to clean away coffee grounds and oils. Wash these with warm, soapy water or in a top rack of a dishwasher. Take a moment to wipe down the outside of the maker with a clean damp cloth. To clean the reservoir, fill it with equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes and then run a brewing cycle. Run an additional two cycles with plain distilled water afterwards. Blender or Food Processor. A blender, food processor or juicer is prone to splatters of food and liquid. After each use, rinse out the blender or cup with plain water. Fill with half warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. Power it on for about 15 to 30 seconds then dump out the solution. Disassemble the blades and lid parts, rinse them with hot water and allow to air dry. Take a clean cloth to wipe down the outside of the base and use a soft toothbrush if necessary to tackle buttons or knobs. Simply dip in a solution of warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Waffle Maker. Unplug the machine and wet several paper towels. Use metal tongs to hold them as you wipe down the hot grill or press to loosen food particles. When it’s completely cool, mix a cup of warm water with a drop of dishwashing liquid. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the solution and wipe the entire cooking surface. If you have a buildup of grease, use a soft toothbrush to get into the crevices. Rinse with another clean cloth dipped in plain water, then dry. If you have removable plates or drip trays, wash in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer. Never use a scrubbing pad or sharp tool on a nonstick surface. Toaster. After every use, unplug the toaster and open trap doors or shake it upside down over a trash or sink to remove loose crumbs. Wash the removable tray or tasting rack with hot, soapy water, then rise and dry afterwards. Once a week you should unplug the appliance and use a soft cloth dampened with hot, soapy water to wipe down the exterior and interior, avoiding the heating elements. You can use a toothbrush for harder to reach crevices. Rinse with another cloth with plain water and allow to dry before using. Source: the Spruce

Flaming Hot Cheeto Chicken Strips Recipe

Bring the fair food home. These Hot Cheeto Chicken Strips are nothing short of spicy and delicious. It’s as easy as preparing regular chicken strips, just with an extra coating of flavor. Be sure to prepare these in your air fryer for a hassle-free clean up. Serve these for a weekend meal along with plenty of water to cool down after. Ingredients: Hot Cheetos Egg Salt Black Pepper Flour Non-stick Cooking Spray Directions: Crush the Hot Cheetos in a zip lock bag In a bowl mix an egg wash seasoned with salt and black pepper Dip the chicken strip in the egg wash, then coat in flour and put back into the egg wash. Cover with the crushed Hot Cheetos Oil your pan and spray the chicken strips. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes on each side Shop Our Air Fryers Air Fryer Giveaway

Overdone Kitchen Design Trends

Let’s face it, we’ve spent more time at home with our kitchens this past year making us more conscious of kitchen trends. A kitchen is always a top priority for house hunters and with a competitive market, a trend could be a turn-off. Here are a few trends that have been worn down according to real estate experts. All-White Kitchens. At first these kitchens offered the most crisp and polished look. But over time this repeated design has deterred more buyers. It’s an easy fix however, painting an island or cabinets a shade of gray or navy blue can bring back some color. Minimal Counter Space. A big kitchen with flashy appliances used to dazzle house hunters. Given the increased amount of time at home due to the pandemic, buyers are more focused on the practicality of a home’s layout rather than design. If a kitchen and dishwasher are against one wall, a range or oven on another, and a refrigerator taking up another portion, where does food prep happen? Buyers can prefer countertop on both sides of a stove because it increases the amount of space to work with. Subway Tiles. Another essential to the white kitchen design, subway tiles have been getting a bit stale with buyers. More decorative tiles add interest to a kitchen that can win over buyers. It’s not always about doing the same old thing everyone else is doing. Too Many Details. A highly stylized kitchen could take a lot more money and effort to convert to a new design. Sleeker and minimalistic cabinetry contributes to a modern and simple look. It eliminates handles and crown molding which could attract more potential buyers. Sellers are finding ways to tone down their styles and eliminate personalized details. Source: Apartment Therapy

Blackberry Cheesecake Pastry Recipe

It’s time for a new dessert recipe. The blackberry cheesecake pastry has all the fruitful flavor you’d expect from the blackberries while being toasted in a Pillsbury crescent dough. It’s perfect for a single serve dessert whenever you’re craving something sweet. Don’t forget to finish it off with a dusting of powdered sugar. Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Blackberry Fruit Spread 1/2 Cup Berry Cream Spread 1 Tbsp. Corn Starch 1 Tbsp. Vanilla Extract Pillsbury Crescent Dough Non-stick Cooking Spray Directions: Mix the blackberry fruit spread, berry cream cheese, cornstarch and vanilla extract Split a Pillsbury crescent dough in half and shape into a square with thicker edges Fill the middle and sandwich your dough. Seal the edges with a fork and oil before air frying Oil your pan and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar Shop Our Air Fryers Air Fryer Giveaway

