How-To

Real Life Microwave Hacks

Posted on December 11, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, KitchenTagged kitchen, kitchen appliances, life hacks, microwave, tips and tricksNo Comments

It’s not just for reheating leftover pizza- the microwave has some pretty nifty hacks that you can use to make your life easier. Here is a list of the best hacks we found. Peeling Garlic Got Easier Peeling garlic is daunting, however, you can put the garlic in the microwave and heat it up for 15 seconds. The heat will release the moisture from the garlic clove which gets trapped between the skins and loosens it. Once you take it out, the skin just slide off. Get More Juice from Your Citrus Fruits If you need help getting the most juice out of a lemon, lime or other citrus fruit throw it into the microwave for about 10-20 seconds so that the pulp inside becomes soft and you can juice it with ease. Tear-free Onion Chopping Save your eyes from the horrible stinging sensation you get when chopping onions. Ever wondered why that happens? Well, when an onion is cut with a knife, its cells release volatile sulfur compounds that cause tearing. The trick is to trim off the ends with a knife and heat the onion for about 30 seconds before chopping away. Bring Stale Bread Back to Life When your bread or bagels stale simply wrap in a moist paper towel (not soaking) and pop in the microwave for 20-second increments. The moisture from the towel will soak into the bread to make it taste fresh again. Preserve Fresh Herbs If you want to preserve herbs well, wrap them in a paper towel and heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds allowing them to dry out. This may make them last longer in the refrigerator. To completely dry the herbs continue to microwave in 15-30 second increments until the herbs. Soak Lentils or Beans Overnight All you need to do is place your uncooked beans or lentils in a bowl filled with water, add a pinch of baking soda and microwave them for about 10 minutes. Allow them to rest for 30-40 minutes, after which they are ready to be cooked. Make Frothy Milk for Your Coffee The next time you’re craving a fancy frothy café au lait just make it yourself. A microwave and a mason jar are all you need. Fill the mason jar with as much skim or 2% milk as you’d normally use in your coffee, cover and shake it vigorously to get the frothing process started, then pop it uncovered in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then voila! Silky, frothy warm milk. A DIY Heating Pad for those Cold Nights Make your heating pad at home in two minutes! Pour rice into a sock then tie a knot at the top of the sock. Put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Reheat as needed. Steam Clean the Microwave We’re sure with these hacks your microwave will be working overtime. So while you’re at it, steam clean it with some lemon water. Place a bowl of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice into the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes or until the water boils, let it sit in the microwave for 3 minutes so the steam can loosen any food stains. Remove the bowl then wipe your microwave clean.

Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen Appliances

Posted on December 4, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, KitchenTagged kitchen, kitchen appliances, kitchens1 Comment

Clean your kitchen appliances faster with these quick cleaning tips for your kitchen appliances, show your appliances a little cleaning love, and they’ll look and work as good as new. Clean Your Refrigerator The space behind your refrigerator is notoriously filthy. Dirt, pet hair, and a host of other stuff can build up beneath and behind the refrigerator. This can block the appliance’s motor and coils and restrict airflow. To clean, pull out the refrigerator and mop up whatever you find. Part of my spring cleaning ritual. Is to vacuum the refrigerator coils behind the fridge, which will put less stress on the motor and prolong its life. Here’s how to clean the inside of a refrigerator the easy way. A little soapy water or an equal parts water and white vinegar solution will clean and shine the inside of your fridge. Wipe down shelves and crispers weekly, or whenever you spot a spill. Remove fingerprints on stainless steel exteriors with a damp cloth. Clean Your Dishwasher You wouldn’t think of cleaning a dishwasher since its job is to clean but it also needs a good cleaning; In fact, as often as your shower or sink. Sanitizing the dishwasher can be done quickly. To eliminate mold and bacteria run the dishwasher on the hottest, and longest cycle with white vinegar. This will sanitize and loosen food and soap scum. You should wipe around the edges of the door, around the gasket and check the drainage area as well. Clean Your Microwave Sauce and food splatter inside the microwave constantly and all that buildup is unsightly and gross to cook with. Fortunately, there is a simple solution, the best way to clean microwave messes is to fill a microwave-safe container with water, microwave it until the water boils, and let it sit for a few minutes while steam loosens any caked-on food. Then simply wipe it clean. Clean Your Kitchen Stove and Oven Stove-tops are hot spots for oil splatters and food spills, so it’s best to clean it often. The key to cleaning your stove-top is to be quick. Before the bits of food cook onto the surface wipe them away immediately, careful not to burn yourself. If splatters sit for a few days soak with an equal parts mix of vinegar and water or use dish soap and water for built-up grease. Now that the stove-top is clean, you can take care of your oven and it’s quite simple nowadays because most ovens have self-cleaning options. While this feature does a good job of by itself there are a few spots it doesn’t reach. You can wipe them up built-up grime with vinegar or soapy water around door hinges and frames and the space between double ovens.

