Kitchen

When shopping for knives there’s a few key tips to keep in mind in order to find the perfect fit. Not all knives will work with your style of cutting and should influence the brand or type you plan on investing in. Here are seven tips to making sure your kitchen purchase is the correct one. Test Runs. There’s nothing quite like completely understanding the feel of a knife. If you’ve just purchased a knife the first thing you should do is wash it off and slice a tomato on a cutting board. It’ll help you get more comfortable with it. The more times you use it the better. Shop In-Person. We live in a time of online shopping, but try to go in-person when selecting a knife. Take a few of the knives for a test feel, holding it in your hand and feeling the weight and grip. A good store will also have something to cut such as carrots or celery. Try them out and see what’s best for you. You can find the one you like the best, and then see where it’s available online for the best deal. Dishwashing is Safe. You shouldn’t make a habit of it, but dishwashing a knife should be fine. Always check the label instructions if the knife has any materials that can cause issues. Blocks Can Be Useful. Most of the time, knife blocks provide way too many knives than someone can use. The block also can dull the blades when returning and removing the knives. There are self sharpening blocks on the market which help to keep the factory edge. Magnetic knife bars are also a great option to leave knives in an easy place to reach and free up counter space. Sharpening. You probably aren’t sharpening your knives as often as you should be. How often the knives are used and the surface they’re used on will determine when it’s a good time to sharpen. If you are using them daily on a wood or plastic board, try sharpening them once a month. You can test the knife by trying to slice a tomato. If it doesn’t slide through easily, it’s time to sharpen. Source: the Kitchn

Even after cleaning silicone utensils with a dishwasher, you may notice a white film lingering behind. Although these are technically clean, it can be off-putting to think it doesn’t look clean visually. This is a combination of soap scum and hard water. The film can still appear if you’re washing the utensils by hand. It can also interfere with nonstick cooking properties. To clean these silicone utensils you’ll need hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The hydrogen peroxide will also remove any stubborn stains left behind. How to clean: Give your utensils a soak: Soak your affected utensils in hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours. Scrub them with a paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it all around the utensils. Wash: Wash the utensils with soap and water. Source: the Kitchn

Metals tend to come in trend every year for décor. Previous years had resurgences of copper and then rose gold. Recently brass has made its way into design trends as a response to the maximalist movement. Typically an antique metal, brass was most previously common in the 20th century in many collections. Today, brass can add a sleek finish to a kitchen and pops against an all white or neutral background. Here are a few ways you can incorporate brass into your kitchen. Hardware. Any well-designed kitchen needs to take lighting into consideration. Pendant lights above a sink or bar is a great way to add a focal point to a kitchen. Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes these days, including brass. Brass stands out against white or gray hues bringing in all the attention. They also can match perfectly with cabinet hardware. Faucets. A faucet is no longer just a basic need in a kitchen, it’s also a design element! They come in unique shapes, finishes and metal options. Try a faucet with sophisticated curves and vintage knobs for an eye-catching accent to a marble countertop. An all white kitchen with brass fixtures will highlight a faucet even more. Bar Stools. Kitchen bar stools are a perfect opportunity to add personality and character. You can pick stools that go with the rest of your design or go in the opposite direction to create a striking contrast. Brass stools can add an antique feel to a modern kitchen for a one of a kind kitchen. Match the stools with a light fixture or cabinet pulls to bring it all together. Source: the Spruce

