Kitchen

What You Shouldn’t Clean with Baking Soda

Posted on November 27, 2020November 27, 2020Posted in Home, KitchenNo Comments

Baking soda is a staple for cleaning when it comes to your kitchen. While it may be tempting to use it everywhere, there’s some places you should absolutely steer clear from. Baking soda is abrasive which means it can damage lightly sealed surfaces or discolor some metals. Here’s a list of some places you should avoid using it. Aluminum cookware. Baking soda can usually be used on many metal surfaces but take caution with aluminum. You may be able to get away with using it if you quickly apply it and rinse it off. Leaving it on can cause it to oxidize which would change the aluminum’s surface color. Gold-plated service pieces. While 24k plated gold may be uncommon in a kitchen, some decorative wedding china may have some true gold accents. Baking soda can easily scratch gold since it’s a soft metal. Marble surfaces. Stone manufacturers advise against cleaning marble with baking soda. The repeat abrasive cleaning from baking soda can deteriorate the sealant. It’s best to use proper marble cleaners to avoid damage. Antique silver. While baking soda can be used to remove tarnish from silverware, be careful with antique silver. It may be too abrasive and ruin the finish, especially if you are unsure of the provenance and may not actually be sterling silver. Avoid pieces that contain decorative insets all together. It’s best to take these pieces to a professional who knows how to properly clean them. Did you learn something new? Follow our Facebook and Instagram for more from Cosmo. Source: Kitchn

Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwich Recipe

Posted on November 25, 2020November 25, 2020Posted in Kitchen, RecipesNo Comments

Try out this delicious oatmeal cream cookie recipe, courtesy of Culinary.net . These are easy to make and use practical ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Learn below how you can bring a new experience to your holiday season. Servings: 10-12 Oatmeal Cookies: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup dark brown sugar ½ cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ½ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats Vanilla Bean Cream Filling: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 2 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon heavy cream Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. To make oatmeal cookies: with a mixer, cream butter, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and oats. Gradually add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spoon dough into hands and roll into balls. Flatten balls and place onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Move cookies to wire rack to cool completely. To make vanilla bean cream filling: with a mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and heavy cream; mix until combined. Pipe or spoon a large dollop of filling on half the cookies; top each with second cookie. Source: Culinary.net

How to Pick the Best Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Posted on November 24, 2020November 24, 2020Posted in Home, KitchenTagged faucets, guide, info, kitchen, sinksNo Comments

Sinks and faucets are essential to any kitchen. Recent trends may influence your decision for your next upgrade, but it’s important to choose a sink that will work well for your needs and withstand years of use. Material Options. Sinks come in many different materials such as stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, and solid surfaces. If you tend to throw dishes into your sink, then stainless steel may be better for you, due to its tougher construction. Stainless steel is also an attractive choice when paired with solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone because of its undermount capability. Solid surface sinks are easier to clean due to their smoother area but can be chipped or damaged with hot pots and pans. Number of Sinks. Double-bowl sinks are the most common kitchen feature, but may not be necessary if you don’t wash as many dishes. Dishes may not always be hand washed when dishwashers are available, so the extra space isn’t always needed. Larger pots and pans may fit better in one large oversized sink bowl. The need for space differs from household to household, so recognize your needs when deciding on a sink construction. Faucets. There are many faucets to choose from on the market. Most use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. These valves prevent water from leaking and control the water pressure. A ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. A faucet with a spray arm is useful for filling pots with water or cleaning the sink afterwards. Other features to consider are garbage disposals or hot water dispensers. It’s best to avoid brass finishes as these faucets aren’t as suitable for high use areas like a kitchen. Instead opt for materials like chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel or pewter. Sources: HGTV

Tea or Coffee in the Morning?

Posted on November 24, 2020November 24, 2020Posted in Home, KitchenTagged coffee, drinks, teaNo Comments

Coffee and tea are the most common drinks in the world. The debate of the health benefits between the two is ever evolving. It’s hard to distinguish which drink may be best to start your day with all the cluttered information. Here’s the key differences that can help you decide which one to sip on the next time you need a boost of energy. Caffeine Coffee and tea both contain the same stimulant: caffeine. But they differ in the way that they’re metabolized in our body. On average, a cup of coffee contains 80 to 100mg of caffeine. Tea on the other hand has 30 to 50mg per cup. This can vary across types of teas and brewing methods. Caffeine affects everyone differently and personal tolerance also plays a role. An excess of caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety or elevated heart rate. It’s recommended to not consume more than four or five cups of coffee a day. Energy Tea differs from coffee in that it contains the chemical, L-theanine. This chemical metabolizes caffeine over a longer period of time which can lead to sustained energy. Coffee can provide a quicker buzz, but tea enhances cognitive performance and attention. Antioxidants Antioxidants are chemical compounds that may reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants, but coffee has more. Some common antioxidants found in coffee are chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and n-coumaric acids. The major antioxidant in tea is catechin which has anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease or stroke. It’s important to note that although coffee contains more antioxidants, exceeding recommended daily caffeine amounts can lead to health risks like insomnia and nausea. Sources: Insider

