How-To

How to Clean Small Kitchen Appliances

Posted on October 7, 2021October 7, 2021Posted in How-ToNo Comments

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

How to Clean a Pan You Think Is Ruined

Posted on September 14, 2021September 9, 2021Posted in How-ToNo Comments

A burnt pot or pan is inevitable in a kitchen. There’s plenty of ways to deal with crusty and neglected pots. Here are the best ways to clean them, according to chefs. Wipe First. Remove any oil by going over it with a paper towel or scrubbie. This will improve things and keep fat and oil out of your pipes. For stuck-on bits use a spatula to scrape them off. Keep It Warm. If you’ve got a burnt pot on your hands, you’ll want to start cleaning it right away while it’s still hot. The longer you wait the harder it will be to clean. If you absolutely need to do it later, just warm it up beforehand by adding some hot water inside on medium heat. Take caution with this step and use dish gloves if available. Soak the Pan in Vinegar. Combine a few tablespoons of distilled white vinegar with water and boil it for a few minutes. This will take out almost everything. Heavy Duty Scrubber. A heavy duty scrubber is essential to cleaning a pan. Use a nonabrasive sponge to eliminate risk of steel or copper sponges contaminating food. You can also use a softer fabric sponge with texture similar to steel wool. Source: the Kitchn

Tips for Saving Money on a Kitchen Remodel

Posted on September 10, 2021September 8, 2021Posted in How-To, KitchenNo Comments

A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive projects for your home due to the material and labor costs. However, keeping costs down is possible even while working with contractors, designers and suppliers. Here are four tips to lower the cost of your kitchen remodel. Refresh Rather Than Replace. Kitchen cabinets are generally a tear-out-and-replace project, making it one of the most expensive. Custom cabinets will only drive the price higher to fit specific spaces. There are a couple ways you can refresh your current cabinets to remain cost-effective. Painting. A classic method to update your kitchen cabinets. The process can be time-consuming for bigger kitchens but can achieve dramatic results. Refacing. More expensive than painting, refacing adds a new veneer to the outside of cabinet boxes and replaces doors and drawer fronts. It is more difficult since you’ll need tools and expertise. Hardware. One of the cheaper alternatives, new hardware can easily update cabinets to feel brand new. Refurbished Appliances. Appliances used to be discarded in landfills, however this has changed in recent times. There are many services and information available to fix kitchen appliances or purchase refurbished ones, rather than paying for something new. The ability to repair appliances will depend on your skill level, but it’s usually worth the attempt before shelling out a larger amount of money. Keeping the Same Layout. Redesigning a kitchen’s layout by moving plumbing or electrical lines will drive up a remodel budget. Maintaining the same kitchen layout while updating the elements within that framework is the most cost-effective. A galley-style or corridor kitchen is often nearly impossible to change without major home structure alterations. DIY Projects. Bring down labor costs by executing simpler projects such as painting, tiling, flooring installation and baseboards. Local hardware stores often have classes and demonstrations for how to perform these common projects. An important factor to consider here is time. If you are on a strict time frame, typically hiring a team of professionals will yield the best results. Source: the Spruce

How to Get Lingering Smells Out of Bakeware

Posted on August 6, 2021August 5, 2021Posted in How-ToNo Comments

Silicone bakeware is naturally nonstick, making it easy and versatile in the kitchen. They are made of inert material, so storing is a breeze since they can be collapsed down to save space. A silicone cookware is only as good as its cleanliness. There’s nothing worse than having custom ice cubes taste like last week’s pesto bombs. They can leave behind a somewhat plastic-like taste and smell when they’re brand new. Here’s how to get any lingering smells out. What You’ll Need: An oven A sponge and dish soap A baking sheet Oven mitts Directions: Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Wash your silicone bakeware: Give your bakeware a quick wash (with a sponge and warm, soapy water) to ensure there isn’t any lingering oil or bits of food left on your bakeware. “Bake” your bakeware: Put the pieces on a baking sheet (this will make things easier to get in and out of the oven) and bake your bakeware for one hour. Try the sniff test and let the pieces cool: Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and perform a careful sniff test. If you’re getting even the faintest whiff, return the sheet to the oven in increments of 20 minutes. Once they’re stink-free, let the pieces cool before you put them away. NOTE: Make sure your cookware is 100% silicone. Rubber could melt and fillers in your silicone could also pose a melting problem. Source: the Kitchn