If you’re looking to master how to pick avocados, keep them fresh and add them to your favorite recipes, you’ve come to the right place. Avocados are a fruit with creamy, buttery innards that can elevate any dish. Although usually used for savory foods, avocados can still be used in sweeter things such as salads or even chocolate puddings. Picking Avocados When shopping for avocados, gently press them to check their firmness. You’ll want the avocado to be firm but still yield slightly. Avoid avocados with large brown spots or squishy sections. You can also pull back the stem cap as this will be a clear indicator of what’s expected inside. If the avocado is green under the stem cap, you have a ripe avocado. On the other hand, if you find brown then it’s overripe and you can expect to find more brown inside the avocado. Storing Avocados An unripe avocado can be stored on the countertop to move along the process. However, once ripe they should be moved to the fridge to keep them at their ripeness as long as possible. If the avocados are already cut the browning process will happen very quickly. You can spray vegetable oil on the cut half or put an onion in the container to preserve them longer. Avocado Seasons You can usually find avocados year-long in a grocery store. Avocados are in season basically all year in Mexico, which are then imported. California’s avocados are only in season from February to September. Have leftover avocados? Throw them in a smoothie or integrate them in a plain yogurt. You can also add them to scrambled eggs. If you’re looking for the best tools to get your avocado recipes the best they can be, check out Cosmo Ranges, Ovens and Cooktops here! Source: the Kitchn

No matter the kitchen design, endless clutter of jars, spices, dishes and meaningless brushes will ruin the aesthetic. Here are a few tools and tricks you can utilize to keep your dishes and cleaning products in an orderly fashion. Go Vertical. An open shelf designed kitchen is on trend, but towering dishware easily ruins the look. Invest in slotted organizers that will hold everything vertically. This file system easily shows you what you have and can also help to cut down on things you may no longer need. It’s a great way to clear out the clutter in the furthest corners of your cupboards. It also looks far more appealing whenever your baking sheets are standing next to each other instead of in a tower. Cut Down the Kitchen Sink Tools. Your skin may be cluttered from all those various bottles and sponges that are continuing to pile up over time. Look for a multi-purpose tool such as a dishwand that can dispense detergent while also scrubbing. You’ll no longer need several sponges crowding around your sink’s edge and will optimize your dishwashing process. Uniform Storage. A busy pantry with loads of different colors, bags and packages can be an eye-sore. Try investing in quality matching canisters that you can store dry goods such as pasta, nuts and flours. It also helps you visually determine what’s available more quickly. You’ll save money instead of accidentally purchasing the same bag of almonds you missed in the back of the drawer. Label these canisters with matching labels for the perfect finishing touch. Cooktop Cleaners. Induction cooktops are becoming more common as a popular cooking option. These cooktops are prone to spills that can cook-on stains or leave marks over time. There are many internet solutions out there that can leave your kitchen cluttered with tools. Look for cooktop pads that have a special texture that won’t scratch the glass surfaces for a quick one-stop solution. Source: House Beautiful

Baking sheets are extremely versatile for baking, broiling, roasting and much more. Combine a sheet with a wire rack and you’ll be able to perfectly cool baked goods, drain foods post-frying and make oven-cooked bacon. Avoid these common mistakes to keep them in their best condition. Sheets in the Dishwasher. An aluminum sheet pan will discolor in a dishwasher. They will also warp over time and leave them with a splotchy texture. It’s best to hand-wash these and always refer to the best cleaning methods based on the material. Incorrect Utensils. A metal utensil on a nonstick pan is a recipe for disaster. It will cause scratches and damage over time. Stick to wooden or silicone utensils for these kinds of pans. If you’re in the possession of uncoated aluminum sheet pans then it’s perfectly fine to use metal utensils. Older Baking Sheet Use. Not every browned baking sheet should be tossed out! In fact they brown food better than newer shiny ones. It’s always possible to clean even the dirtiest baking sheets. Warped Sheets. If a sheet pan is warped then it’s better to get rid of it. You can tell a baking sheet is warped if you hear a popping sound in the oven when it bakes. This means the sheet is no longer laying flat and can result in your food cooking unevenly. Oils will drip to one side, leaving your food parched on the other side. Quality Sheets. Not all sheets are created equal. A flimsier sheet is bound to warp much faster and you’ll end up needing to replace them more quickly. Look for durable, warp-resistant baking sheets that’ll last you years of problem-free baking. Source: the Kitchn

