3 Thanksgiving Turkey Tips You Need to Know!

Before you start cooking for a big meal for the holidays,take these pro tips from Celebrity Chef Mark Kalix. These tips will help you make sure that you have your turkey ready on time for dinner.



1. Prep your oven before hand by taking out all the extra racks and putting the rack about 3/4 down in the oven. You can also save time by cutting all of your produce and herbs the day before.

2. When deciding when you should start cooking the turkey, work backwards. Think about the time that you want it done and on the table. It takes about 15 minutes per pound to start with. Add an extra hour for resting and an extra 20 minutes for carving.

3. Before you put your turkey in, make sure to over preheat. Set your oven at 500 degrees Fahrenheit and put it on induction bake. Roasting it for a long period of time will burn it.  The reason why you want to have the preheating so high is because when you put in your oven it actually shocks it because it is so big and cold. The temperature of the oven will actually go down to almost 90-120 degrees and will take about an hour to get back up to the temperature that you want to cook it at, usually 350 degrees Fahrenheit. By having the heat higher it will drop down to the correct temperature and can save you about an hour of cooking time.

We hope that with these simple tips, you will save time and make sure you start eating the meal right when everyone arrives.

5 Steps to Clean Smooth-Top Cooking Surfaces

The sleek design of a smooth-top stove can be very appealing to have installed into a kitchen. Choosing this option can make your kitchen have a modern and clean look. It will provide extra countertop space and can be easier to clean than traditional coil burner options.

Cleaning the surface will take a little bit of effort, but after every clean your cook-top will look sparkly clean just like when you first installed it.

We recommend to wipe down your cook-top after every use to help keep it clean, once of course, the surface cools down. We know that spills can happen and that you can get busy after cooking and forget to wipe it down. Here are a couple of steps to get the gunk off and have your smooth-top shine!

1. Use a cleaner specifically recommended for cleaning smooth-top cooking surfaces as some substances may harm your cook-top with chemicals like ammonia and bleach. We recommend using Cerama Bryte as it is the best choice when trying to remove tough stains. It is formulated for heavy-duty cleaning without making scratches on glass surfaces. When used regularly, it helps maintain shine and performance.
2. Wait until the cooking surface is cool to the touch.  To remove any burnt on food residue use a single edged razor blade scrapper. Scrape off the thick areas and wipe it off of the cook-top with a paper towel.
3. Use a quarter-sized amount of cleaner and a nylon cleaning pad to remove residue.  DO NOT use a metal abrasive cleaning pad such as steel wool. Don't be afraid to rub hard on the surface with the right materials as it won't scratch the surface.
4. After cleaning with nylon pad, use a dry paper towel to remove any remaining cleaning residue.
5. The last step it to take a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface to give your cook-top that shine.

Following these simple tips will keep you smooth-top looking just as it did when your first purchased it. These steps are great to follow before having family or friends come over for dinner.

What is an Induction Range and the Benefits

Bob is here to share with you what induction ranges are. He has tree main reasons why you should think about upgrading to an induction range.



Three Benefits of Induction Ranges Include:

• Faster over all heating and boiling times
• Better control over your temperature 
• Easier to clean and up-keep

Do the benefits make you want to make the switch? Let us know in the comments section.

Recipe- Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Black-eyed peas have long been a traditional New Year’s favorite. This hearty and delicious soup is a great way to warm up this winter!

Ingredients:

• 1/2  pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound pork sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cups water
• 3 15-oz. cans black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 10-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chili peppers (like RO*TEL), undrained
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ tsp. garlic salt
• ½ tsp. Salt
• 1 4-oz. Can chopped green chilies
• 4 tsp. Molasses
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• ¼ tsp. Ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

In a large Dutch oven, cook and stir the pork sausage and ground beef with the onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes; drain off excess fat. Pour in the water, and stir in black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chili, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, salt, canned green chilies, molasses, beef bouillon cubes, black pepper, and cumin until thoroughly mixed.

Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Prep time: 15 mins. Cook time: 1 hr. Serves 8.

Self-Cleaning Ovens VS Steam Cleaning Ovens

These two types of cleaning options are the most popular methods for cleaning ovens today.

According to most reports, less than half of the consumers who own a self-cleaning oven actually utilize the self-cleaning feature.

Self-Cleaning Ovens:

This type of oven utilized extreme heat to clean the oven; temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat allows the residue in the oven to be carbonized and literally turn to ash. The ovens smooth enamel coating makes it very easy to wipe away the left over ash created from the self cleaning cycle. While in the self-cleaning mode the range will become very hot to the touch and you need to make sure to keep kids away. The amount of energy required for this type of cleaning is extremely high and time consuming because the cleaning cycle will last around 4 hours where the oven is unusable until the oven temperature drops to a safe temperature. This cleaning method also gives off a very strong smell that many consumers dislike.

Pros:

• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean.