3 Ways to Cook the Perfect Turkey

Posted on November 23, 2020November 24, 2020Posted in Family, Kitchen, RecipesTagged food, kitchen, meal, recipe1 Comment

Cooking turkeys can be a daunting task. Instead of resorting to an old recipe, try something new this year if you’re up for the challenge, here are three different ways you can cook that perfect turkey. Smoke It Smoking turkey takes about the same amount of time as cooking it traditionally in an oven, however it requires more attention. You’ll need to truss your turkey to make it easier to flip in the smoker for an even cook. Cotton butcher’s twine is a must. You’ll need to have a slow and mellow fire. Be sure to keep your coals glowing and add some hardwood chunks for a unique flavor. Keep an eye on the turkey throughout the day and measure its temperature. Avoid a dry, hot smoker as this will make the turkey’s skin crack. Have a silicone brush on hand to keep the turkey basted. Grill It A gas grill can be ideal for cooking turkey with the right tools. You’ll need a roast rack to hold up your turkey upside down and away from the grill as it starts to cook. The breast will take the longest so start with the breast side facing the burners. After an hour or two you can flip it over directly on to the grate. Add some smokey flavor with a smoke box as gas doesn’t naturally do this. Keep track of the temperature of your turkey. Use a dual probe thermometer as the breast will take longer to cook. Fry It One of the quickest ways to cook a turkey is frying it. You can cook an average sized turkey in about an hour, making it a much more attractive method. It’s best to brine your turkey beforehand to maintain moisture in the turkey as frying can dry it out. Safety is key when it comes to frying a turkey. Be sure you have a thermometer to keep track of the oil’s temperature. Use proper equipment when lowering and lifting the turkey in the oil, such as heat resistant gloves. Turn off your fryer prior to lifting it out of the fryer and check the turkey’s temperature once it’s out. It’s only safe to fry a turkey outdoors and with the proper fryer. Keep flammable items away from the area. How are you going to cook your turkey this year? Let us know over on our Facebook and Instagram, or in the comments below. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving this year! Sources: HGTV

Upcoming Product Release: Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktops!

Posted on November 20, 2020November 20, 2020Posted in Announcement, Kitchen, News, ProductsTagged announcement, cooktop, cosmo appliances, electric cooktop, new products, productNo Comments

Here at Cosmo we’re proud to see the way our products bring alive the heart and soul to kitchens across the country. Our cooktop line has always delivered seamless performance with modern design at its core. We’re happy to introduce our newest products, the COS-365ECC and COS-304ECC, electric ceramic glass cooktops! These beautiful cooktops come with a smooth glass ceramic surface that easily wipes clean, giving you freedom to cook whatever you please and a clean, shiny cooktop after every meal. Powered with either 4 or 5 electric surface burners, you can rest assured you can cook like a professional chef in your own home. These burners are also equipped with dual zone elements for added flexibility when cooking with different sized cookware. Previous Next Features Knob controls provide easy access to temperature settings 5 Heat levels for a variety in cooking Hot Surface Indicator Light will glow to alert any surface area is too hot to touch Built with SCHOTT CERAN ® cooktop panels –made of a material that combines the aesthetics of glass with enormous heat resistance and stability. The ceramization process is then what turns glass into a glass-ceramic Dual Zone Elements offer flexibility for a variety of cookware sizes Easy clean-up with the cooktop’s smooth glass surface 5 Year Limited Warranty Like what you see? Keep an eye out for the cooktops here. CLICK HERE

Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on November 20, 2020November 24, 2020Posted in Home, KitchenTagged design, design trends, guide, interior Design, kitchenNo Comments

Kitchen design can be daunting. It’s best to learn the biggest mistakes people often make before designing your own. Check out these tips below! Inconsistent Layout The placement of appliances and cabinets is crucial. Good organization goes a long way. First decide, what kind of kitchen works for you? Are you somebody who entertains in the kitchen? Maybe you’ll need an island with extra seats. You could need extra counter space if you love to bake and cook for all your ingredients. Putting all your appliances in one counter may not be the most aesthetically pleasing idea. These questions will help map out your space more effectively. Cabinets and the Color Choices You Make Cabinets can be one of the most expensive items in your kitchen. When deciding on your cabinets it’s important to keep two things in mind–versatility and durability. You won’t be replacing your cabinets all the time and these decisions can carry a hefty cost. Look for solid wood construction cabinets that are at least ½ inch thick with well finished surfaces. Pay attention to any imperfection such as wood knots or bad sanding. Countertops Marble counters may look beautiful at first, but these surfaces easily stain from certain drinks and dyes. Other acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemons can actually erode marble quickly, making it less practical in a kitchen. Affordable and durable counters such as quartz or granite are safer choices for kitchen counters. Empty Spaces Above Cabinets Having a large empty space between cabinets and the ceiling leads to kitchens feeling empty and dust buildup. These spaces are hard to reach and clean. Consider placing a soffit here. A soffit is a decorative architectural feature that can fill up these areas in an appealing way. Thinking over how you can improve your kitchen with these tips? Show us over on our Facebook and Instagram and be sure to tag us! Source: Insider