Every inch of your kitchen is important and begging to be maximized. Wasting space in one area will lead you to compensate for it in another. It’s a never ending domino effect of consequences, leading to frustration and lack of efficiency. Here are some of the key pinpoints people often waste space the worst. Vertical Space. Vertical storage is available nearly everywhere in a kitchen including cabinets and the pantry. A shelf-rise in a cabinet can give you the instant shelves you need to store necessary pots or pans. Tiered shelving in pantries allows you to see everything at first glance. Walls are also prime real estate! Shelves and hooks can be placed here for even more storage opportunities. Stacking Instead of Filing. A stack of baking sheets and cutting boards can be a nightmare. It also takes up more space than it should. Instead of forming these into unorganized mountains, turn them on their side and file them vertically. Tension rods are a great DIY solution for filing. Ignoring Backs of Doors or Cabinet Sides. A simple hook on the back of cabinet doors can provide a perfect place to store dish gloves, pot holders and more. Try hanging a rail on the side of a cabinet to sort out a space for cookware and utensils. You can even add hooks or magnetic strips to the bottom of upper cabinets for mugs and metal-lidded jars. Holding Onto Things For Too Long. One of the worst offenders for a kitchen’s organization is saving things you shouldn’t be. Reclaim wasted space by going through all kitchen possessions and tossing or moving things you don’t need. Methodically approach each section one at a time, such as all your mugs or utensils. Store rarely used appliances on the top shelf of a closet until it’s time to pull them out. Source: the Kitchn

The French press is a popular choice for many coffee drinkers to perfect their cup of coffee. Brewing time can be adjusted to suit a person’s needs, while also eliminating paper filters, providing a more robust flavor. A French press places coffee grounds in the bottom of the glass and allows them to seep in hot water. Once it’s been brewed, the plunger is slowly pressed down and the metal filter traps the grounds. Just like drip coffee makers, a French press should be cleaned regularly. At the least, after every use to remove grounds and then a deeper clean once a week. Remaining coffee oils can turn your next cup rancid. Here’s how to clean yours. What You’ll Need: Sink or bucket Automatic dishwasher Microfiber cloths Wooden or plastic spatula Dishwashing liquid with a degreaser Distilled white vinegar Citric acid powder Hydrogen peroxide Dishwasher detergent Directions: Empty the Coffee Grounds: Most of the coffee grounds will be concentrated at the bottom of the carafe. Use a wooden or plastic spatula to loosen the grounds so they can be emptied easily. Do not use a metal utensil as that can leave scratches. Rinse Components With Hot Water: Rinse out the few remaining coffee grounds in the press with hot water. Leaving the filter and plunger connected, rinse them well with hot water. Add Dishwashing Liquid: Once the grounds are rinsed away, add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid, preferably a brand that includes a degreaser. Add Hot Water: Fill the carafe half-full with hot water. Put the plunger/filter into the carafe and gently plunge it up and down about three times to help remove oils and residue. Empty and Rinse Well: Pour the soapy water down the sink and rinse each component well with hot water. Dry the French Press: Separate the components and allow them air-dry in a dish drainer. Or, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry each piece. How to Deep Clean: Empty Coffee Grounds and Rinse Well: Dispose of the coffee grounds and rinse the press well with hot water to remove all the loose grounds. Disassemble the Components: Unscrew the filter from the plunger. You may need to rinse the filter again to remove any remaining coffee grounds. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: In a sink, large bowl, or bucket, prepare one of these mixtures: Mix two cups of hot water, two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid, two teaspoons of citric acid powder, and two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix one cup of distilled white vinegar and three cups of hot water. Soak the Filter and Plunger: Completely submerge the filter and plunger in one of the cleaning solutions and allow them to soak for at least four hours or overnight. Wash the Carafe and Lid: Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and fill the carafe about half-full with hot water. Use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly wash the interior of the carafe.If you see white spots or deposits on the interior of the carafe, fill the carafe with three parts hot water and one part distilled white vinegar and allow the mixture to sit in the carafe overnight. Wash the lid in a bit of soapy water. Rinse Well and Dry: Once all of the components have completed the required soaking time or cleaning, rinse each one well with hot water. Allow the pieces to air-dry in a dish drainer or dry with a microfiber cloth. Source: the Spruce