Ultrex 8-Piece Cutlery Set

We believe in sharing the joys of deeply discounted daily deals with as many people as possible. We erect no barriers to purchase on the grounds of race, color, creed, language, sexual orientation, national origin, personal hygiene, Cubs fandom, or other. But we must make one exception in the case of this Ultrex 8-Piece Cutlery Set: we regret that we cannot sell this item to serial killers.

Those of you who do not hear voices compelling you to murder will receive six different knives, ranging from a 3.5” paring knife to an 8” chef’s knife, all with stainless steel blades and handles. They’re ideal for use in your kitchen, not alongside some lonely highway up in the hills somewhere. Throw in a pair of kitchen shears and a knife block for safe storage, and you’ve got yourself one nifty little knife set – unless, of course, you’re a kill-crazed psychopath. If you are, please don’t order this Ultrex 8-Piece Cutlery Set.

Warranty: 90 day Woot

Includes:

• 3-1/2” paring knife
• 4-1/2” tomato knife
• 5-1/2” utility knife
• 6” boning knife
• 8” bread knife
• 8” chef’s knife
• Kitchen shears
• Knife block

Original Source: http://www.woot.com/Blog/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryId=2454

KitchenAid Blender

I was asked recently what is the secret to my baking. I am convinced that I owe it all to my KitchenAid 10-Speed Stand Mixer. Since my daughter purchased it for me 3 years ago, baking truly has never been the same! The whites are fluffier and the batter smoother – nothing compares!

It comes in a variety of colours and it is very heavy so I suggest that you keep it in a handy location where you don’t have to pick it up and move it around too much! Some of you may gawk at the price, but it really is worth the investment. They last forever and are durable enough to even mix dough.

Original Source: http://jackandjane.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2004/6/17/132746.html

Overpriced Cookware

Why is it that cookware is so darn expensive. I understand that there are different kinds of cookware and materials and surfaces and metals and all that other crap, but why is it that a single pan can cost hundreds of dollars. Are these pans made of gold or something? Anodized, Non-anodized, teflon, cast iron, aluminum. Too many options, too many choices, too much money. You want to know what I want, it's simple, an inexpensive pan that can cook anything. Sounds easy, right? Well apparently not, because now they have specific pans, to cook specific foods. The whole thing is getting out of hand. I enjoy cooking, but a set of pots and pans, should not cost two months salary.

OriginalSource: http://ijustgotblogged.com/index.php?blog=3&title=overpriced_cookware&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

How to set up your first kitchen

May turning into June means many things, one of which is graduation. Whether the graduate in your life is graduating from high school and will be off in the fall to start college somwhere far away from home, or graduating from college and about to embark on "real life," no doubt he or she will setting up a "first kitchen."

Heidi Swanson received a letter from a reader of her food blog, 101 Cookbooks, that asked her how to set up a first kitchen, and rather than answering it herself, Heidi opened it up to her other readers. Some of the commenters pointed to other resources, like Mark Bittman's recent NY Times article about a No-frills Kitchen, and a Consumerist post about outfitting a kitchen with a budget. Most of the 150+ commenters have good tips, ranging from a basic pot and pan, cook's knife, and even what types of spices to have in the pantry.

If you're putting together a graduation gift, kitchen stuff might be great idea.

Original Source: http://www.slashfood.com/2007/05/27/how-to-set-up-your-first-kitchen/

Topnotch Kitchen Accessories

That Compliment the Chef or Home Cook in You

Believe me, owning the right kitchen accessories can make your kitchen chores seem easy and save you from wasting precious time.

Okay we all have to eat.

For some the act of creating a delicious meal is easy, for others it's not. It all depends on which school you belong too?

There are two schools of thought when is comes to cooking. There's the old school and the new school. Your kitchen experiences can be somewhat painful if you're still claiming the old school. When you graduate to a new way of thinking into the new school, cooking becomes a whole lot easier.

Cooking doesn't have to be difficult. We make it hard by not applying common sense and adapting to our environment. Here is a case in point.

The fact that you use recipes means you've learned a valuable lesson. You can now recreate that exceptional meal that you cooked for your special person. Without hearing "It doesn't taste as good as before" or "Baby something is missing". The lessoned learned was not to cook by taste. In fact you know outsmart everyone by using your ability to recreate great foods.