Hello Airfying: A Healthier Way to Cook Your Favorite Food

Posted on November 7, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, Products, RecipesNo Comments

You’ve probably heard about the Air fryer, that cool kitchen gadget people have been raving about since it hit the market. Are you still wondering what all the hype is about? Made popular by claims air frying is a healthy alternative for frying food; because it replicates the wonders of deep-frying in a healthier way. So, how does it work? The Air Fryer, uses rapid air technology to fry, bake, roast or grill your food with only a tablespoon or less of oil. Think of it as a hi-tech counter-top convection oven. Something else to consider, is the air fryer is a time-saver when you find yourself short on time to cook. It offers fast cooking, with little to no preheating required. It’s a great companion tool for adventurous cooks with little time to spare. What You Can Make in an Air Fryer AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES The first thing you can try is a simple and delicious batch of French fries. Fresh or frozen potatoes! Crunchy, easy and healthy! Ready in under 30 minutes. Ingredients 1 tbsp Flat leaf parsley 1 Garlic powder 1 Salt and pepper 1 tbsp Olive oil, extra virgin 1 pound Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick sticks) Instructions: Throw your fries into the air fryer basket, and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. While the fries are air-frying, chop the herbs and garlic, and mix with olive oil in a medium-size bowl. Remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer to the bowl with the garlic, rosemary and oil – toss thoroughly, and season with salt. Serve with ketchup or sriracha mayo — which is 1:1 ratio of sriracha to mayo, Yum! AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS Air fryer chicken wings are the crispiest wings you’ve ever had! Cook a whole batch in your air fryer with a few simple ingredients. Ingredients 1 tsp Paprika, smoked 1 Salt and pepper 1 tsp Garlic powder 1 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp Barbecue sauce 1 tbsp Olive oil 1 1/2 lbs Chicken wings & drumettes Instructions: Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Season chicken wings with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika and place into the air fryer basket Cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes When time is up, flip one last time and increase the temperature to 400 degrees F. Cook an additional 8 minutes until skin is crispy and golden Remove wings from air fryer and place in a bowl or serving dish Toss with BBQ sauce Finally, cook the BBQ sauce coated wings in the Air Fryer for additional 2 minutes and enjoy! SPICY GARLIC CHILI SHRIMP Bursting with flavor, this air fried shrimp recipe is perfect for all occasions it’s heavenly with a flavorful spicy kick. Ingredients 1 pound of shrimp peeled and de-veined 3 Tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced 2 teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Sweet Chili Sauce (to taste) Instructions: Set temperature to 400° and timer to 5 minutes for preheating. Rinse Shrimp with water Apply a thin layer of oil to the shrimp and put into the fry basket evenly, put the fry basket with pot back in the appliance. set time for 5-8 minutes or until they look crunchy and golden. Remove from basket and coat with seasonings to your taste. GRILLED CORN ON COB Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is sweet, and juicy as can be! Make this with fresh corn for a great side dish recipe. No fuss, no mess, all deliciousness. Ingredients Corn Cobs (Sliced) 2 pcs Cooking Oil 1 tsp Instructions: Skewer the corn cobs, sliced to preference Set temperature to 400° and timer to 5 minutes for preheating. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to the corn and put into the fry basket evenly, push the fry basket with pot back in the appliance. Set time for 10 minutes or until baked golden. Add butter, salt, mayonnaise, season salt or whatever you like and enjoy! GRILLED PEACHES AND CREAM Love grilled peaches? – But who wants to heat up the grill for a few little peaches? Now you don’t have to, you can simply pop ’em in the AIR FRYER!!! You’ve got an easy and delicious Dessert in minutes. Ingredients 2 peaches 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, diced into tiny squares Cool Whip or Ice Cream Instructions: Cut peaches into wedges and pull out pits In air fryer, set a piece of parchment paper on top of rack Lay peach wedges, skin side up (on side) on parchment Air fry at 350 degrees for 5 minutes Mix together crumbs, brown sugar and butter Flip peaches skin side down Spoon crumb mixture over top of peaches – try and keep the butter on top of the peaches as best you can Air fry at 350 degrees for another 5 minutes Place peaches onto plates and top with whipped topping Spoon any excess butter/topping mixture from parchment onto whipped topping Want More Recipes? The Cosmo Air fryer comes with a complimentary Recipe Book with these and many more recipes to try. GET YOURS HERE If you need fast, healthy, convenient and tasty meals, then once again, an air fryer is for you.