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

The season is upon us! It’s time to bring out our fall holiday decorations and create our seasonal desserts. These pumpkin muffins incorporate everything you can need from fall. It’s comforting, sweet and cozy with the spices and pumpkin purée. They’re tender and soft, making them great alongside a warm beverage of your choice. You can freeze the muffins for up to 2 months, just defrost them on the counter for a quick weekday breakfast. Prep time: 20 minsCook time: 20 minsTotal time: 40 minsServings: 12 servingsYield: 12 standard muffins Ingredients 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée 1 1/4 cups (270g) packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil Directions Preheat oven and prepare the muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a standard muffin pan with muffin liners, or grease each well with butter. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until combined and homogenous. Make the batter: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a large spoon or a rubber spatula just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix. It is okay if there are some lumps in the batter. Divide the muffin batter: Divide the batter evenly among the cups. Each well should be filled nearly to the top. Bake the muffins: Bake muffins for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean. Cool the muffins and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes more. Serve warm or at room temperature. Source: Simply Recipes

Air Fried Ground Beef Recipe

Cut back on the resources for preparing ground beef with this air fryer recipe. Most of the time you don’t need an entire oven or cooktop to achieve the same dishes you love. This ground beef recipe is super simple to make and only takes a few minutes. Have dinner ready with less mess and hassle. Feel free to season the beef as much as you desire or with your own mix. Ingredients: Ground Beef Garlic Salt Black Pepper Red Pepper Directions: Break up the ground beef into pieces and lay in a single layer in your air fryer Season to taste with garlic, salt, black pepper and red pepper Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula then air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes

Fish Cakes with Tarragon Mayo Recipe

Have leftover fish? Make proper use of them with this delicious and flavorful fish cake recipe. They’re crisp and golden on the outside while flaky-mois on the inside. A combination of fresh herbs, capers, mustard and scallions season these to perfection. Don’t skip out on the tarragon mayo, made of mayonnaise spiked with another fresh herb or tartar sauce. Prep time: 25 mins Cook time: 12 mins Chill time: 60 mins Total time: 97 mins Yield: 8 cakes Ingredients For the Tarragon Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 or more tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, or fresh herb of your choice For the cod fish cakes: 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt 1 bay leaf 1/2 onion, 1/4-inch slices 1 sprig fresh thyme, or a pinch dried thyme 1 pound cod fillet 2 large eggs 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, or tarragon 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons drained and chopped capers 4 scallions, finely sliced 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil Directions Make the mayonnaise: In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise and tarragon together. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the fish cakes. Cook and mash the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the potatoes to a boil, adjust the heat to a simmer, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. In a colander, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. With a potato masher, coarsely mash them. Set aside. Poach the fish: Sprinkle the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. In a wide skillet, place the onions, bay leaf, and thyme. Place the fish on top of the onions. (If your fish still has the skin on it, place it skin side up.) Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and enough water to barely cover the fish. Cover with a lid. Over medium heat, bring the water to a simmer. Simmer the fish for 2 to 3 minutes. The fish may be done at this point, but if not, set it aside, covered, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is opaque. The cooking time will vary according to the thickness of the fish. Transfer it to a plate to cool. With a fork or your fingers, break the fish into large flakes. Make the fish cake mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, additional fresh herbs of your choice, mustard, capers, and scallions. Mix to blend them. Add the mashed potatoes and stir until the ingredients are combined. Add the fish and panko, and stir to combine. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape them into patties that are about 3 inches wide and 1-inch thick. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 1 hour or for up to 1 day. Cook the fish cakes: Set a rack 4 inches from the broiler element and preheat the boiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush generously with oil. Place the patties on the baking sheet and brush the tops with oil. Broil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the patties over. Brush the tops with more oil. Broil for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned. Serve hot with tarragon mayonnaise or tartar sauce. Source: Simply Recipes

The Newest Cosmo Air Fryer

In case you hadn’t noticed, the Cosmo Air Fryer line is getting a new addition! The COS-58AFAKSS comes in silver steel, making it a perfect fit on any kitchen countertop. Enjoy food that is both delicious and healthy. The air fryer combines high-speed air circulation and heat to prepare food easily and in a short amount of time. It houses a top grill to cook your ingredients from all sides simultaneously. Cook tasty dishes without the addition of excess oils or fats to most ingredients. The easy-to-control separate timer and temperature knob controls make any recipe possible. Cleanup is a breeze with non-stick coated parts that are conveniently sized to be dishwasher-safe. Previous Next Product Features Easy-to-use knob controls with separate timer and temperature adjustments Fast cooking, with little-to-no preheating required Non-stick coated parts are dishwasher safe making clean-up quick and easy Versatile with frying, baking, grilling, and roasting capabilities Hassle-free frying with no splatters, mess or smells from oil No assembly required making it easy and safe to use Includes food basket and grill pan Looking to get in on the air fryer craze? You can purchase yours here! Buy Here