Best Kitchen Appliances

By Li Thomas Kitchen cupboards, or cabinets, are just as much of a "staple" in modern kitchens as bread or milk, it seems. Kitchens are typically the hub, or center of family life today. Storing food, especially in today's economy, is vital for most families. With the cost of food rising, and even fast food taking a big bite out of the family budget, eating at home is becoming more and more appealing. Because you likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you will want to be sure that the air is safe for breathing. Why wouldn't it be? Unfortunately, most of the wood cabinets made today are made with plywood or particleboard that contains formaldehyde based glue. Many are also finished with products containing Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs), which may emit formaldehyde as well as other chemicals for years to come. Do you remember your high school biology lab where the frogs (and other creatures you would dissect) were soaking in an extremely pun

By Kathryn Lively The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for family vacations. The multitude of available vacation rental homes allow for extended family members - grandparents, siblings, and cousins - to stay in one place with kitchen privileges and easy access to the beach. Sundays are especially good for families to enjoy time together, and in Currituck County one can find a number of restaurants serving brunch and welcoming anyone with an appetite for leisurely dining with a beautiful view of the Atlantic. Where is the best brunch in the Outer Banks? It is difficult to choose just one place. If you are bringing the family for an extended spring or summer vacation, you just might have the time to try a few places. During your stay, come check out these wonderful eateries before heading out to the shore. Big Mama's - 1152 Ocean Trail, Corolla - Boasting the best breakfast in town, Big Mama's offers traditional fare and cold seafood sala

By Tori Spade Have you undertaken a kitchen remodel project and are not sure if it is complete? Do you feel like despite the new pots, pans, fancy gadgets and new appliances, something is still missing? You are probably correct! One of the most overlooked aspects to most in-home renovation projects includes removing and replacing door handles. Check out the following tips to finally give your kitchen that finishing touch. Tip 1: Choose Your Color and Finish Once you have begun your kitchen remodel, the thought of entirely repainting the walls or tearing down the hand-hung wall paper may seem too daunting to even begin. However, with the proper door hardware accessories, you can change your style-without the added stress, hard work or additional finances. Typical door hardware materials include: nickel, chrome, brass, stainless steel, iron and copper. Depending on your kitchen's style, you need to determine what material will work best. For homes with smaller childr

By Nerijus Antanavicius Hermit crabs are unique for their habit to scavenge abandoned sea shells, and carry them around. This is done to protect from predators and to regulate moisture levels, thus making a sea shell a essential part of a hermit crab. Most wanted Hermit crabs tend to change their shells when they get bigger. If a hermit crab has to use a shell too small for him, his growth speed will decrease, and chance of being eaten by a predator increase, because the crab won't be able to withdraw to the shell. When multiple crabs want the same shell, fights between them might occur. Hermit crab can literally kill another crab for his shell, that's why it's so important to have many shells available for your crabs. Shell changing rates The rate at which hermit crabs change their shells differs, some like to wear them even when they are getting small(for example Ecuadorian hermit crabs), while some species constantly change them(for example Caribbean crab

By David Urmann Preparing a delicious salad requires using the proper kitchen appliances. There are plenty of kitchen appliances essential in preparing any type of salad. A well organized kitchen appliance is also important so you can easily find the tools you need and enjoy the preparation of your food. A refrigerator is one of the most important kitchen appliances. It is where you store the salad after you have prepared to make it cold which makes it more delicious. You can also preserve the freshness of other salad mixtures and ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, cheese, milk, cream and mayonnaise to avoid spoiling. Salad bowls come in different sizes, designs and materials. If you want a traditional look you can buy wooden salad bowls. If you are more concerned with modern utensils you may opt to choose that of glass materials. Just be sure have the proper size to accommodate all mixing requirements of the salad you are going to prepare. Also choose thicker mate

he Gloss White Kitchen is perhaps the ultimate in contemporary kitchen design. They give a very clean look that can look stunning, if planned and fitted in the right way. However, the choice of door that you use and worktop that you fit will greatly influence the look, so do your homework when you choose your door and retailer. The different types of Gloss White Kitchens? Their are more than one type of gloss finish for a kitchen door. The most common ones on the market are (in order of lowest cost first): 1. Melamine (Also known as a High Pressure Laminate - HPL) 2. Vinyl (PVC) 3. Acrylic 4. High Gloss Lacquer Which is the best? Well, as with most things in life this depends on your budget and expectations. Generally the more glossy the finish the higher the cost. Most doors on the market are either Melamine or PVC. Melamine is the lowest cost type of door and as a result is the least glossy. PVC is probably the most common on the market at the moment and has the mai