Homemade Halloween Treats

Posted on October 18, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged family, halloween, recipes, treatsNo Comments

Halloween is one of the most fun days of the year, and it calls for the good stuff, candy and treats of all kinds. Get creative this time around and stock your own snack supply with homemade goodies. Whip up your own treats in the comfort of your own kitchen instead of the usual store-bought sweets. Party Mix One of the simplest recipes you could imagine, a Halloween-themed party mix basically calls for your favorite snacks tossed together. in a large-sized bowl or individual containers combine anything from candy corns and miniature chocolates, pretzels, popcorn and more. It’s your mix, make it your way. Spooky Cupcakes When it comes to Halloween it’s all about kid friendly treats. Bake your favorite cupcakes and then let the kiddos use icing and toppings for creepy customized creations. This is a very fun Halloween activity for the whole family Scary Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin is the flavor of the season, which makes pumpkin pie a traditional taste this time of year. The best thing about this treat is it calls for a fairly small number of ingredients, making it a simple way to bake a classic favorite. Plus, you can easily give pumpkin pie some Halloween flair using whipped cream for a spooky Jack-o-lantern-like face. Creepy Cookies Whether your family craves chocolate chip or prefers the sweetness of sugar cookies, you can lay out your favorite dough and use seasonal cookie cutters think Frankenstein, witches, ghosts, spiders and more for a frightful bite. Apple Teeth Skip out on bobbing for apples for a fun Halloween themed twist to a healthy snack favorite of apples and peanut butter. To put a spooky spin on this delicious flavor combo add mini marshmallows for fluffy fangs . Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Make More Time for Yourself

Posted on September 12, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in How-ToTagged fitness, health, mindfulness, self-care, well-beingNo Comments

between a never-ending to-do list, responsibilities of a hectic schedule and caring for others, it can be easy to put self-care on the backburner. Now more than ever a commitment to a healthier lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, reduced stress, regular exercise and unplugging from your devices will benefit your overall well-being, both mentally and physically 5 Self-Care Tips to Enhance Your Well-Being Eat Good. Feel Good. It’s not always easy to change your eating habits or replace fast food and sweet indulgences with healthier options. We get it! However, countless studies show the more you nourish your body with the right foods you’re able to maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for diseases, improve your memory and reduce inflammation, among other short- and long-term benefits. Prioritize Sleep Most experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep for the average adult, they say adequate sleep can have a positive impact on how you feel both mentally and physically. We need the right conditions to promote a night of restful sleep so consider having a proper routine; limiting caffeine and sugar intake before bed and reducing distractions such as TV or smartphones to ensure your bedroom is the sleep oasis you need for quality rest. Practice Mindfulness Techniques What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Whether you set aside a few spare minutes or an entire afternoon of free time, finding a quiet place to relax and practice meditation or yoga can help you reduce stress and anxiety, become more self-aware and create a sense of calmness during even the busiest of days. Try setting up a secluded area in your home (or office) where you can concentrate on your practice and listen to yourself. Unplug and Unwind With all the access we have to the internet, social media at our fingertips and mind-numbing television, it can be easy to create bad habits associated with our “always-connected” smartphone-obsessed world. Did you know, our screens emit a blue light proven to negatively impact sleep and mental performance? We suggest setting aside an hour before bed to unplug from your devices and their distractions for a better night’s sleep. As time goes on incrementally increase the amount of time you unplug daily to improve productivity, emotional wellness, and creativity. Move, Stretch and Flow Sure, it’s super important to take care of yourself mentally, BALANCE is the Key! So it’s just as important to take care of your body for your optimum wellness. Find time every day to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise, whether it’s a full-on workout, a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a bike ride to a favorite destination, will boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help shrink your waistline. Find a regimen that works for you, be it multiple short active periods or one long gym session, and make it part of your daily routine for an easy way to boost both your physical and mental well-being.

A New Take on Summer Barbecue Classics

Posted on August 1, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in How-To, RecipesTagged barbeque, BBQ, food, recipe, summerNo Comments

Burgers have earned a spot in the backyard barbecue hall of fame, no doubt, but if you’re looking for a different type of barbecue, add some finesse to your menu with these recipes. Set up a DIY bar. Let guests flex their creative culinary muscles and curb their cravings with a selection of toppings. Offer a variety of proteins, plenty of veggies, fresh or dry herbs, seasonings and a selection of cheeses so everyone can make a personal masterpiece. Ingredients can quickly dry out on the grill, so be sure to include dressings like pesto, hummus or herb-infused olive oil. Re-imagine favorites off the grill. A sizzling steak sprinkled with blue cheese is a classic barbecue choice, but try serving it on grilled flatbread for a new menu option that is sure to delight. To make a Steak and Blue Cheese Flatbread, grill a flatbread for a few minutes and top with hummus and flank steak to add a bright flavor and mouthwatering texture to your dish. An option like Sabra Hummus is available in more than a dozen flavors to complement your favorite dishes. Incorporate non-traditional ideas. While many backyard cookouts feature meat, veggies like corn, asparagus and mushrooms can add big flavors for those with different dietary restrictions. Choose your desired produce and grill until tender then add light seasoning for a fresh take on summer grilling with a dish such as this Vegan Garden Flatbread. Steak and Blue Cheese Flatbread Yield: 1 flatbread 1 flatbread, any variety 3 tablespoons Classic Hummus 1/2 cup fresh arugula, rinsed and dried 4 ounces thinly sliced, cooked flank steak 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese thinly sliced red onion (optional) salt, to taste pepper, to taste Heat grill (or oven) to 450 degrees; bake flatbread 3-5 minutes until it begins to crisp. Spread hummus onto flatbread. Layer arugula (reserving 3-4 leaves to garnish), steak and crumbled blue cheese. Top with onion, if desired. Place on grill, close lid and cook 3-5 minutes (if using oven, broil approximately 2 minutes). Add salt and pepper, to taste, before serving. Vegan Garden Flatbread Yield: 1 flatbread 1 flatbread, any variety 2 tablespoons basil pesto (prepared or homemade) 2 tablespoons Classic Hummus 3-4 white button mushrooms 2 tablespoons corn (fresh or frozen) 3 spears asparagus, cooked until just tender 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded olive oil red pepper flakes (optional) salt, to taste pepper, to taste Heat grill (or oven) to 450° F; bake flatbread 3-5 minutes until it begins to crisp. Spread pesto, followed by hummus, over flatbread then layer mushrooms, corn and asparagus. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place on grill, close lid and cook 3-5 minutes (if using oven, broil approximately 3 minutes). Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired. Add salt and pepper, to taste, before serving.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe (Video Tutorial)

Posted on July 17, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, Kitchen, RecipesTagged cooking at home, dessert, easy recipes, easy strawberry shortcake recipe, food, recipe, tutorial, videoNo Comments

Enjoy your summer with fresh fruit like strawberries in this easy Strawberry Shortcake recipe. Watch video to see how to make this simple yet ridiculously yummy recipe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N3GIaRFc0s Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe 1 can (5-8) Canned flaky buttermilk biscuits 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/4 cup sugar Strawberry mixture: 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 1/3 cup sugar Whipped cream: 1/2 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Heat oven to 375° F. Separate biscuits. Dip tops and sides of biscuits in melted butter. Dip biscuits, covering tops and sides, in sugar. Place sugar-side up on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 13-17 minutes, or until golden brown. To make strawberry mixture: In medium bowl, mix strawberries and sugar. Set aside. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, beat whipping cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and beat into mixture. On plate, split biscuits and put dollop of whipped cream mixture on bottom half of biscuit. Add strawberry mixture. Replace biscuit top and dollop with whipping cream.

Be the Hero of Your Grill This Summer

Posted on July 12, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Family, Home, How-To, RecipesTagged BBQ, blog, food, fun, summerNo Comments

Summer is all about enjoying the warm weather with family and friends, but even with the longer summer days, the season can feel short for many. That’s why it’s important to make the most of summer by maximizing your fun in the sun with some of the best memories being made while entertaining al fresco and nothing brings people together like a barbecue. There seems to be something about being outdoors and the sizzle of fresh food on the grill that makes you want to gather with family and friends. For a fun-filled, yet relaxing barbecue, it’s important to keep the essentials on-hand for easy entertaining. From bright decor to refreshing drinks and fresh ingredients, party prep ensures you save time and money, and are always ready to wine and dine your guests. This summer, you can be the hero of your grill with a few simple tips and tricks: A great meal starts with great meat. Make sure to use versatile, high-quality and tender cuts. Cut down on time, not flavor. Look for pre-seasoned meats such as pork chops, or slice, dice or cube larger cuts like boneless loin to shorten cook time and increase flavor. Grill like a pro. Use direct heat for burgers and chops, and indirect heat for larger cuts like ribs.

Trending Upgrades for Functional Kitchen Style

Posted on July 12, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged home improvement, kitchen, kitchen deco, remodelNo Comments

The kitchen, or as we see it –the heart of the home is likely the center of daily life and a place where both form and function are of the utmost importance for passionate cooks, seasoned hosts and busy families alike. Colorful allure The kitchen has a significant influence on the rest of the house, especially if the home has more of an open-concept layout. If you are redesigning your home the kitchen is a good place to start. The colors and materials used in the kitchen can really set the tone for the rest of the home. The kitchen, or as we see it –the heart of the home is likely the center of daily life and a place where both form and function are of the utmost importance for passionate cooks, seasoned hosts and busy families alike. When it comes to considerations like finish and materials, kitchen cabinet trends are seeing a swing towards refreshing bold colors. Matte Everything Speaking of finishes … matte black entered the scene as a force to be reckoned. Whether you have a traditional, contemporary or modern design aesthetic, black cabinets, kitchen islands and back splashes are all pretty versatile. Leave the glossy finish behind in 2018 and opt instead for this cooler, more modern look. It’s chic and fashionable and it’s broken through the ultra “glam” vibe and added some much-needed modernity, even in more traditional spaces. Matte black is a trend we love to see stick around. Focus on Function A beautiful kitchen may please the eye, but when it comes down to it, a kitchen’s function is its greatest value. For 2019, kitchens will blend form and function. Technology will become increasingly present, helping to make day to day life a little easier. Integrate these ideas for a kitchen that offers a maximum function for one of your home’s most-used spaces. Declutter the counter tops. Consider incorporating pull-out and roll-out trays into your cabinetry to maximize your storage space, as well as dressing your cabinets with appropriate inserts and organizational kits. Eliminate wasted space by adding corner cabinets to utilize all your available space. Determine the island’s function. The island is often the visual centerpiece of the kitchen, but determining its function can maximize its benefit. Fully functional cabinetry around the island can provide added storage space. For example, custom cabinetry appliance panels let you not only conceal bulky appliances, but they also give your wall cabinets more space and functionality. Make recycling easy. Place the recycle and garbage bins in a drawer near the sink to allow for easier accessibility and keep them out of sight. A final note, before you take the leap into upgrading your kitchen ask yourself what your goals are, what’s missing from your current kitchen design, and what you’d like to see go? A well-thought-out project is a well-executed project, so take your time to properly plan.

5 Tips for Staying on Track in the New Year

Posted on December 26, 2018October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-ToTagged 2019, healthy, lifestyle, newyears, nutritionNo Comments

While many people often wish maintaining good health was as easy as following an equation, health doesn’t have a start or end date. Once the allure of the new year wears off, it can be easy to let those resolutions go by the wayside. When you focus on making small, positive changes, you can move your health goals forward throughout the year, no matter where you are on your health journey. To help stay on track, consider these easy-to-implement ideas. Write it down. Using a nutrition journal and keeping a record of everything you eat and drink can help track progress and reveal small changes that need to be made. Alternatively, downloading a fitness tracking app can help keep you accountable digitally. With a variety of options available for most operating systems, there is almost certain to be one to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for a companion app to track progress or something more in-depth to help guide you through workouts and meal planning.. Start your day with protein. A high-quality protein source can set the stage for sustained energy levels throughout the day. Having an on-the-go source of protein on-hand, such as delicious protein ready-to-drink shakes featuring 30 grams of protein and 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, can help ensure you’re starting the day with a proper foundation for success. Hydrate all day. Hydration is a foundation of good health. Before bed each night, put a 16-ounce bottle of water in the bathroom then drink it first thing in the morning for a daily energy boost. For an easy and healthy way to add flavor to your water during the day, consider putting an herbal tea bag of your choice in it. For example, Chumbley recommends ginger as a digestion-helper, mint as a caffeine-free way to awaken and chamomile to calm. Make healthy swaps. Looking for alternatives is an easy way to eat healthy. Consider swapping out heavier carbs for vegetables such as grilled Portobello mushrooms as pizza crust or zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Swap mayo for avocado when eating egg, chicken or tuna salad. You can also use the sweetness of ripe bananas to decrease the need for added sugar in recipes like cookies, muffins and pancakes. Get moving. Commit to stepping outside and taking a daily walk. Whether it’s 1 mile or a walk around the block, you can burn calories and receive the added benefits of mental clarity, increased energy and improved digestion. HAPPY NEW YEAR