How-To

Healthy Living: Steps to Take for a Healthier Lifestyle

Posted on May 7, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

There isn’t a better time than now to start getting fit with health information and products so easily accessible. Simply incorporate the basics into your daily routine – good nutrition, adequate exercise and a daily supplement – and start down the path toward better health. Plan a Nutritious Diet The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy diet as one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products. It should be low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. Warm weather makes fresh produce more easily accessible. Eat more fruits and vegetables by setting freshly washed and prepared produce on the kitchen counter or at eye level in the fridge. At every meal, make sure half your plate is made up of fruit and vegetable servings. One-fourth of your plate at every meal should be made up of grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal or barley. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. The remaining one-fourth of your plate should be lean or low-fat cuts of meat, plant-based protein or seafood. Get Regular Exercise The Department of Health and Human Services recommends an adequate amount of exercise every day. This guide can point to the right amount of exercise to add to your schedule: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. For best results, spread the time out over several days. Do strength training exercises at least twice a week. Lifting weights builds muscle, which means the body burns more calories – even at rest. It’s important to keep in mind that when people are active, they produce more free radicals. The antioxidants found in supplements can help buffer the negative effects of the workout. Improving your diet, exercising regularly, taking a daily supplement and getting enough restorative sleep are all important steps to overall wellness. Work to incorporate each step into your daily routine until you reach your goal of good health Source: eLivingToday.com For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Simple Solutions for Small Appliances

Posted on April 29, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged coffee maker, dishwasher, rece cooker, slow cooker, small appliances, spring, spring cleanNo Comments

Your family depends on the appliances in your kitchen. You have a few small appliances in your home that you want to keep in good working order. Here’s a quick list of small kitchen solutions for small kitchen appliances to make cooking and cleaning more convenient. Microwave Presets to Save Energy Did you know that using the pre-set cooking times on the touchpad can help your microwave work more efficiently and save energy? It can also help you avoid cooking accidents. Use the pre-set times when thawing foods, too. Order Matters in the Blender One of the most important tips to keep in mind with any blender is the order of the ingredients you’re adding. Go from lightest to heaviest. That mean you should ALWAYS start with liquid and make sure it covers the blades. Cover Up the Stand Mixer To prevent unwanted dust from getting into your Stand Mixer and into your food, keep it covered by attaching a shower cap around it. Know your Slow Cooker’s Limits The high setting is for when you just want to heat things up, If you want vegetables to stay whole, don’t put them in the slow cooker on high for 12 hours unless they’re hard-shelled, like squashes. Delicate vegetables like zucchini or peppers will melt into nothing. When you’re slow cooking vegetables, put the slow cooker on a delayed start for about three to four hours and keep it set to low. Clean your Coffee Pot The coffee pot, itself, should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning it every two weeks will keep old coffee and grounds that are stuck in the pot from imparting your brews with unwanted flavors. Wipe the Outside Of the Rice Cooker’s Pot A common mistake some people have is placing the pot of uncooked rice into the cooker with the outside of the pot being wet. Not only could it damage the rice cooker’s heating elements, it also affects the cooking temperature of the rice. So give it a quick wipe on the outside first before you put the rice in.

The Magic of Cooking with A Portable Induction Cooktop

Posted on April 16, 2020November 16, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged induction cooktop, kitchen appliancesNo Comments

Curious about induction cooking? There’s a lot to love about induction cooking and cooking with a portable cooktop has some real advantages. These fancy, futuristic looking and almost magical appliances offer sleek designs, with a smooth glass surface. Loved by chefs and food stylist, the portable induction cooktop is changing the cooking game- with its many time-and money-saving benefits. Portable induction cooktops are an excellent option for cooks looking to add extra cooking surfaces, when there are extra mouths to feed during the holidays, parties and when catering for other large gatherings. If you have a small kitchen and need to maximize your space, you can easily tuck it away in a cabinet when you’re not using it making it the perfect space saving appliance for dorms, boats, patios, and RVs. Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware. Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop. Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware. Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop. Another reason for its efficiency is the induction burners’ ability to reach precise temperature quickly. The heat created is instantaneous. It heats a pan to temperature in under a minute, and will boil water right before your eyes! Induction cooktop burners offers a rapid response to cooking that offers almost 30% quicker heating time. Not only is it powerful, its scientifically precise temperature control means everything cooks perfectly. We are fans of the portable induction cooktop when safety is concerned- especially with kids and pets in the home. The lack of an open flame and the fact the burner almost immediately cools down ensures its safety factor. Induction cooking is inherently safer than other methods because the burners don’t get hot, only the pan does. Plus, induction cooktops have several safety features like child-safety lock, pan detection and auto-shut off increasing their safety. Another great perk of the portable induction cooktop is its sleek surface that is easy to clean. Because it generates little heat, there’s less cooking splatters and food doesn’t bake into the surface. Plus, with zero nooks to scrub, cleaning is simply a breeze. Last but not least, its incredible function is matched by its aesthetic. The induction cooktop is an attractive addition to any kitchen. While this form of cooking is more popular in Europe, its popularity is growing in the U.S. and justifiably so. Induction cooking is faster, safer, cleaner and more efficient. Considering adding a portable induction cooktop to your kitchen? Click here for more information and product features.

Maximize Your Family Time

Posted on April 3, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged family, life hacks, lifestyle, quarantine, stay-at-homeNo Comments

Now as much as ever, close family ties can make a significant impact on young lives. Constantly emerging technology sometimes limits personal interaction, while many school-age children experience unprecedented stress levels. Building strong connections with trusted adults can give kids a sense of security and a better foundation for achieving their potential. Make spending time together a priority with these engaging activity ideas that allow the whole family to get in on the fun. Plan a Movie or Game Night Kids thrive on routines and clear expectations, so a regular special event like a movie or game night can give them something to anticipate each week. Watching TV at home may not be a novelty, but you can make it an occasion to celebrate by adding special touches like dimming the lights to mimic a theater, pulling out cozy blankets and preparing popcorn or other treats. If you opt for game night instead, keep the enthusiasm strong week after week by creating long-range tournaments or allowing kids to rotate game selection privileges. Read Together Sharing books together not only creates an opportunity for bonding, it’s a way to give your child an academic boost outside the classroom. Studies show that daily reading promotes literacy, helps kids build their vocabulary and improves overall academic achievement. Also, the benefits don’t end with elementary-age children. Parents can connect with older kids through books that carry important lessons about life and relationships. Reading books individually then coming together to discuss them, similar to a book club, can provide the chance for thoughtful talks about difficult topics. Cook Meals Together Eating together is a goal for many families, but preparing meals together takes those benefits even further. Engaging kids in meal preparation creates a sense of cooperation and instills pride for a successful project. It’s also a chance to share family traditions and pass on recipes that have traveled through generations. Enjoy a Craft Day Kids need the chance to let their imaginations soar, and arts and crafts projects can provide the perfect outlet for creative expression. An art session may be as simple as enlisting everyone’s help to make decorations for an upcoming event. Another thoughtful way to channel all that creative energy: have little artists make cards to deliver to a local senior or retirement community. For more life hacks, ideas and inspiration follow our Facebook page For product information website

Spring Cleaning 101: 5 Steps to Deep Clean Your Oven

Posted on April 2, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged deep clean oven, kitchens, oven, refresh your home for spring, remodeling, spring clean, style1 Comment

From bubbled over sauces to burnt cheese, your oven is the canvas for all kinds of spills and splatters. Ovens seem to present the most anxiety when it comes to cleaning kitchen appliance. With the right knowledge and basic tools, oven cleaning doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore. So, what is the best way to clean an oven? In the spirit of spring cleaning we have a two safe, natural, and effective methods to get the job done. How to Clean the Oven: What You Need: Baking soda Water Rubber gloves Magic Eraser Damp dish cloth Spray bottle White vinegar Essential Oil (Optional) STEP ONE: Empty the oven, remove your oven racks, pizza stone, oven thermometer, and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside. STEP TWO: Start by vacuuming out the dirt, dust, crumbs, and debris. You can use the vacuum hose, or if that feels too powerful, try the crevice attachment. How to clean with Baking Soda Make a baking soda paste. This is a timelessly classic way to clean your oven. With a little elbow grease your oven will sparkle like new again. In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. If you’re adding any essential oils, 2-3 drops will be sufficient, but add more if desired. Adjust the ratio of both baking soda and water as needed until you have a spreadable paste. Distribute the mixture throughout the interior of the oven, except for the heating elements. Let mixture sit overnight in the oven for at least 12 hours. The following day, spread vinegar over the surface and allow it to react with the paste, which will make the debris much easier to scrub off. How to DIY Steam Clean with Water and Vinegar Place a large oven-proof dish, filled with a solution of water and White Vinegar on your bottom rack, then heat your oven to 350°. Bring this solution to a boil. Turn off the oven and let it cool. Open the doors and spray the inside with a solution made of water and vinegar and allow this mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Once the oven has completely cooled down, wipe away all food residue. STEP FOUR: Soak racks in dishwashing liquid for a few hours, scrub with a scouring pad, and then rinse well and dry. If racks need heavy-duty cleaning, apply the paste. Note* Only use stainless steel racks; baking soda can discolor aluminum. STEP FIVE: Use a magic eraser to easily wipe away grease on your oven glass. Are you due for a brand new oven? If your oven is on it’s last legs and cleaning it just won’t do the trick- Cosmo Appliances has a premium selection of wall ovens that are easy to clean and maintain with self cleaning feature. Making Your Home Appliances Brand New Again With the right cleaning method you can have your oven appliance sparkle like new again. Just remember to always consult the instruction manual with each of your appliances. Although vinegar and other mild detergents are generally safe on appliances, there are always some exceptions to the rule. For more recipes, ideas and inspiration follow our Facebook page. For product information visit our website.

Stuck-at-Home Easy Meal Hacks

Posted on March 31, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, Home, How-To, Kitchen, RecipesTagged cooking at home, easy recipes, green cooking, recipe

Not sure what’s for dinner tonight? You’re not alone. After weeks on lockdown and exhausting your favorite go-to meals you’re probably working extra hard to be creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re stuck at home your meals don’t have to be boring, with a little meal planning your family can enjoy healthy, flavorful meals during the coronavirus quarantine. More cooking can also mean more time spent preparing meals so innovation and technology can make meal prep easier, and kitchen hacks like turning to ready-to-heat meals that take just minutes can enhance your productivity. Consider these simple ways to rethink your dinner routine in an effort to create more moments with loved ones: Look for recipes with as few ingredients as possible. Dishes that include longer ingredient lists typically require more legwork in the kitchen, which usually involves additional prep steps and sometimes longer cook times. Plus, you’re more likely to already have the necessities on-hand for recipes that call for 5-10 ingredients rather than lengthy lists. Buy pre-cut vegetables to trim time spent on prep work. One of the processes that can surprisingly consume more time than you realize is cutting, chopping and dicing veggies prior to even really diving into a recipe’s instructions. If you’d still prefer prepping your own fresh produce, try completing your work the night before when it doesn’t interfere with quality time spent with family. Meal kits certainly save time in the store, but be careful to avoid options that still include a lot of prep and cleanup. Focus on frozen kits that contain pre-chopped and measured ingredients that are ready to go. Stock your pantry with the basics to make cooking quicker and easier. From condiments and canned goods to seasonings and spices, keeping the essentials on-hand means less time scrambling for a quick run to the store and more moments spent at home. For one of the ultimate comfort foods that’s simple to make, try thischeesy baked potato casserole. Stock Up on Pantry Essentials Running to the store every other day isn’t an option when you’re on lock down, so try to keep your pantry stocked with non-perishables that are often necessary in a variety of meals. Seasonings and spices (salt, pepper, dried herbs, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, etc.) Canned goods (tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, etc.) Grains (flour, pastas, breadcrumbs, rolled oats, instant rice, etc.) Condiments and oils (olive oil, canola oil, ketchup, mustard, vinegars, barbecue sauce, butter, cooking wines, etc.)