By Jeff A Hardy In the past two years, the tableware industry has seen many ups and downs. The consumer market for tableware and tabletop items grew 6.4 % from 2006 to 2007 and then declined by 4.2 % in 2008 as very few tabletop purchases were made in this year. Tabletop products include dinnerware, glassware & crystal, flatware, tabletop decorative accessories, giftware & collectibles and other tabletop goods, such as linen. The total market for dinnerware declined by 14 % from 2006 to 2008 and sales of glassware declined by 10 %. Only crystal in the glassware category experienced a 7 % increase in its sales. The tableware market can be broken down into three categories: dinnerware (plates, bowls, cups, saucers and mugs), glassware (beverage-ware, stemware and bar-ware of both glass and crystal) and flatware (eating utensils). China and ceramic dinnerware represent about 74% of all U.S. dinnerware sales, with glass and glass-ceramic representing about 23%. The a

By Tori Spade Remodeling your kitchen can be a nightmare. From the dust, the hammer-induced headache and the general chaos that typically ensues, the thought of undertaking a home renovation project yourself can seem overwhelming and simply just not worth the time or energy. But replacing your cabinet and sink hardware is a quick, inexpensive way to update your kitchen without having to drag out tarps and totally inconvenience your daily routine. Just follow these simple guidelines and you'll be on your way to a newer, fresh, more cheery kitchen in no time! Pinch the Pennies Well, not literally. However, like any responsible homeowner, it is necessary to establish - and stick to - a budget for any home renovation project. Be sure you have sufficient funds to purchase your anticipated replacement parts as well as an additional cushion for any emergency spending. You should plan to start saving anywhere from three to six months in advance before beginning your projec

If you want to try your hand at an easy French dessert, this baked apple recipe is the perfect place to start. You'll want to make it again and again once you realize how fabulous it makes your house smell. And there isn't a simpler way to get everyone to the dinner table, then enticing them with the smell of dessert. La Bonne Femme Part of the fun of serving this French dessert (or any French food for that matter) is knowing something about its name. The literal translation of this recipe is Good Woman Apples. When the term bonne femme is tacked on to the end of recipes in France it usually indicates that a dish is simple and not at all fussy to prepare. However, calling someone a bonne femme in France is not necessarily a compliment. A bonne femme might indicate someone with common manners or an old and feeble woman. More then likely the origin of the term in association with food derives from the Latin words bona fama , indicating something with a good re

By Frann Leach People seem to think that gluten free living means no desserts, or no nice desserts, anyway. But it really doesn't have to be that way... When it comes to gluten free desserts, you're best to stay away from the "Free From" shelves. Well, to be honest, apart from pasta, I would give those a miss anyway. Most of the products are pretty tasteless at best, and very pricey indeed. But so far as desserts go, really, there's not much need for flour, anyway. Hopefully, you will have eaten enough bulk in the main course, and the sweet course is just a kind of codicil - more of a taste sensation than anything. So, what can you eat for afters that isn't full of gluten? Here are a few suggestions. First off, there's nothing much nicer in the summer time than a fresh fruit salad, and it's very easy to do. You just get a bunch of fruit, cut it up and add some juice or syrup. The trick is to leave fruit that browns in the air until las

By David Urmann Baton Rouge is Louisiana States capital city. It is also the biggest city of the state and is situated in the southeastern part along the Mississippi River. Since the city is overlooking the Mississippi delta, tourists can journey on a riverboat or gaze at the romantic sunset. The mix traditions and cultures of the English, Spanish, and French have a strong influence over Baton Rouge. This diverse city takes pride of its rich Cajun and Creole tradition. Its streets are packed with restaurants dishing out all of the important cuisines from the finest Cajun, spicy Bayou dishes to French, Caribbean and Southern gastronomy. Moreover, the significant university population succeeded in engrossing some of the state's Asian and healthy food cafes and restaurants. From among many Baton Rouge cuisines, Cajun and Creole seem to stand out. So what's the difference between these two? Let us first take a glimpse at the origin. Equally of French beginning, the C

By Linda Carol Wilson Bread pudding is a delicious staple in the South. It is perfect to serve with coffee to your friends. Whether it is served after a meal or just for a special occasion, this recipe for Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce is sure to please. In a big hurry? Try this Very Easy Banana Pudding. BREAD PUDDING WITH LEMON SAUCE 2 cups dry bread cubes 4 cups milk, scalded 1 tbsp butter 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup sugar 4 slightly beaten eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract Soak bread in milk for 5 minutes. Add the butter, salt, and sugar. Pour the bread mixture slowly over the beaten eggs. Add the vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake in a pan of hot water in 350 degree oven until pudding is firm; about 50 minutes. Serve while warm with the Lemon sauce. Lemon Sauce: 1/2 cup sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/8 tsp salt 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1 cup boiling water 2 tbsp butter 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice In a 1-quart saucepan, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and nutmeg.