How to Organize Your Kitchen After Moving

Posted on August 2, 2021July 30, 2021Posted in How-To, KitchenNo Comments

After a move, the kitchen should be the first priority to be unpacked so you can begin preparing meals. The space should be functional, organized and comfortable. If you’re moving into a new home, there’s a chance it hasn’t been properly cleaned. Before unpacking, take some time to clean especially where you’ll be putting dishes, cutlery, and glasses. Be sure to also clean your countertops and sinks. Next, go through the space and imagine how you’ll be doing your usual chores and activities. Where would you normally reach for supplies? You’ll get a better grasp of where items should go. Take Inventory. If you haven’t already labeled the contents of each box, go through to see what’s inside. Unwrap larger items and take stock of what you have to sort and organize. Do this first or you may place an item in one place, then have to move it to another later. Start Unpacking. Start with the areas that will be used the most, such as the stove and sink. The storage near these areas will be the most accessible. Anything stored above eye level will be difficult to reach. Start unpacking the essential items you’ll be using everyday in the most accessible spaces. For example, cutlery in the drawer immediately to the side of the sink. Arrange by Frequency. Apply the same method to the rest of your cupboard spaces. Place bowls, cups and plates you’ll be using every day on a shelf that is at eye level or lower. Pots and pans should be near the stove along with their lids. Put items you won’t be using as often in lower drawers such as baking sheets or roasting pans. Keep toxic items in hard-to-reach places especially if there are young children. Organize. Store canned goods and dry food in a pantry space that is separate from dishes. Spices can be closer to the stove since you’ll want those to cook. After you spend some time in your home, you’ll establish a routine for cooking, cleaning and eating. Adjust your items if they don’t work along your routine. Make your kitchen work well for you and your family. Source: the Spruce

Tips for Moving Appliances

Posted on July 29, 2021July 28, 2021Posted in Appliances 101, How-ToNo Comments

Planning a move in the near future? Follow along this guide to ensure your kitchen appliances are properly prepared for the transition. Skip out on extra mover fees and avoid any malfunctioning appliances after the move. With all major appliances, it’s best to contact the dealer for specific move instructions or refer to the owner’s manual. What You’ll Need: Household cleaner Cleaning and/or work gloves Packing tape Screwdriver and/or wrench Refrigerator. Unplug your refrigerator at least 24 hours prior to the move. Dispose of all perishables and make sure it is cleaned thoroughly. Once the freezer has defrosted, clean and dry all surfaces and removable containers. This will prevent mildew and odors forming. Either remove or secure all racks so they don’t shift around during the move. If your refrigerator has an icemaker, disconnect the water line and make sure it’s completely drained. Stove. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the stove. Be sure to remove the racks or securely fasten them so they don’t shift around. If you have a gas stove contact your gas company or where the stove was purchased from to find out if you can move it without a professional. Make sure the gas is turned off before you start disconnecting the line with care. These lines can be fragile and require special handling. Tape down the knobs and elements to make sure nothing is lost during the move. Dishwasher. The dishwasher needs to be emptied and the utensil holder/rack removed and packed separately. Run a cycle then let the unit dry before you tape the door closed. Finishing Touches. Secure all power cords so they don’t dangle or come loose. Make sure all the doors, extra nuts or screws are taped and secured before moving. Source: the Spruce

Brewing a Better Cup of Coffee

Posted on July 8, 2021July 7, 2021Posted in How-To, KitchenNo Comments

If you’re trying to cut back on running to your typical coffee shop, we’ve got you covered on how to up your coffee brewing game. Whether it’s finding and storing beans, finding the right brewing method or how to add an extra boost of flavor, here’s what you should know to make a better cup of coffee. Learning What Kind of Coffee You Need We all have differing coffee tastes, what tastes good for one person might not be appealing to another. The trick is knowing how to find the best coffee based on your needs and how to properly store it when you get home. If you want complete control, buy whole beans. You’ll be able to grind and brew to your liking. If you want something quick and simple, try a pre-ground coffee instead. When buying whole beans, ask when the beans were roasted. You’ll want to know how fresh the beans are and the best method to brew them. Let your brewing method dictate the grind of the beans, as it’ll affect the final favor of your coffee. You should always store beans in an airtight container, preferably in a cool and dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Choosing a Brewing Method There are many options for brewing coffee. It all comes down to what method works best for you and the type of coffee you like. Here are a few examples. Aeropress. If you’re into gadgets and only planning to brew a cup or two at a time, the Aerporess could be the tool for you. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The trick is nailing the water temperature. French Press. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to brew a few cups of coffee. Don’t forget to transfer the coffee to a carafe after, or you run the risk of the coffee becoming bitter. Cold Brew. The better alternative to dropping ice cubes in a glass of hot coffee. These grounds are steeped overnight in cold water for an easy coffee fix. Latte. You actually don’t need a fancy espresso machine to enjoy a latte at home. All you need is an extra-strong cup of espresso blend and frothed milk made in a microwave. Upgrading Your Coffee Don’t stop after your coffee is brewed. There are many ways to upgrade your coffee further such as milk, cream or sweetener. Frothed milk is a fast and fancy way to take your coffee to the next level. All you need is milk, a clean jam jar and a microwave. You can also add some flavor with pantry staples like spices, a pat of butter, coconut milk or even ice cream. Don’t stop with just the ordinary cream and sugar! Source: the Kitchn