6 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher

Posted on March 27, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged dishwasher, spring, spring cleanNo Comments

Despite being one of the best kitchen inventions ever! the dishwasher has long been an underrated kitchen appliance. There’re more things you can wash in it than just cereal bowls, coffee mugs and forks. The dishwasher with all its capabilities will wash just about anything, like magic! Obviously, there are some things you should never put in the dishwasher, but there are a lot of items you probably never thought of washing in it either. The dishwasher is so handy, especially when spring cleaning. You can really save time while giving your household items a thorough clean. Things you can clean in a dishwasher: Art Supplies You can wash your art brushes, paint bowls, watercolor palettes, placemats, and other art supplies right in the dishwasher. Make sure you scrape any old paint and rinse them before tossing in the dishwasher. Home Decor Vases, decorative pottery, light fixtures, candles and oil lamps can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher. Use the top rack for most things except the heavier items. Avoid chipping delicate figurines and anything with gold or silver gilt. Bathroom Accessories Save yourself some time from scrubbing and sanitizing bathroom accessories caked with soap scum and hard water stains. Put items like soap dishes and toothbrush holders on the top rack for an easy clean. Kitchen Tools Most kitchen exhaust fans have a washable filter to capture grease and cooking odors and keep the air clean. Put the filter and any removable covers in the dishwasher for degreasing. Remove food residue and bacteria from silicone oven mitts, microwave turntables, and refrigerator shelving and bins. Each time you run a load of dishes add your kitchen sponges and scrubbing brushes. Kids Toys Your kids toys have probably been everywhere, dragged across the floor and left outside before finding their way into your kid’s mouth so throw those plastic toys and building blocks in the dishwasher. Small pieces should be placed in a mesh bag or box on the top rack for easy cleaning. Tools and Car Accessories Place tools in utensil holder, but avoid those that are electrical, battery operated or with wooden handles. Run your ca or house keys throw a cycle if they get grimy. You will be amazed how clean hubcaps get after a hot water cycle.

Spring Cleaning 101: 5 Tips for Quick Pantry Organization

Posted on March 25, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged kitchens, pantry, pantry organization, refresh your home for spring, remodeling, spring clean, styleNo Comments

Circumstances may have you feeling overwhelmed with a lot of cans and dry goods you wouldn’t normally be dealing with all at once. Conquer your clutter with these five easy tips from Cosmo Appliances to help organize your pantry. Utilize the Door The backs of your pantry doors may all be dead space. If you’ve got a gap between door and shelving, consider hanging a wire rack with smaller items that otherwise get easily lost or shuffled to the back. Stack Food Containers If you can never find the matching lids to your Tupperware, this one’s for you! Take five minutes to organize your storage containers by size on the shelf, then make a vertical rack to store the matching lids. (Have a lid for a container that’s MIA? you have our permission to repurpose it or get rid of it. We won’t tell anyone.) Sort by Category Keeping shelves to a theme can help you find things faster. Group your granola bars, and stash your salty snacks together so they’re easy to find when you have a craving Cycle your shelves As you’re buying new boxed goods, take the extra second as you’re putting away groceries to pull the oldest boxes forward, and put the new box behind them. That way you’re not left with expired food. Hang it up If you have wire shelving in your pantry, you can use hooks and chip clips to hang up small items and lightweight bagged goods, freeing up shelf space, and, as a bonus, keeping you from accidentally crushing your chips. We hope these tips help you keep your pantry feeling fresh! For more recipes, tips and ideas, visit us at cosmoappliances.com, and like our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/cosmokitchenproducts

An Hour a Day for Your Sanity

Posted on March 24, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-ToTagged covid-19, fitness, health, mindfulness, self-care, stay-at-home, well-beingNo Comments

Tips for Self-Care During Difficult Times There are things you can do right now for your well-being if you’re isolating at home. It’s easy to get lost in all the noise from what is going on, whether you’re over-consuming on the news or scrolling through social media a little too much. Remember it’s important that you preserve some sense of normalcy. Getting up and doing what you usually do will positively affect your mental health. But, more than just that self- care should be at the top of your list of priorities. Why self-care? because long-periods of isolation have been linked to serious mental health issues. So this is a time to get creative about self-care while you’re forced to be at home. Just one hour a day for self-care can make a big impact on your mental, emotional and overall health. Let’s talk about the power of an hour! In 60 minutes or less you can improve your well-being. Divide your self-care routine by devoting : 20 minutes to your mind. 20 minutes to your body. 20 minutes to your soul. Start by choosing three activities from the list below, or add your own activities that you love and find enjoyable. Time yourself and do each activity for 20 minutes. LIST OF ACTIVITIES MIND Meditation Read a book Learn a language Journal your thoughts or emotions Create a vision board Draw or paint a picture Take a power nap BODY YouTube yoga or workout Dance Sit in the Sun At-home spa Eat something sweet (sugar triggers those ” happy” hormones) Breath-work exercise Walk in nature Eat a healthy snack Drink a green smoothie SOUL Listen to an inspirational podcast Talk to someone you love Watch a TED talk Start a DIY or passion project Recite positive self-affirmations Practice gratitude Spend time in nature Sing You deserve to take a little “me” time especially in this moment of uncertainty and all the challenges that come with being in quarantine. Make the most of your power-hour. Remember to take a break from watching the news and get support from your community. We are in this together! Be well and stay safe. Leave a comment and let us know what you are doing to stay sane.

Spring Cleaning 101: 6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator

Posted on March 19, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged home improvement, kitchen, kitchen decor, refrigerator, springNo Comments

Spring cleaning your refrigerator is about more than tossing old stuff and restocking it with fresh food. There’s more involved than just that, you’ll need to deodorize and disinfect, then take steps to ensure your refrigerator runs well and use less energy. Follow these 6 simple steps to clear it out, clean it up and restock the fridge. Gather your Supplies: Here’s what you’ll need Old towel for floor Bucket Baking soda Paper towels or rags Sponges, dishcloths or rags Toothbrush Multi-purpose surface spray Cooler Trash bags Vacuum Turn Off the Refrigerator To conserve energy it’s a good idea to turn your refrigerator off unless you have removable shelves and you’re good about keeping the door shut, then it’s okay to keep it plugged in. It’s safer to have the fridge unplugged when dusting the coils and cleaning the drip pan. If you can’t easily move the fridge or access the plug, turn off the circuit breaker that serves the refrigerator. Empty the Refrigerator The refrigerator completely of all items. Put any perishables like milk and meat in a cooler and leave other items on the counter. Do not leave food out for more than an hour. Go through the contents of your refrigerator and remove all expired or spoiled food. Compost old produce and recycle containers when possible. Clean the Removable Refrigerator Parts Take out all the removable shelves, drawers and door inserts; you can clean them more thoroughly when they’re outside the fridge, and this gives you better access to clean the inside of the refrigerator. Mix fragrance-free dish soap with warm water in the sink. Wash the items with a dish soap sponge, as you would hand-wash dishes. Once the removable parts are washed make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in place. Clean the Inside The good news is there’s a variety of cleaning solutions you can use to clean the interior of the fridge. While the choices for what you can clean with are flexible, we recommend making your solution instead of a harsh cleaning spray. You can use baking soda and water mix (1 tablespoon of baking powder per cup of water) or a mild soap and water mix to wash the counters and bins. Thoroughly wash the built-in fixtures, the bottom of the fridge, and be sure you get in the cracks. An old toothbrush is handy for the nooks and crannies. Wipe the inside of the freezer just as you did in the fridge. Wash ice cube trays and replace the ice with fresh water. Thin rags are great for cleaning the rubber seal around the door- one of the grimiest areas of the fridge where crumbs and debris end up. Clean the Outside The exterior of your fridge use microfiber cloths to clean, they’re great at eliminating the streaks and fingerprints on stainless steel. Carefully pull the fridge out from the wall, then vacuum the coils to remove dust that’s collected. Keeping your coils dirt-free can help your fridge run better. If your fridge has a drip tray, remove it and clean it like you did the shelves and place it back. Refrigerator Cleaning Hacks To absorb odors, keep a box of open baking soda in the fridge — don’t forget to replace it every one to three months. Wipe stainless steel in the direction of the grain. Clean your fridge right before a big grocery shop.Clean shelves and drawers in the dishwasher. Tell us: Do you do spring cleaning?