By Albert Lee The kitchen canister sets are the best way to emphasize your kitchen and give you additional storage space. The canister sets of nowadays are available in an extensive variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Locating the correct kitchen canister set depends upon your personal tastes and what motif, if any, the kitchen is. A lot of manufactures from all over the world provide you with a wide assortment of kitchen canisters to choose from. Keeping in view all the different makers of canisters, the end users would in all probability have a tough time selecting amidst all the various canisters available. These canisters come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Kitchen canister makers manufacture canisters that fall into various categories and themes like elegant, antique, contemporary, homey, modern, oriental, country-like, minimalist etc. End users are fortunate enough to be provided an opportunity to select among the wide array of them. Whilst determining w

By Lena Kavhovsky With improved awareness of kitchen decors, apron kitchen sink have hit the demanding sales in the market. They have won momentum with regards to sales and popularity! It is not merely an accessory décor, but an exclusive décor that embellishes your kitchen with neat and professional look. Kitchen sinks differ with wide ranging choice and varieties and it is definitely typical to find the best from the list. Though there are plenty of designs available, the attractive apron kitchen sink is defined as the best and elegant interior décor for your kitchen. Giving a farmhouse effect, they have become the most liked and favorable choice of most house owners. If you desire to hammer you kitchen with contemporary style, yet working out to give traditional look, then durable apron kitchen sink must be your preference. They match your kitchen more apt and they are definitely the wise choice for any kitchen size. With inviting rich look, they give a moment to thi

The modern day kitchen is a well knit unit where kitchen appliances like dishwashers, cooking systems, mixers, blenders, refrigerators etc are put to optimum use. No house keeper can work without the aid of these. The invention of these gadgets has greatly increased the convenience of everybody. Larger sized kitchen appliances are used in eateries and restaurants to feed more number of people. The demand for home appliances is ever growing because these appliances are the life lines of every modern human being. You can put off buying a new car, but you cannot put off purchasing an appliance in the place of a worn out one for long periods if you want to have a peaceful life. No words can describe the importance of kitchen appliances in our life aptly. But many of us make the mistake of buying them from anywhere. They never care to assess the reliability of the seller, the durability of the appliance of the after sale services. Such mistakes often cost us dearly. However,

By Peter A West The night bazaar area of Chiang Mai can be packed this time of year, but harried shoppers can walk a couple of blocks down Chiang Klan Road and find relief. An awning and outdoor bistro tables give Ouh La La a noticeable presence on the street, but it still feels like stumbling upon a brasserie on a back street in Paris. French flourishes are everywhere, from framed images of Paris to glass windows etched with the Eiffel Tower to sleek deli cases filled with fresh baked goods. The décor is lean but appealing. Ouh La La is the kind of place where everyone can feel comfortable - from young tourists or locals to the newly retired, from those decked out in summer's sleekest garb to others lounging in worn jeans and slip on shoes. The restaurant is operated by the amiable Marco who handles the kitchen and the efficient and pleasant Carole who rules the dining room. Most of the menu consists of standard French-inspired fare and though the cooking isn't

By Penny Day Thinking about going for a brand new look for your kitchen this year? We've been trend spotting to find the latest looks for 2009. Find out more on the latest kitchen trends for 2009. Glossy looks With their sleek good looks, gloss kitchens continue to be popular in modern homes. Available in a wide range of colours, these units are highly reflective and will bounce light around, which makes them ideal for smaller kitchens or those that don't get much natural light, as long as you go for a pale colour. Eye-catching finishes, such as the glossy black units pictured, also help to create a distinctly designer look. Trendy tones Bring your kitchen back up to date with kitchen units in a trendy shade. Here, yellow units are warmed by the splashback in American walnut. "Colour and texture work beautifully together to create an ultramodern kitchen," says Claudia Baillie from Livingetc. Painted units If you want a kitchen with a truly personal

By James P Martin The first step in choosing a wood stove for your home is deciding on the type of a stove available in the marketplace. There are a variety of materials that go into the construction of a wood stove.  The most common type of material is the cast iron wood stove.  This is by far the most popular from a historical standpoint.  But today, better choices of materials are available. One popular choice in today's wood stove market is at the soapstone wood stove.  Soapstone can be found throughout the world and the material itself has been used to make tools and pipes throughout the history of man. A soapstone wood stove is unlike other wood-burning stoves in that they provide comfortable long-lasting radiant heat due to their inherent properties of heat retention. Although the name maybe suggest otherwise, these types of wood stoves are not entirely made of this material.  Soapstone wood stoves often have cast iron inserts in order to maximize efficiency

By Morris E. Brown It can be said that in the food services industry - be it café, restaurant or caterer that perception and image is everything. Once listed in your local newspaper as having been noted - or even closed down by your local city, state or provincial health department authorities and you are as good as finished. Dead in the water for forever. Once in people minds - especially if the newspaper article is graphic and descriptive and all most of your customers or potential customers can say or think about your establishment or food service is "yuk" and "I will never go there". If you are a caterer then you can well think about canceled events that you have booked never mind a dearth of new meal and catering contracts and bookings is they weddings, bar mitzvahs or staff Christmas parties. As with most things and events in life and in the food services, hotel and hospitality service industries prevention is key. Count on it. A major role of

You`ve just paid out your hard-earned money on a brand new kitchen knife. That is the buying part over with. But, what about taking care of it, so that it will last you for a long time? Following some simple rules will help you to keep that quality knife in great condition, giving you years of satisfaction. Cutting on an unsuitable surface is likely to damage either the knife or the surface! Use a chopping board made of wood or plastic. After use wash the knife in warm soapy water after use, and dry it. Never use a dishwasher for wooden-handled knives. Preferably don`t use a dishwasher for any knives. Don't use a scouring pad or other abrasive material to clean your knife. This will scratch the blade. A sponge or soft cloth is best. Many knives are stain-resistant, but you may notice some discolouration of the blade if it is not cleaned after use with acidic foods such as lemons or pickles. This discolouration can normally be easily removed by rubbing gently with a

When it comes to making your choice for a surface in the kitchen Solid Surface worktops may be something you are considering. What makes them the right choice for your kitchen worktop? Well in presenting the facts I hope I can make it easier for you to make the correct decision. There are a number of similar surfaces that in truth are little different in their make up and properties to Corian but as the pioneer of Solid Surfaces, Corian is the standard bearer and that does count for a lot in the eyes of the consumer. This isn't to say that other surfaces aren't as good as Corian and to determine this there's no better proof than the opinions of fabricators who work regularly on Solid Surface Materials. LG Hi-Macs like Corian, is an acrylic surface that offers a 15 year manufacturers warranty and in a consensus of opinions I've read on fabricators discussion forums over the years, there is nothing to choose between the two. As with Corian, LG Hi-Macs workto

By John George Cole The selection of brand-new worktops can be fun but there are a few fundamental details to consider. One of the most important things to hold in your consideration is your kitchen cupboards. Kitchen worktops are nearly always placed on top of kitchen cupboard units or cupboards. It is an outstanding idea to pick out all of your materials and sundries at the same moment in time, particularly if you are intending to remodel your cupboard units besides. This will help to ensure that your brand-new kitchen work surface not only looks fine, but that it also compliments the kitchen cupboard units that you have put in. As always, the cost of your new kitchen countertops has to be foremost in your mind. Laminate work surfaces are frequently believed the most cut-price of all countertops. These are the cheapest but they are rather dull. If you are reckoning to not just change your kitchen area around, but improve the visual aspect of it, you might be searching

One of the biggest dilemmas facing the modern kitchen consumer is which type of surface to choose for their countertops and an increasing number of buyers are setting aside a portion of their budget to ensure they can adorn their kitchen with surfaces once considered too expensive. The choice is wide and varied yet how many buyers know the differences between the big players and is the higher cost of these surfaces justified when compared to the more traditional laminate finishes. Perhaps the reasons for choosing an elite surface is down to the number of irreparable scratches that were all too visible on your last high gloss laminate surface or maybe you just couldn't bear to continue the daily kitchen chores to face that water damaged, lifting laminate behind the sink. Certainly, careful fitting and proper maintenance could have avoided the problems but your mind is made up and you want an easier life in the kitchen So what are the choices and how do you choose betwe

By Rod Jokei A kitchen soffit redo may be necessary if you are remodeling the whole kitchen. However, you can also do it when just refacing the kitchen cabinets. Either way this would simply mean removing the soffit above the cabinets. First you may have to verify whether the soffit is original or was added later in the kitchen. If it is not original there is a possibility that lathe and plaster ceiling may cause some trouble when removing it. To check it's originality just make a small hole and look. If it is original you may find that there is no ceiling so you might have to replace it but if it was installed later there is a chance that the ceiling is there. This means you can opt to remove it and utilize the space with higher cabs. You nay find that as you remove it you will come across old water damage in some corners especially where the plaster had completely let loose from the ceiling lath. You can just remove the plaster so that you can add recessed light a

By KC Kudra If you are like a lot of us, you have noticed your life just seems to get busier and busier. If you are not careful, you will soon find yourself eating out most of the time, or reheating boxed convenience foods in the microwave. After all, when you are short on time or you have had a long day, it is hard to get up the energy to cook. Unfortunately, convenience eating - restaurants and processed foods - can lead to gaining weight, unhealthy, sluggish feelings, and many other unfortunate side effects. It does not set a good example for our families either. A good, home cooked meal should be an important part of most families' days. The good news is that you can cook healthy, delicious meals at home, without having to go to a lot of effort. Some planning, a little pre-cooking when you have the extra time, and using ingredients like boneless chicken that don't require a lot of prep can make it simple and easy to eat home cooked meals. Instead of cooking