How to Pasteurize Eggs

Posted on July 2, 2021July 2, 2021Posted in How-ToNo Comments

For popular recipes such as mayonnaise, hollandaise and royal icing, raw and partially cooked eggs are a necessity. However, raw or partially-cooked chicken eggs can carry salmonella bacteria. You can still enjoy these recipes with peace of mind after pasteurizing eggs. The process of pasteurization brings eggs to a temperature that kills dangerous pathogens. How to Pasteurize Eggs on the Stove Start with room temperature eggs: Starting with eggs that aren’t cold ensures you pasteurize the entire egg, rather than just the parts closest to the shell. Use fresh eggs with no cracks and let them come to room temperature. Cover the eggs with 1 inch of water: Fill a small saucepan with cool water and gently put the eggs in the pan. Make sure they are covered by 1 inch of water. Heat the water slowly to 140° F and hold for 3.5 minutes: Put the pan on medium heat. Let the water slowly come to 140° F. Check the temperature of the water with an instant-read or candy thermometer. Hold that 140° temperature for 3.5 minutes for large eggs or 5 minutes for extra-large eggs (eggs between 64 and 70 grams).Keep an eye on the temperature this whole time, adjusting the burner or moving the pan as needed to maintain the correct temperature. Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool: Use a slotted spoon and gently transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool them down. Your eggs are now pasteurized! Mark and refrigerate: Use a permanent marker to mark your eggs so you know they’re pasteurized. Use them right away or refrigerate for up to 1 week. How to Pasteurize Just Egg Whites or Yolks Bring water to a boil and separate the eggs: Bring a large pan saucepan of water to a boil. While you wait, crack as many room-temperature eggs as you need into a heatproof bowl. If you only need to pasteurize egg yolks, you can do just the yolks. Conversely, if you only need to do the whites, just do the whites. Add water to the bowl of eggs: Add 2 tablespoons of tap water for each whole egg used, or for each single yolk or egg white.For example, if you used egg whites from two eggs, add four tablespoons of water to the bowl of egg whites. If your recipe calls for liquid such as milk, stock, or lemon juice, you may use that instead of water. Set the bowl over the pot of simmering water and scrape for 2-3 minutes: Set the bowl on top of the saucepan of simmering water and turn off the heat. Use a silicone spatula to constantly scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Don’t beat in air; this constant motion is to keep the eggs from scrambling and to maintain a constant temperature.Do this for 2-3 minutes, or until the water in the pan has cooled to lukewarm. Use immediately. Source: Simply Recipes

Tasting Chocolate Like a Pro

Posted on May 27, 2021May 27, 2021Posted in How-To, KitchenNo Comments

Most people will enjoy their chocolate without thinking much of the experience. But there are several tips and tricks to tasting chocolate like a pro. Use them to pick up on different flavors and textures your chocolate may contain. There’s also several ways you can determine the quality of the chocolate. Listen for a snap. There’s a scientific way to determine the quality of chocolate. A snap test allows you to determine if the chocolate is in temper. A tempered chocolate takes much skill and it’s one mark of quality. Break a piece and listen for a sound very much like when you snap your fingers. Dark chocolate will have a stronger snap than milk and white chocolate. The amount of cocoa butter will determine the sound of the snap. If the chocolate bends, it’s too warm or wasn’t stored properly. Smell a cut side. Just like any herb, chocolate has a residual smell that lingers even after cutting it. Much of what we associate to taste is actually smell. Smell an edge of the chocolate you just snapped off the main piece of the bar. You may notice aromas you didn’t notice before that are earthier or fruitier. Hold your nose. As the chocolate melts in your mouth, pinch your nose shut for a second or two, then release. This trick will allow you to smell much more intensely than before. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying chocolate and feel like you’re not getting much out of it. Let the chocolate melt in your mouth. Chew one or two times to break the solid piece up in your mouth, then let it melt inside your mouth. Breathe in and out as it melts. You’ll notice other aromas and flavors that were hiding at first. What may seem like just a dark chocolate, can actually reveal other nuttier flavors like cashew and even caramel. Palate Cleansers. A palate cleanser is a food or beverage that you can take while you’re tasting. This is similar to coffee beans at a perfume aisle. Chocolate tasters also take advantage of cleansers. Choose natural beverages and foods such as room-temperature lemon water or water crackers and wait until the flavor has completely left your mouth before tasting your next chocolate. Source: the Kitchn

How to Hang Floating Wall Shelves

Posted on May 12, 2021May 12, 2021Posted in How-ToNo Comments

If you’re looking for the minimal look in your home, try floating shelves. These shelves have no brackets giving them the appearance they’re floating on your walls. Installation isn’t as hard as you may think. Here’s how to hang them in six easy steps. Select Shelves. There are many types of floating shelves on the market. Each has their own signature mechanism, but they all have some sort of wall-mounted bracket which holds the shelves in place. This will remain hidden once installed. Select the Placement. Decide where you’d like the shelves to go. Be sure to measure, and then, using a level, hold the shelves in place while you draw a marking line on the wall. Trace Brackets. Place the shelf bracket up against the marking line as a guide. Trace the screw holes for the bracket. Attach Brackets. Using the traced marks as a guide, drill screws through the brackets and into the wall. Start with the middle screw and ensure it is level before you attach the other screws. Attach Shelves. Slide the shelves over the bracket and attach any remaining securing screws. Decorate your shelves with anything you’d like such as artwork, plants or books! Source: House Beautiful