Having the right recipe is only one-third of the successful cooking equation. Another third of the pie requires you to equip yourself with the right tools of the trade.

Here are some top rated kitchen accessories that are guaranteed to make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Once you get equipped you'll look forward to creating delectable tasting foods for yourself, family and friends.

Kitchen Accessories You Can't Live Without

Cookware
You know cast iron steel works best. But what's the skinny on other cooking materials and surfaces like stainless steal, copper, aluminum and non-stick. See for yourself, size up your pots here.

Cutlery
Got a dull knife? Time to pull out the old sharpening stone. Good cooks work with a variety of sharp knives. See which knives will benefit you.

Bakeware
Stock your kitchen cabinets with the right pan sizes for ease of baking, broiling and oven cooking. Don't know which (metal, ceramic, glass) is best for baking? Find out here!

Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets are fun and great time savers. You can become more effective in less time. Find out why, how and what works.

Kitchen Utensils
You need more than just spoons, forks, and knives. Look here for other items to incorporate to easy your preparation task.

Original Source: http://www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com/kitchen-accessories.html

Kitchen Knife Usage Techniques: Keep Your Fingers Intact

Alright, I’ll admit it. I have, on more than one occasion, taken off a part of my finger as I was whipping up what I was sure was going to be a fantastic meal. While finely dicing a yellow onion, I sliced the tip of my index finger in the process. The frantic race to the bathroom for disinfectant and a band-aid put a bit of a damper on the meal. I have also had unfortunate incidents with a serrated knife and a loaf of French bread, a paring knife and a potato, and one very bad time with a cheese grater.

You are probably thinking that I should be relieved of my cooking duties and kept at least 10 feet from all cutting utensils everywhere. I’d like to think that I am a strange, one time case but the real fact is that we all make unfortunate errors while working in the kitchen because we don’t use our knives properly. I found a great tutorial for the proper way to hold and use your kitchen knife sets so that you can avoid such unpleasantness as gouging your fingers.

The Cooking Enthusiast Web site provides How-To Guides and one specifically on Basic Knife Techniques. Take a look and practice. It will save you the Neosporin and embarrassment later.

Original source: http://www.lightsandknives.com/blog/kitchen-knife-usage-techniques-keep-your-fingers-intact-2007-05-09

Kitchen Gadgets - Zyliss Shake 'n' Go Shaker (for Protein Drinks, Smoothies, Dressings, more)

Can you tell yet that I'm a little obssessed with Zyliss products? I just love them. Zyliss makes smart products that work well and feel right in your hands while you're using them. This Shake 'n' Go shaker is a perfect example of just that.

I have this little green shaker container, and use it for whipping up quick homemade dressings (thanks to the little attachment inside that helps make blending a breeze) or to take a smoothie to go with me wherever I happen to be going.

This is a real bargain too - for under five bucks you're getting a true multi-tasker for around the kitchen. I find that the spout makes sipping easy AND the lid stays on true and tight. I've never had this little shaker leak even a drop! (At work, where we sell these - a box usually doesn't last a week. Customers have caught on to these amazing little gizmos too, and so they never last long.)

Original Source: http://kitchengadget.blogspot.com/

The Perfect Kitchen

A busy commercial or household kitchen definetly requires the perfect equipment to operate successfully. Whether you're feeding 3 or 300 you not only want that food to look good, you want it presented on something stylish and sturdy.

It's really important for me I guess, to have the right utensils when I'm cooking. As you can imagine, having a busy food blog requires trying different recipes and new things all the time. I need to have confidence that the pots and pans I'm using are going to do the job correctly. God knows, I've worked in many restaurants in the past where the owners took no pride in the equipment they used. The $$$ they spent were unbelievable!!! If only they had made the correct investment in the first place, they could have saved themselves a lot of trouble and money.

And speaking of investments. Have you had a good look in your own kitchen lately? Maybe it's time you invested in some great new dinnerware. I like the feel of strong, white dinner plates when I'm serving food. I also like shiny, strong stainless steel cutlery. As a matter of fact, I want my kitchen to have the best tools for all my catering needs. I think we should all want that. Check out instawares. They have all the resources to help you set up that perfect kitchen.

Original Source: http://www.souvlakiforthesoul.com/index_files/sponsored_perfect_kitchen.html#unique-entry-id-35

Surgical Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware Set

Find out more about the history of dutch ovens and how to purchase aid cookware kitchen the perfect one for you. To see this line go to scanpan ergonomic cookware free aid cookware kitchen shipping (some restrictions apply). The smooth, hard finish of 18/8 aid cookware kitchen surgical stainless means this set is easy to keep clean.

For the price, it is a deal that is aid cookware kitchen sure to sell out soon.

Suggestion box about aid cookware kitchen ubid.com become an affiliate. The fixating aid cookware kitchen screws were rusty. Editors also rate for design factors including the shape and seal of the aid cookware kitchen lid, the weight of the pan and the shape of its handle.

For tableware we carry steakhouse style steak knifes and high quality kitchen knive and aid cookware kitchen cutlery kitchen knife sets.For tableware we carry steakhouse style steak knifes and high quality Surgical Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware Set kitchen knive and aid cookware kitchen cutlery kitchen knife sets. They aid cookware kitchen seek to take and enhance the best qualities of each metal to produce a superior product. Now the coating on the cookware also needed to last aid cookware kitchen a lifetime.

Original Source: http://articlesnips.com/surgical-stainless-steel-waterless-cookware-set/

Ronco's Showtime Six Star + Cutlery 25-Piece Set

Ronco's Showtime Six Star + Series 25-Piece Cutlery Set is the ultimate in performance, quality and durability. This set contains all the quality stainless steel knives you will ever use in your kitchen! Each Six Star Showtime knife is made of the best high carbon stainless steel and features full tang, impact-resistant riveting. This 25-piece set includes: 22 knives, carving fork, poultry shears and a knife sharpener plus a Free solid flavor injector. Use it to inject nuts, herbs, olives (and just about anything else you can think of) into ham, lamb, pork and pastries. Best of all the knives come with a Free Replacement Guarantee for Life! Making the Ronco Showtime Six Star + Cutlery Set a perfect addition to any kitchen.

Original Source: http://asseenontvnetwork.blogspot.com/2007/02/roncos-showtime-six-star-cutlery-25.html

KitchenAid Stand Mixer – Cakes, Cookies and Dough, Oh My!

I bought my KitchenAid Professional Series Stand Mixer over 4 years ago. It’s one of my favorite kitchen tools. Over the years, I’ve made many delicious cakes, cookies and doughs with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

Not only is it a great kitchen gadget that will improve and speed up your baking and cooking tasks, it can also add some style and color to your kitchen. I have a red mixer that is the center piece of my kitchen. I friend of mine calls it the “red wonder” because of the great baked goods it produces and the beauty of it.

Last month, I lost a bet on the Penn State vs. Notre Dame game. I’m a die-hard Penn Stater and unfortunately we were beaten badly in South Bend. I had a bet with a Notre Dame alumnus over my chocolate chip cookies versus her chocolate chip tofu cookies (sounds strange but they are actually very good).

Today, I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer to make chocolate chip cookies to pay off the bet. It pains me that I made cookies for a Notre Dame fan, but I’m a man of my word. Good thing I’m not a big gambler. Some people like to win money, I prefer baked goods.

If you are looking for a good value, the KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer is a great stand mixer for the money. A stand mixer is an essential kitchen tool and can be a great show piece in your kitchen. It also can assist you in settling college football bets!

Original Source: http://sprenzy.com/shopping/articles/category/kitchen

Running Gloves – Keep Your Fingers Warm and Toasty

For some reason, I have issues keeping my extremities warm, no matter what type of gear I use. Is it just me? When my toes or fingers get cold, I’m done for the day. Whether it’s snowboarding, cycling or running, once my digits get too cold, it’s game over, get me a cup of hot chocolate and into a hot shower.

For you runners out there, check out these five running gloves tested by Runner’s World that will keep your fingers nice and warm. All of the recommended gloves are under $35.

1. 180s Convertible Glove - “A great all-around glove. Our runners loved its warm-yet-lightweight micropoly interior and superthin water-resistant retractable hood that turns the Convertible into a glove or a mitten.”


2. Brooks HVAC Gloves - “Ideal for a range of temperatures, this glove uses strands of silver, which supposedly help keep your hands at a constant temperature. We were skeptical, but it kept our tester warm.”


3. Asics Winter Run Hybrid Glove - “Although the polyurethane-coated hood of this fingerless glove is a bit bulky, it keeps bare fingers out of the elements without sacrificing dexterity.”


4. SmartWool Synergy Glove - “A great option for milder days, the Synergy features a blend of SmartWool and nylon, giving you the traditional warmth of wool, plus the added wicking ability of nylon.”


5. Adidas UltraTech Running Glove - “The thin UltraTech is good for chilly mornings. It has a soft material over the thumb (perfect for the occasional nose wipe) and three reflective strips to keep you visible on early morning runs.”

For me, the SmartWool Synergy Glove appears to be the best fit for San Francisco weather, where it rarely gets colder than the upper 40s. I’m also a huge fan of SmartWool products. Despite the shorter and colder days, pick up a pair of running gloves, keep your fingers warm and “run, Forrest, run!”

Original Source: http://sprenzy.com/shopping/articles/2006/10/31/running-gloves-keep-your-fingers-warm-and-toasty

An Introduction to Kitchen Appliances

As a society we've come to rely heavily upon major household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. It isn't until they stop working that we realize just how important they are to daily life. Fortunately, most major appliances run repair-free for a long time, but every once in a while one will break down.

Calling in a repairperson can be expensive--before you do, it's always nice to know that the problem isn't something that you could fix yourself in a few minutes. Beyond simple maintenance, however, there are not many repairs you can make yourself unless you are a skilled do-it-yourselfer and have the right tools.

When you buy new appliances, purchase ones that have a record of reliability, which you can determine by checking consumer reporting magazines. Be sure your new appliance has a strong warranty--there's nothing like having your broken washer repaired at "no charge."

Before you begin any repairs on an appliance, check the owner's manual. If you can't find the manual for a particular appliance, try contacting the manufacturer on the Web and requesting a new one for your make and model.

If an appliance doesn't work, first be sure that it's plugged in. Also check the circuit breaker or fuse that serves the appliance's circuit and make sure that it hasn't flipped or blown. You can check to see if the receptacle is energized by plugging in something that works--a small lamp or a circuit tester.

Also check you owner's manual to see if the appliance itself has an overload fuse or reset switch. If it does, check to see if it needs to be reset.

Original Source: http://hometips.com/home_improvement/appliances_fixtures.html

Dream Kitchen

My dream kitchen would have a food preparation place in the center. Where I could place cookware and other utensils, in plain sight, nearby but not crowding my cutting area. I'd love to have a spacious kitchen like the ones I see in movie sets and home decorating magazines. Kitchens should be spacious enough to walk around in, and to eat in. Even if your home has a formal dining room. It's nice to have some 'sit down space' in the kitchen as well. It's a good place to sit and take a tea or coffee break or have an informal chat or catch up on some reading.

I'd also like to have enough cupboard space to store pantry foods as well as dishes. I don't know that I'd like to have a separate pantry. I think it would be easier to have everything stored in or around the cupboard area. I could use the pantry to store non-food items, such as paper goods, soap, etc. I basically like having whatever I need when I'm cooking very close by, including utensils, dishes and food. I'm used to working in small spaces, where I can reach everything very easily. I also have long arms which come in handy when I need to reach up or across for something that I need.

Original Source: http://coachandcreate.blogspot.com/2007/05/dream-kitchen.html

How Long Will Your Kitchen Appliances Last?

My parent's microwave is dead. My dad called last night to inform me of its demise. Frankly, I was never attached to the thing, but it has been a staple in their household for more than a decade so I suppose parting is sweet sorrow...

My dad went out and bought another one, but his shopping trip was not without dismay. His problem is that he was trying to find an exact replica of the one that sat on the counter of my parent's home for the last decade. (Good luck... I told him as much.) In the end, he walked away with a new Kenmore. It's larger than the old one and from what I can gather has more bells and whistles than the dinosaur they housed for so many years.

But, here's the kicker to this story: the guy at the appliance store told my father that the new microwave should last about 11 years. Eleven years? Who comes up with a number like that? It seems like a rhetorical question, but according to my dad, the guy at Sears actually had a legitimate answer and the documentation to back up his claim.

Apparently, there is a trade group that asked dozens of manufacturers and researchers to estimate how long the various household appliances and other major elements of a home like drywall, plaster, and pipes would last.

Here are some of the results: According to the National Association of Home Builders, major elements of a home, including foundations, exterior doors, basements and framing should last at least 50 years. However, other parts of the home have a much shorter lifespan. For example, the life span of a gas water heater averages 10 years, while a heat pump should last about 16 years.

As for common household appliances here's the breakdown:

Refrigerators--13 years

Dishwashers-9 years

Gas Ranges-15 years

Trash Compactors-6 years

Gas Water Heaters--10 years

Washers-10 years

Electric Water Heaters-11 years

Obviously, these are estimates on products that are made by reputable companies---not ones that are picked up second hand.

I was surprised to see that these days dishwashers only last about nine years. My dishwasher is close to 6-years-old. I'm hoping I can squeak out at least two more good years from it before it goes the way of my parent's microwave.

Original Source: http://home.families.com/blog/how-long-will-your-kitchen-appliances-last

Crisp Design Enjoys Premium Pricing

In kitchen appliances, Alessi and Cuisinart come to mind for their excellent design. They produce objects and kitchen appliances that consumers display on their counters and tables.

Cuisinart products are intuitive to learn and use. They are high quality, save time and reduce or eliminate perceived complexity. They are intuitive to learn and use. They command a 50-100% pricing premium. Design sets them apart from their competitors.

Alessi goes a step further. Alessi’s secret sauce is that they invite famous designers to apply their magic on a commodity category. That enables them to charge $249 for an Alessi designed kettle that compares with $20 for a run-of-the mill kettle.

Original Source: http://sramanamitra.com/blog/804

KitchenAid Hi-Density Hard Anodized 10-Inch, 3-Quart Saut Pan with Lid

With its gorgeous, marble-like exterior, this pan proves that not all hard-anodized aluminum cookware is created equal. KitchenAid calls its premium hard-anodized surface Hi-Density, reflecting the five extra manufacturing steps it undergoes to produce a glossy, charcoal gray finish, a stylish alternative to the ordinary matte finish produced by the anodizing process. Those extra steps also have a practical result, making the harder-than-steel surface nearly impervious to stains and scratches. Beneath the surface, an aluminum core spreads heats evenly across the bottoms of pots and pans and all the way up the sides.

KitchenAid's Hi-Density hard-anodized cookware includes other nuances. Its 18/10 stainless-steel interior is polished to a mirror finish on the sides--less on the bottoms to hide the inevitable whisk and spatula marks. Wearing a mirror finish inside and out and equipped with big handles, lids sit down deeply to produce tight seals and to minimize rattling. Cast-stainless-steel handles are triple-riveted for strength and gracefully arched for easy lifting. Handles stay cool on the stovetop and go safely into the oven up to 500 degrees F. This straight-sided, 10-inch, 3-quart saut pan has a helper handle and is perfect for saut ing, frying, and braising. KitchenAid cookware carries a lifetime warranty against defects and should be hand washed.

OriginalSource: http://bestbuyszone.blogspot.com/2007/01/kitchenaid-hi-density-hard-anodized-10.html

Good taste?

Over the weekend, someone asked me a question that I had to answer honestly.

“Are you one of those people who can taste every flavor in a dish?”

I wish I could have said yes, but I had to answer no. My tongue is not that connected to my brain. I can taste complexity, but too often I can’t name it. A few weeks ago, I mis-tasted a bright yellow oil — I thought it was saffron, but it was flavored with curry. Yikes.

The good news is that I firmly believe that my tastebuds are entirely teachable, so long as I feed them a steady diet of new, different and delicious flavors.

Of course there are immediate rewards in this kind of taste-education — filling my mouth with great tasting food — but even better in my opinion is being able to apply what I learn in my own kitchen, thereby improving what I eat all the time, not just when I am at work.

I love being able to make a good soup great, a tasty salad worth going for seconds, and a pasta dish so delicious that people want to lick their dishes. Note that this is the goal; I am still in training. For now, I will have to be satisfied with being a cook who doesn’t have good taste but is a great student of making things taste good.

Original Source: http://www.ibabuzz.com/allyoucaneat/2007/01/

Appliance life span in the home varies

Appliances and building components have life spans too.

Knowing their life expectancies may help you decide whether it makes sense to repair an aging appliance. How much useful life is left in it?

Two other factors come into play when homeowners make the decision to replace. One is simply fashion: We want something new, we want to replace white appliances with stainless steel, we want to remodel the kitchen.

The other is efficiency. Today's refrigerators, for example, are far more energy-efficient than those of five or 10 years ago. Hanging on to an aging refrigerator may mean paying higher utility bills than you would with a new one.

The May issue of Consumer Reports identifies the most and least reliable appliance brands in its annual Product Reliability Survey.

The magazine also offers a timeline: When does it make sense to repair, and when to replace?

How long will it last?

6 years -- trash compactor

9 years -- dishwasher, microwave

8-10 years -- carpet

10 years -- clothes washer

11 years -- freezer, water heater (electric)

12 years -- garbage disposal

13 years -- refrigerator, clothes dryer, electric range

14 years -- range hood

10-15 years -- air conditioner, garage door opener

15 years -- gas range, kitchen faucets

15-25 years -- laminate floors

20 years -- medicine cabinet, tub/shower faucets

20-50 years -- whirlpool tub

20+ years -- water heater (tankless)

50 years -- kitchen cabinets, vinyl floors

75-100 years -- tile floors

Lifetime -- wood floors

Original Source: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/athome/312270_lifespan21.html

How Many Ways Can You Use A Pizza Cutter?

This may not be news to you but guess what, “A pizza cutter does more than just slice pizza”!

I was cutting some toast for one of my daughters one morning and the pizza cutter with its new homemade cardboard scabbard was still out from the night before so I decided to see how it would work on toast. To my surprise, it worked beautifully.

So then I tried it on my other daughter’s egg-in-hole and again it performed like a charm. I now figured I was on to something.

For the record, if you make your own pizza or buy frozen commercial brands like DiGiorno, a pizza cutter is a must. It just makes slicing a pizza into kid-sized slices that much easier. Not that we eat a lot of pizza in our house, but it is a staple when we go out and have babysitters who are early on in their culinary education.

So now I’m thinking what have I been missing all these years and what else might this circular blade be used for cutting. I’m on a mission to see how many unique and interesting ways one can use a pizza cutter besides slicing pizza.

I figure I’m not the first one to think of using a pizza cutter for other kitchen chores so I invite you to share some of your favorite ways you have utilized this handy kitchen gadget.

Original Source: http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/blog/archives/146

The Scoop on Kitchen Appliances

Appliances should blend in with other design elements in your kitchen. You can achieve this by having them built into the cabinets or paneled to look like them. Or if you prefer, you can make a statement with a stand-alone, like those made with a decorative vent hood and carved wood ornamentation or a stainless steel refrigerator. Keep in mind where you place your appliances will affect the other design elements in your kitchen. For example, a range or a separate cooktop and oven could change your countertop and cabinet space plans.

Your options for appliance designs include:

1. Built-in


2. Paneled


3. Freestanding professional-style


4. Freestanding restored


5. Reproduction antiques


6. Standard freestanding

A new neutral is stainless steel appliances which work well in all styles of kitchens, from Old World to contemporary to Mediterranean to traditional.

Keep in mind that in order to get the commercial feel of a professional-style appliance you�ll need to splurge. Increased cooking and storage capacity and an oversized look come at a price that almost doubles standard appliances. True commercial units aren�t rated for residential use because of their special ventilation needs, massive size and safety issues, but most pro-style appliances come close to giving the advantages of a restaurant-grade appliance, including greater durability, more precise temperature control and a stainless steel finish. If you love to cook or have a big family pro-style is worth a look.

Original Source: http://www.calfinder.com/blog/kitchen-remodel/kitchen-appliances/#

Kitchen Design Help: Choosing Granite for Countertops and Floors

Your kitchen sounds fabulous, with a look of luxury to it in a big way. Good for you! I’m also glad you chose black appliances. In your case, this choice will “support” the overall style that I think you are aiming for.

Mixing granites is in the advanced realm of blending materials, as I call it. It can be very tricky. The graining in granite needs to be looked at closely and the colors as well. If you are speaking of using Black Absolute granite, and pairing it with a dark green granite that has black flecks in it, it sounds very doable. Be aware that Black Absolute will show moisture spots fairly well, so make sure the stone is well sealed and that you buy a quality stone as opposed to choosing a stone by price alone. There are quality differences in stone that make it worth paying a littleWine Butler more for a better quality product.

Black Absolute has virtually no grain movement to it, so it lends itself to being a suitable match to most granites. I think I would put the black on the countertop because it is such a solid black that it would show everything if it were your flooring material. Beware of that when choosing your dark green granite as well. The more pattern you can have in the granite, the better it will hide all the specks that end up on the floor.

Good luck, it sounds like a great kitchen!

Original Source: http://designtalk.homevisions.com/2007/05/01/granite-countertops-kitchen-design/

Kitchen Tools: Wooden Spoons

All our stirring and braising this past weekend, as well as the recent roundup of favorite kitchen tools reminded us of how much we love our plain wooden spoons. For all the silicone gadgets and devices cluttering the utensil jar, the humble wooden spoon is the one we reach for first to stir the pot.

We like these Beechwood Spoons ($3.95 or $4.95, Crate & Barrel). They look sturdy. We also like this tasting spoon ($10, Red Bird Crafts), with a channel to cool your soup before you burn your lips.

Original Source: http://kitchen.apartmenttherapy.com/food/cookware-tools/kitchen-tools-wooden-spoons-020155

Have You Met the Muffin Man?

Ten years ago, I first became aware of the dangers of nonstick cookware from a student who had a pet bird. Apparently, when you cook with nonstick cookware, it gives off a gas that can be fatal to pet birds. If nonstick cookware is fatal to pet birds, isn't this the canary in the cave for human use of nonstick cookware?

I have since given away all of our nonstick cookware, except the muffin pans. I could find no alternative material for muffin pans in any store. My children love to make and eat muffins. They are quick and easy to make, and you can pack them full of whole grains, nuts, and fruit. Cooking with your child is fun and ensures they will eat healthy foods. Children love to eat what they have made, and cooking provides an opportunity for authentic measuring tasks.

Original Source: http://www.greenoptions.com/cooking

Flatware

So you've picked out your dinnerware and drinkware, looks like the flatware is next!

Just like dinnerware and glassware, you will (traditionally) want to register for both fancy and everyday versions. Your fancy flatware is reserved for holidays and special occasions, while your everyday flatware is the stuff that is going to get banged around and ground up in the garbage disposal (come on, who hasn't done that at least once). You may decide that fancy flatware is not your thing, and that you would rather your guests spend the money on other accessories (soup spoons, knives, serving sets) instead. To check out a few tips on what to look for in flatware, as well as get a list of useful things to add to the flatware portion of your registry,

1. When choosing flatware make sure that the pieces feel balanced in your hand. If it's too heavy it may feel even worse when there's food at the other end.
   
   
2. Make sure the flatware you choose complements your chosen dinnerware. The fancy should complement the fancy and the everyday complements the everyday.
   
   
3. Choose a good quality stainless steel, 18/10 stainless steel is a combination of steel, chromium and nickel for its shine.
   
   
4. A lot of people think it's bad luck to receive knives as a wedding gift. If you think this way and get knives, then turn your "gift" into a financial transaction by giving a penny for each knife to the person who gave you the knives.
   
   
5. Your everyday flatware should definitely be dishwasher safe.
   
   
6. A five piece place setting includes salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon and teaspoon.
   
   
7. Be sure to choose serving sets that will complement your flatware and dinnerware.
   
   
8. If you choose an elaborate design for your dishes, you may want to go simpler in your flatware and vice versa.
   
   
9. Register for the same number of place settings as your dinnerware and glassware.
   
   
10. A checklist of flatware related items that you might want to consider:
    
    

- 5 piece fancy place settings (get the same number as plates)

- 5 piece everyday settings

- Serving Sets

- Soup Ladle

- Butter Knife

- Cheese Knives

- Chef Knife

- Steak Knives

- Paring Knife

- Bread Knife

Original Source: http://yumsugar.com/191088