Cons:

• Utilizes high energy to clean
• Extreme heat required for the job
• Long processing times
• Undesirable odors / smell from the process

Example:

• GE 27" Built-in Double Convection Wall Oven

 Steam Cleaning Ovens:

Like self-cleaning ovens a steam cleaning oven also utilizes heat to clean but only requires around 250 degrees Fahrenheit to do the job. This type of oven adds water to create steam that helps release the residue from the oven surface. This oven also uses a smooth enamel coating that makes removal of the leftover residue easy to wipe away. The cleaning cycle for this type of oven is usually around 1 hour making it easy to clean with more frequency. 

Pros:

• Very short time required for the cleaning (usually less than 30 minutes)
• No odor / smell
  
• More energy efficient due to utilizing lower temperature to clean
• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean

Cons:

• Effectively cleans the bottom of the oven but struggles with the walls and back of the oven.
• My preference is the steam option but depending on your desires both have their pros and cons because who really wants to get on their hands and knees and scrub the inside of an oven with toxic chemicals?  

Example:

• Whirlpool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Single Wall Oven

Here is a detailed checklist about the proper way to use the Steam Clean feature:

• Do not use oven cleaners with Steam Clean.

• Use the Steam Clean feature as soon as possible after spills occur. The longer you wait the more difficult it may be to remove.

• Always allow the oven to cool before using the Steam Clean feature

• Do not open the oven door during the cleaning cycle because the water in the bottom is hot.

• Once the Steam cycle is complete, remove all remaining water and debris in the bottom of the oven.

• Wipe any remaining moisture from the oven door interior, oven cavity interior sides.

• For harder stains use a soft brush or nylon scrubber to wipe the oven interior.

Why is Bosch 500 Series Dishwashers Rated so Highly???

Superb value is the simplest reason for the 500 series’ Bosch Dishwashers have high ratings. Here are 8 features that make these such a great value:

1. Low 44 decibel sound rating, one of the lowest in the industry.
2. “InfoLight”, a handy feature that projects a small red beam onto the floor beneath the dishwasher when a cycle is in operation. Since these are so quiet, this lets you know that it is on.
3. Convenience features like the optional split-apart cutlery basket, customized tines, and a 3^rd rack.
4. Three different handle designs and 3 different finishes make it very likely you will find one to fit your kitchen.
5. Each of these 500 series can be flushed-mounted with cabinetry to achieve a built-in aesthetic.
6. The 500 series dishwashers are made in the US, New Bern, North Carolina.
7. “AquaStop” leak protection, this will detect if the machine is leaking and automatically stop the cycle.
8. “Speed Perfect” cycle cuts average times in half. This cycle runs in about an hour, instead of the typical 2 hours. This cycle uses more water though. 

The 500 series comes in a variety of exterior colors. Check out this 24" Recessed Handle Dishwasher 500 Series in Black.

Benefits to Convection Ovens over Conventional Ovens

Most people are familiar with the conventional oven.  They use radiant heat, usually dispersed through elements in the upper and lower oven. The problem with radiant heat is your cooking will be uneven due to the heat remaining fairly motionless. Because the elements are at the top and bottom of the oven best results are when the food is placed in the middle of the oven to help eliminate burning due to uneven heat within the oven. This limits your ability to utilize the entire oven for baking.

Convention baking uses forced air that is circulated throughout the entire oven through the use of a fan placed at the back of the oven. This eliminated hot and cold spots within the oven and the end result gives the food more visual appeal, texture, and flavor. This has proven to clearly be the choice of the future for baking.

Due to convection baking using forced air throughout the oven, this also cuts down on the overall cooking time and helps roasted foods stay moist and flavorful. It’s been said that forced air convection baking can reduce your time and energy up to 25% due to cutting the backing time down. You’ll also be able to utilize the entire oven space on any rack because of the even & consistent temperature caused by forced air heating.   Check out the Built-in Single Convection Wall Oven from GE.

    

Which Oven to Buy?

For those readers that are interested in converting over to a convection backing product, please start by checking out our website. Call our toll free number to speak to one of our specialists who will find you the right product for your personal needs. 

Time-Saving Holiday Cleaning Tips

The holidays are a time for family and friends coming together to celebrate the season and enjoy each other’s company. Unfortunately, this also means the holidays can be an often-hectic parade of parties, family dinners, and events that leave you with absolutely no spare time. How do you check all the items off your holiday to-do list and still keep your home presentable for all the guests (both expected and unexpected!) that may be popping by to share a cup of cheer? Follow these quick and easy housecleaning tips to keep your home in tip-top shape no matter what the holiday season throws your way.

Clean in Advance- This may seem like a no-brainier, but it’s worth mentioning that a little advance planning can save you a world of stress on the actual day of a party or dinner in your home. About a week prior to your holiday event, tackle the chores that can be done ahead of time, such as spot-cleaning any stains on your upholstery or walls, steam-cleaning the rugs or dusting the blinds. This leaves you free to do only a few last-minute housekeeping duties on the day of your party, and keeps the house looking tidy in the event of unexpected guests in the meantime.

Follow the 5-Minute Rule- If time has gotten away from you, see how much you can do in 5 minutes. Look at your house through the eyes of your visitors- chances are they aren’t taking in the minor details or running over every surface of your home with a white glove. (If they are, it’s time to find new friends!) Use your 5-minute window to go over surfaces with glass cleaner or furniture polish and a soft cloth, run the vacuum in the major traffic areas such as the living room rug, and wipe down your kitchen countertops. Also take a moment to make sure your bathrooms are clean and presentable with Clorox Wipes and a quick swish of the toilet brush. Boom! Instant clean house!

Grab a Laundry Basket- If it’s getting down to crunch time and you haven’t had any time to pre-clean and organize, don’t worry- just grab a laundry basket and make a general sweep of the areas of the house where guests are likely to congregate. Throw everything that is cluttering up your surfaces into the laundry basket, then stash it in a closet to deal with later. Sure, it’s cheating, but it will maximize your time, cut down on stress, and give you more time to spend with family and friends. Sounds like a win!

At the end of the day, remember that your loved ones are there to see you, not your sparkling clean house. Wishing you a stress-free holiday season!

Recipe- Old Fashioned Gingerbread

Nothing quite like the smell of freshly-baked gingerbread to get you and your guests in the holiday spirit! This recipe is easy and delicious, sure to bring cheer to even this biggest Scrooge!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 1 egg, large
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
2.  In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in egg and mix in molasses.
3.  In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Blend into creamed mixture. Stir in hot water. Pour into the greased, floured pan.
4.  Bake for one hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.

Prep time: 25 minutes   Cook time: 1 hour  Serves 9  375 calories per serving

Recipe- Pumpkin Bread

      Fall is upon us once again, which can mean only one thing- time for pumpkin EVERYTHING!! Here’s a recipe for pumpkin bread that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot apple cider on a crisp fall evening.

Prep time: 15 min. Bake time: 65-70 mins. plus 10 mins. for cooling

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

2 large eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

½ cup canola oil

½ cup water

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

½ cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

1.     Preheat oven to 350°. Combine first eight ingredients. Whisk together eggs, pumpkin, oil and water; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in walnuts and raisins, if desired.
2.    Pour into greased 9x5” loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (Approx. 65-70 mins.) Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes one loaf (16 slices).

Why Invest in a Convection Microwave?

When shopping for a new microwave there can be more options available than you may know. A commonly asked question is “why would we need/want convection in our microwave”?  When shopping for a new microwave, please consider the following:

1. How do we want to use our microwave? Do we need a unit that we can use as a primary cooking vessel, or simply a reheat machine?
2. Where are we going to put our microwave? Do we want a counter-top unit or a unit that we can mount over-the-range?
3. Who is going to use the microwave? Will the kids be using it, or do mom & dad do all the cooking?

    If you are cooking for your family on a regular basis, having a convection microwave can be an invaluable addition to your kitchen.  A convection microwave can be used to bake, roast, and broil.  It can truly be used as a secondary oven.  If you would like to have a microwave that you can use for more than just a bag of popcorn, or a baked potato, then you should seriously consider a convection microwave. Nothing heated in a microwave will ever be browned or crispy.  Pizza, egg rolls, pizza pockets, chicken tenders, and French fries are always better in the oven or the deep fryer, and you would never cook pork chops or a pie in your microwave…..right???  Well, now you can!  With the benefits of a convection microwave, you will truly have a second oven at your disposal.  Prepare your main dish in your standard oven, have your casserole or dessert in your microwave….yes, I said your microwave. 

Contact us today so we can help you pick out the right microwave for you and your family. They are available in counter-top, and over-the-range models, ranging from $399 and up.

Omelet Muffin Recipe

These nutritious and protein-packed muffins are a great way to give your kids a healthy start to their day AND get them out the door in time for school!

Ingredients:

8 eggs

8 oz. cooked ham, crumbled

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup diced onion

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease muffin tin or line with paper baking cups.

Beat eggs together in large bowl. Mix ham, bell pepper, onion, salt, black pepper and water into the beaten eggs. Pour egg mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until muffins are set in the middle.

Prep time- 15 minutes/Cook time- 20 minutes/Makes 8 muffins

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Here’s a summertime favorite sure to make everyone at your barbecue or picnic smile!

Ingredients:

5 potatoes

3 eggs

1 cup celery, chopped

½ cup onion, chopped

½ cup sweet pickle relish

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

¼ teaspoon celery salt

1 tablespoon mustard

Ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup mayonnaise

Prep time: 45 min.  Cook time: 15 min. 

Directions:

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm (about 15 minutes). Drain, cool, peel and chop potatoes.

Place eggs in saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat and let eggs stand in hot water for 10-12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

In a large bowl combine potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, relish, garlic salt, celery salt, mustard, pepper and mayonnaise. Mix together well and refrigerate until chilled.

Makes 8 servings