Holiday Spirits to Sip On

Posted on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020Posted in Kitchen, RecipesTagged cocktail, drinks, holiday, spirits, thanksgivingNo Comments

As we approach the holidays, we come to accept the fact this holiday season will be unlike any other due to restrictions amongst a COVID reality. Safety and responsibility come first during these times, but we look for other ways to ensure we have our holiday cheer. Take this opportunity to sit down and try something new with these exciting drinks, recipes courtesy of Zevia. Winter White Margarita Servings: 6 12 ounces coconut milk 12 ounces silver tequila 1 tablespoon orange extract 2 ½ cups ice 1 ½ cans Zevia Lemon Lime with Bitters Granulated stevia, for garnish (optional) Cranberries, for garnish (optional) Rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional) In blender, blend coconut milk, tequila, orange extract, ice and bitters until smooth. Rim six glasses with granulated stevia. Divide mixture among glasses and garnish each with cranberries and rosemary, if desired. Cranberry Smash Moscow Mule Servings: 1 1 cup cranberries, plus additional for garnish (optional), divided ¾ – 1 cup water, divided 2 ounces vodka 1-2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice 4 ounces Zevia Ginger Beer Mixer Ice Rosemary, for garnish (optional) Lime slices, for garnish (optional) Cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional) In saucepan, boil cranberries in 1/2 cup water until they burst. Use fork to smash cranberries. Boil 3-4 minutes. Keep mixture moist by adding water 1/4 cup at a time. Let mixture cool to room temperature. In copper mug, combine vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and smashed cranberries over ice. Garnish with additional cranberries, rosemary, lime slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired. Did you try out these recipes? Tag us! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Getty Images Source: Zevia

Tips on Lighting Your Kitchen

Posted on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenNo Comments

Let there be light! Kitchen lighting often comes as an afterthought or disregarded completely. Well balanced kitchen lighting brings both functionality and aesthetic to a home. While there may be a plethora of different lights you can buy such as pendants, strip lights or recessed lighting, it’s important to understand the function of light and the role it plays in any room. It’s easier to think of light in layers. Light, like anything else in the kitchen, should have a purpose. Ambient – Ambient lighting will be the main source of lighting. It should be applied in an even layer to the entire room. An example would be natural sunlight. This can be accomplished with various kinds of lights as long as it’s filling the space. Task – The lighting that illuminates cooktops or surfaces you will need to use when preparing meals, as the name implies. It can be the lights you need to look through a pantry or read labels. Accent – Accent lighting emphasizes various places in the kitchen such as cabinets or counters. It should be the cherry on top that adds depth and dimension. Did you know color plays an important role too? According to Jeff Dross, director of education and industry trends at Kichler Lighting, you should look out for three qualities when picking lights for energy efficiency. Color Temperature. Look for lights that are in between 2700 to 3000 Kelvin. This will closely resemble incandescent lamping which would perfectly fit in any residential environment. CRI Rating. This stands for Color Rendering Index, and determines the way the light is interpreted. Low CRI can result in lights looking gray. Jeff recommends your lights have at least 80 CRI to see better color renders. Energy Star. Lights should have this certification to ensure the bulb has gone through longevity testing and has a minimum 80 CRI. What kind of lights do you have in your kitchen and is there any way you can add more? We’d love to see your design and style! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, tag us and join our Cosmo community. Sources: YLighting , HGTV

Taking Care of Your Stainless Steel Appliances

Posted on November 18, 2020November 18, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged clean, cosmo appliances, kitchen, kitchen appliances, tutorialNo Comments

Stainless steel is one of the sleekest modern finishes any appliance can have. As a matter of fact, it’s the most popular among dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators sales. But as you may soon learn, stainless steel attracts fingerprints, smudges and streaks. There are many stainless steel cleaners on the market to bring the shine back to your appliances. But we’ve compiled some tricks if you’re looking for other cost saving alternatives. It’s always a good idea to refer to your product’s user manual on any cleaning recommendations. Always avoid scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, or ammonia as these can damage your appliance’s finish. Dish Soap. You can actually mix a mild soap detergent and warm water to help clean your stainless steel. Use a microfiber cloth and rub the solution into any marks, going with the grain of the stainless steel. Rinse with cold water and dry immediately with a clean cloth after. Mineral Oil. Apply a light coating of mineral oil and buff with a cloth to avoid any tacky buildup. Steer clear of any food-based oils such as vegetable or olive oil. These kinds of oils can turn rancid. Glass Cleaner. Spray a soft, dry cloth with a glass cleaner that is ammonia and vinegar-free to buff out any pesky fingerprints that may persist. Wipe the surface clean after. Baking Soda. Create a paste of baking soda and warm water, then apply to a soft cloth or sponge. Always remember to go with the grain of your appliance. Wipe with a clean wet cloth and dry with a towel. For any remaining scratches or stains you can utilize a stainless steel cleaner to the area. Sources: Good HouseKeeping , Consumer Reports Looking to learn more? Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram.