Best Kitchen Trends For 2010

A kitchen remodel not only adds significant value to your home, but it can also improve your quality of life. If you are thinking of giving your outdated kitchen a much needed overhaul, it is important to consider current kitchen trends. This will allow you to create a space not only pleases you and your family, but also appeals to prospective future buyers. Below you will find an over-view of the most current kitchen trends that will help enhance your lifestyle and the value of your home.

• The Sustainable Kitchen. Eco-friendly is all the rage these days, but most notably in the kitchen where a few small changes can make a significant impact. You can use inexpensive recycled or natural materials such as recycled glass counter tops or formaldehyde-free bamboo for work surfaces and flooring. Convenient built-in recycling centers and food composters can save space and make recycling simple. The overall idea is making the kitchen effortlessly eco-friendly so that being green isn't a sacrifice, it's just an easy part of your everyday life.

• Multi-functional Convenience. Since your kitchen remodel should focus on making life easier, multi-functional features are the way to go. Some examples of this trend include sinks with accessories, such as built-in preparation boards, colanders, and/or drain trays. Storage that is both stylish and highly engineered can save you both space and frustration. Cupboard inserts and custom storage areas with adjustable dividers and pull out baskets are big value-adders. Some of today's homes have appliances set on wheels or movable islands which allow you to easily rearrange the kitchen for convenient preparation, cleaning, and entertaining... which is not just multi-functional, but also kind of fun.

• The High-Tech Kitchen. Just like every other aspect of our lives, kitchens are featuring more technology than ever. A lot of this technology is focused on making the kitchen more enjoyable and adding a bit of the "wow" factor. From flat-screen televisions and computer-based entertainment systems to retracting ventilation hoods and gas burners, technology can make the kitchen more fun, convenient, and cool. The kitchen is both a social and functional space in the home. Small additions, like a small mobile device charging station, really illustrate this point. Imagine your family returning home in the evening, immediately plugging in their mobile devices, and congregating in the kitchen to catch up with each other.

• The Fresh, Foodie Kitchen. The rising popularity of celebrity chefs and shows like Top Chef help demonstrate a cultural shift towards culinary appreciation and fresh food preparation. The result is the growing popularity of restaurant grade appliances and features that promote fresh, healthy food preparation. Commercial grade stoves are more popular than ever. Filtered faucets and refrigerators with multiple cooling and humidity settings for keeping food fresh longer are in demand. Copper sinks have made a comeback due to their rustic appeal and natural anti-bacterial properties. State of the art food storage and fresh herbs on the window sill are easy, inexpensive ways to incorporate this trend into your kitchen.

• The Come-Back of Color and Shape. Unexpected flashes of color and bold shapes are all the rage, and offer a nice juxtaposition to the earthy mellowness of the eco-friendly trend. Colorful paint, tiles or back splashes add some punch to an otherwise monochromatic space. Vivid blues, oranges and corals are particularly popular. Stainless steel appliances are still accepted, but colorful appliances are more cutting-edge, and seem at once both modern and retro. Likewise, unexpected shapes - it could be anything from your windows to accessories purchased at the flea market - add interest and character to your kitchen space. The idea is to make the space fun and unique, but not obnoxious, so be careful to self edit if you find the color and shapes taking over.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Polidoro

Tuscan Kitchen Design Ideas For a Beautiful Tuscany Style Kitchen

If your dream kitchen includes a large gathering table and chairs or benches to seat the entire family, warm sunshine streaming in through the windows with bold, warm, earthy colors throughout the space, natural elements including wood, tile and stone, you'll be thrilled with Tuscan kitchen design!

Tuscany style kitchens are strong yet welcoming, bold yet serene. How is this balance achieved? First, by selecting Tuscan kitchen colors, which include those found in nature: reds, burgundys, oranges,yellows, olive green, ivory, turquoise, deep purple,brown and black.

How you use these bold colors depends on your own decorating style and comfort. But know that you can comfortably place just about any of the colors (except black) described above on your walls and remain true to Tuscan kitchen colors and design. Suggestion: select shade of deep gold for the walls. It will always present a warm, sunny tone and will provide a beautiful backdrop for your darker wood cabinetry.

The bold colors will be balanced by the natural elements used such as tile, plaster, wood beams, stone and wood furniture, usually oak or pine. Cabinetry should be of a medium to dark wood grain, or a deep, dark wood tone (almost black) for those of you who are more adventurous in their Tuscan Kitchen decor. Your cabinets and furniture will be accented by the warm, beautiful color on the walls of the Tuscany style kitchen. Cabinet pulls should be iron, pewter or wood.

Floors should be tile, stone or wood to most closely follow the Tuscan kitchen design (think of that old Italian kitchen in the country - you know, the one with the chickens strutting around the room and Grandma at the stove preparing the pasta!)

Natural lighting will influence your wall color, although you will want to make sure that you have numerous sources of lighting in your Tuscan kitchen design. Examples include an iron chandelier, undercounter lighting, lighting above the cabinetry, brushed pewter lights,etc.

If your kitchen is large enough for an island, a Tuscan influence in this area may include pots hanging above, and counter tops of tile or stone. If faux stone is in your budget, there are many choices that are realistic in look and will give the same result for your Tuscan style kitchen decor.

Accessories continue the colorful and bold theme of Tuscan design, and many times include pottery, pewter and copper pieces. Whether you have collected, inherited, antiqued or spent some time at the discount store, your Tuscan kitchen design will include these pieces. Themes and patterns will often include fruit, grapes in particular. Beautifully colored tiles, whether used as a back splash or decoratively, are also found in Tuscan style kitchen decor.

Consider bold area rugs, greens (natural or faux), natural finish fixtures in dark brown or black, stainless appliances and touches of fruit, grapevines and/or sunflowers.

Remember as you design and decorate your Tuscan style kitchen to keep to these strategies: bold, earthy colors, natural elements and large scale proportions. Use a healthy dose of accessories keeping a watchful eye out for knowing when enough is enough (you don't want to create a flea market effect!). Above all, create a warm and inviting environment for the entire family to enjoy together, and you will have accomplished your Tuscan style kitchen design goal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candi_Randolph

How To Maximize Kitchen Space? | Tips To Optimize Kitchen Workspace

One key solution to maximizing kitchen space is to think beyond borders and don’t be limited by the designated dimensions of your kitchen. Not everything that’s traditionally found in the kitchen necessarily needs to be there. Much of your crockery, utensils, appliances and accessories can be stored in neighboring areas to free up precious kitchen space. For example, turn sideboards near the dining table into accessible storage spaces for cutlery, serving crockery and entertaining accessories such as napkin holders.

Another suggestion is to make use of surface space such as the counter top. One good idea is to install a pull-out table on wheels which allows it to multi-task as an extra preparation table or breakfast bar, and can be tucked away when not needed.

Other than countertops, consider mounting appliances such as microwave ovens on the wall. They can sit on open shelves, or be hidden behind cabinet doors for a clean, uniform look, chopping boards that fit over sinks or the flat surface of an electric hob (when not in use) can also double as a preparation space.

Walls, cabinet doors and sides of cupboards can be surprisingly useful as storage areas. Instead of trying to cram yet another utensil into your overflowing drawer, install rails or hooks on the wall or under cupboards. Hanging up your cooking implements not only makes grabbing them a cinch (no more rummaging at the back of the bottom drawer), they can also inject visual interest on otherwise plain walls.

For high ceilings, a custom-made rail for hanging wine glasses or mugs can make a stunning mid-air attraction, and save you considerable storage space. You must not forget the external sides of cabinets or the inside of pantry doors; these are perfect for hanging oven mitts, dish cloths and light gadgets.

Keep in mind that kitchen cabinet accessories can also help maximize space:

1. Rotating carousel units; perfect for corner cabinets. They swing items out of spaces that are hard to reach.

2. Slide-out trays and pull-out baskets; a tug lets you see everything in your pantry and makes things easy to find.

Kitchen Planning – Basic Tips To Improve Your Kitchen Area

The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house and has a variety of functions. While food preparation is its most obvious, the kitchen is often the social hub of the family home, playing host to a number of activities such as homework and dining.

Decorating or furnishing any room requires careful planning to achieve the best results and this is especially true of the kitchen. From the outset, it is important to decide what you want from your kitchen area. If you’re going to use it primarily for cooking, then a large amount of work-surface will be needed. Or if meals are to be eaten there, room and space are going to be important considerations.

The removal of laundry appliances is worth considering for those looking to free up space. They could be placed in another room in the house or even put outside; A shed or out-house could be transformed into a utility room to store large laundry appliances such as washing machines or dryers. Other kitchen appliances such as freezers could also be moved, thereby providing extra space for smaller kitchen areas. This could enable you to provide an extra piece of kitchen furniture such as a small table or chair.

The preparation of food is often a time consuming activity. Therefore the kitchen worktop should be tailor-made for its user. The incorrect height can encourage bad posture, which in turn can lead to back-problems. It should be flexible in design, especially if a kitchen is used by more than one person. Features such as roll out worktops can help achieve this requirement. They can also be installed at varying heights to adapt to different users. Adjustable stools might also be worth considering.

Good lighting can help aid in the smooth and efficient running of a kitchen. Like the bathroom, it can have reflective surfaces that cause glare. So a lighting set-up that provides effective illumination for every-day tasks as well as soft background lighting is a practical necessity. Low-voltage bulbs concealed by a partition are good at this, as are cooker hoods. Most hoods come with an integral light that can help provide a useful background glow for cooking and preparation. And, if you plan on using your kitchen for dining, an adjustable rise and fall lamp installed over the table can offer a pleasant, relaxing ambience.

You should also plan where you’ll put your electrical kitchen accessories. The placement of electrical sockets is important in terms of safety and practicality and so a good number should be installed. Trailing electrical flexes are not a good idea and can prove very dangerous. Therefore at least two sockets should be installed for each worktop.

Ventilation is another integral feature. It helps maintain an odour-free environment as well as preventing the build-up of moisture caused by steam. Extractor fans are effective at this and are sometimes included with oven systems. Installing an oven/ cooker next to an exterior wall means that its extractor fan can vent stale air out of the kitchen immediately. Condensation is therefore drastically reduced and good air circulation created. In a room that can emit strong odours, this is an essential factor.

The three most important features of a kitchen are the fridge, sink and cooker. For ease of use and convenience they should be close together. Placing them at the points of an imaginary triangle is a popular practice and can help prevent excessive movement around the kitchen. This can, however be influenced by the shape and size of your kitchen. So in some cases the logical solution is to place them in a line. Square kitchens provide the most scope for layout possibilities. U-shape and L-shape designs are the most popular and can provide extra space for eating or relaxing, whatever suits you home the most.

Storage is another factor in kitchen planning. Adequate space for appliances and other kitchen equipment ensures that a cooking area is free from clutter and can run smoothly. Kitchen units are the most common and space-efficient solutions to space issues. Buying on the cheap should be avoided however. There’s nothing more annoying than drawers that don’t run smoothly, or doors that don’t close properly.

Quality kitchen units will last much longer and are much more durable than their less expensive counterparts. Kitchen cupboards and dressers are also an option. They can provide extra space to store and display dishes and other items. Open shelves such as those found on traditional kitchen dressers can lend a kitchen a relaxed lived-in look, even when full and may enhance the overall look and feel of the room.

In conclusion, planning and building a new kitchen is a good investment. It can improve the quality of your life as well as increasing the value of your home. With the application of a few tried and trusted methods, and some considered purchases, you can have an efficient, attractive and practical kitchen area, which should stand the test of time.

The Kitchen Hot Spot

If you belong to those lucky people who have had the privilege of enjoying a warm breakfast or the happy voices of the family crowd gathered around the kitchen table, it is most likely that this cooking spot in your family's house brings back a lot of happy memories every time you enter its premises. Like many of you, my family kitchen has been the focal point of my life from childhood to adulthood.

Although I cannot always recall with confidence, whether or not a conversation took place in any other room inside my family's house, I am usually able to remember the one that took place inside the kitchen.

My cultural background evolves around food. When people in my home country decide to spend some quality time together, they usually do it around food. Asking a visitor if he is hungry the moment he enters our house is not considered rude or inconsiderate. On the contrary, this is a question one asks in order to make sure that the other feels welcomed.

It is actually impolite not to ask if your guest needs to drink or to eat anything even before they are sited in the living-room couch. Although this practice made me wonder while I was a kid why people popped the "million-dollar" question after the guest has been comfortably seated, I realized as the years went by that there is a big difference between asking someone if he or she want to eat or drink anything from inviting that person to enter the sanctuary of the kitchen.

The process of opening the door of the kitchen and letting the other person explore its content is saved to be offered to those who have successfully passed the line between "I like you" and "I love you." Even though my father, in particular, was the one that usually left the fridge door open to everyone's sight, the understanding that this was an act of goodwill was more than obvious. Those who managed to stay in the kitchen room more often became clearer to me as I grew up that were the people my parents really cared for and wanted to share their lives with.

Two of those welcomed individuals were me and my brother. Since my mother was the master-cook of the family, our bright and lively kitchen became over the years that unique place where we would look for to find the needed comfort and support. In addition, my father, who was always capable of creating the kitchen mess my mother later had to clean, preferred the warmth of the kitchen to sit us down and discuss our problems or thoughts.

In that room I heard for the first time how my parents met and fall-in-love, what my mother asked after she gave birth to me, who was the teacher that gave my brother his first excellent grade, what I should do in case of a family crisis, and so much more. Our kitchen was the room that I stayed in late to study for my exams, while it was the only room one would enter without having anything particular to do apart from catching up with the rest of the family members.

Creating with the help and advice of my mother our birthday cakes was a one-year event my brother and me never wanted to end. Warm chocolate cookies, sugary syrup and lots of other "healthier" food ingredients were the toys with which we adored playing for hours.

If I had to advice one thing every couple I meet, it would be to create the kitchen of their dreams by keeping it always accessible to fun and games, while enjoying the process of preparing the family breakfast, lunch or dinner. Parental guidance and support can uniquely be combined with the hottest place in a house; its kitchen.

What You Need To Know About Kitchen Colors

Color is very important design element for kitchens and bathrooms since it plays an important role in affecting our modes.

A good combination of kitchen colors in the scheme of your decoration can make your kitchen look livelier and more appealing. However mismatched color schemes can ruin your décor.

Color can influence the mood of a room. For example, studies have shown that red can quicken the pulse and breathing rate, as well as increase appetite. Yellow, especially soft yellows can make people feel happier. When used as a accent bright yellow can attract attention and brighten up a kitchen. You can also use color to influence how large or small a kitchen can feel.

With kitchen color taking on more importance, many manufacturers of cabinets, appliances, flooring and countertops are offering the consumer more choices in colors. The best kitchen colors should include shades of brown, peach, yellow, pink or blue.

Kitchen color schemes have come and gone over the years. Some kitchen color schemes have remained popular over time.

White as a kitchen color remains a popular choice because of it has a clean look. One disadvantage of an all-white kitchen is that it can have a sterile and cold look and feel. That is why white is usually accented with one other color such as blue. Also design elements such as a light colored oak floor, or soft accents provided by curtains can make a kitchen seem warmer. It is considered a good idea to select one color as the overall or base color and select one or two accent colors.

You can feel safe selecting just about any color for your kitchen by following some important guidelines for using different kitchen color schemes:

It is considered a good idea in using color in a room to have a 60-30-10 split between three colors,
60% representing the main or dominant color, probably on the walls or cabinets. 30% of a secondary color used in the flooring or rugs, as well as window treatments. 10% for accents such as, dishes, artwork, pillows and other soft items.

Monochromatic color scheme is noted for only the use of one color. To create more variety you would used various tints, tones and shades of that color.

Complementary color scheme uses two colors placed opposite to each other on the color wheel. This scheme is quite intense and brings a more dramatic touch and energy to home décor.

Analogous color scheme includes three hues placed adjacent to each other on the color wheel with either warm colors or cool colors in combination, such as yellow and green, blue and violet, or red and orange. Kitchens generally wouldn't be the type of room where the type of color scheme would be used. This color scheme would be better for more informal areas of the home, such as family rooms, dens and bedrooms or where one would be looking for rest and recovery from the activities of the day.

Neutral colors include taupe, tan, black, white, cream, and shades of gray. Neutral colors can be paired with almost any color as an accent. Because your cabinets make up most of the expense of kitchen decorating it would be best to choose a style in a more neutral finish. This also applies for countertops and flooring.

A good decorating scheme is to emulate the color schemes found in nature, such as sky blue or the various shades of green or earth brown or light or pale yellow. Light can also be an important element in emphasizing the colors and can bring about different shades and views of the color based on varying intensity.

Kitchen Appliances | Microwave Ovens A Healthy Cooking Kitchen Appliance

Microwave ovens are the type of cooking equipments which are used for baking, roasting, grilling, pre heating and cooking full meals. Different cuisines need different temperatures. Ovens generally have a variety of methods to cook. The most common can be to heat the food from below. This is generally used for baking and roasting. For roasting, the meat can be placed on a rack in the oven to ensure even application of heat. During roasting, the air circulates around the meat, cooking it evenly. The devices prepare food quickly, efficiently and safely.

In the past, cooking ovens were fueled by wood or coal. Modern ovens are fueled by electricity. Fortunately life is made a lot easier with a microwave oven and cooking is taken good care of. To make real progress in cooking, you need to evaluate the best appliance and put together a list of your top priorities.

Make some changes in your kitchen to simplify cooking. You will feel energetic and be able to get a lot of things done easily. The importance of the right appliance and maintaining it is now a high priority among the most eminent individuals.

Microwave ovens provide structured features for its users developed in association with designs and styles. The booming products offer exciting performances. Ultimately the products with better facilities, technology and features are the primary choice.

Manufacturers are always working towards making life comfortable for the people. They have an ability to catch the pulse of human minds. They know that people are selective and have developed their own taste to choose the product. Special attention is given for the best and they are working hard to produce some more new models.

Microwave ovens are also regularly used in big restaurants and hotels. The microwave ovens used in restaurants and hotels can fluctuate from those used at homes.

They use large microwave ovens as the amount of food cooked in the restaurants and hotels are in great amounts. They have to put in order varieties of meals as per commands of the customers. The chefs effortlessly cope to prepare for all the orders handily on time.

Microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that comes in countless brands and designs. They offer large cuisine options. They help us to arrange the food with exciting results. The sensor cooking cycles fixed in the microwave ovens routinely adjusts the cooking times and temperature for the food to be prepared. Constant liveliness sharing, means cooking delicious food in a microwave oven. The food cooked in the microwave oven conserves total appetite and consistency of the food.

You can prove your skills towards an easy snack prepared by you. Your simple style of cooking food will be cheering for your associates and children. The secret of your fine cooking lies behind the microwave oven.

An excellent logic of balance can progress the potential of cooking in a microwave oven. If you want your wishes to be fulfilled, log on to the Toronto appliances and they will be there to guide you. They give ample opportunities for shopping and shipping. Their services promise fast shipping.

Germs In The Kitchen

Every day you see television commercials for the latest germ-killing products on the market. Companies are constantly reminding you of the pesky, persistent bacteria that apparently attacks your home throughout the day. It's remarkable that something so small, that you can only see with it a microscope, can be so harmful! But germs are real. However, you have to know what they are exactly to truly combat them. Here's a guide to germs and how you can keep them out of your kitchen in particular.

Bathrooms have a bad reputation for hosting threatening germs, but this reputation is not really earned. Kitchens are where the majority of germs in your house are located. And that's why it's so important not to ignore them. It's easy to forget that the invisible little buggers are lurking behind every corner, but if you do, they will certainly make your life a lot tougher.

The reason you can kill a germ, is because it is indeed a living organism! There are four kinds of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Many germs may invade plants, animals and humans temporarily and with little consequence, and some germs are even good! For example, there is bacteria in out intestines that help us digest our food. Also, doctors are able to engineer medicines and vaccines with the help of bacteria.

But for the most part, if germs decide to hang their hat in your body, they will try to take over. Ever been stuck in bed with the flu? If you answered “yes,” then you were infected by a virus. Or maybe you've had an ear infection! The culprit was bacteria in that case. Germs consume your much-needed energy and nutrients and produce nasty toxins; toxins that cause those classic symptoms of sickness, like sore throat and coughing. So germs, for the most part, are not our friends.

They are everywhere though. And in places where you store food, like the kitchen, this can be a unique problem.

The best way to prevent germs from invading your body is to simply wash your hands often. Germs are typically transferred from person to person. If someone coughs on your or even just touches you, those nettlesome germs may hop from them to you.

This is why door knobs and other objects that people commonly touch are especially germ-ridden. By simply washing your hands with soap often, however, you can kill germs before they have a chance to make you sick. If you've just pet your dog or coughed, then you are more vulnerable to germs, so wash your hands. It's as plain as that.

So, in the kitchen, the same rule applies. Remember to wash your hands often and always before you prepare food. However, there's a bit more you can do than that. Here are some steps you can take to keeping your kitchen nice and clean, so that those malicious germs don't stand a chance.

Fortunately, you don't have to be a neat freak to create a healthy environment for your family. In addition to washing your hands frequently (with soap and warm water), you can use the following tips to ensure those germs die young.

Your counters and sink are a breeding ground for germs. Because your hands, food, utensils, rags, etc, will all grace the counter tops and the sink, you have to keep them clean. Don't cry over spilled milk. Just clean it up immediately!

What you use to clean the counters and sink is not as important as you might think. A sponge or rag or a one-time wipe will all work perfectly. The key is to keep them clean too! Throw that sponge or rag in the washer often. You can also soak your dishcloths in warm, soapy water when they're not being used.

The worst thing you can do is clean up your kitchen with a dirty dishcloth. This is why those throwaway disinfectants can be really advantageous! (Always use disinfectant sprays, as well, to go along with your other cleaning supplies.) Remember that warm water and soap are a germ's enemies.

Moreover, be wary of cutting boards. The nooks and crannies in your home are commonly invaded by germs, until they can find a better, living host. When you use a cutting board, you will likely make small dents into it with your knife, and these small crevices lure germs. So make sure that you scrub your cutting board hard after every single use.

Obviously you want your dishes to be spic and span. Thankfully, we have dishwashers these days that do the trick. It can never hurt to give the dishes a little rub with a clean dishcloth before putting them away in the dishwasher however.

Another surprising piece of advice is that paper towels and cups are better than the alternative. You may want to dry off your hands with that cloth towel or drink from that glass. However, sharing hand towels and drinking glasses is the first thing germs want you to do! Why not buy some cheap dispensable paper cups to keep around the kitchen and invest in paper towels? It's a really simple way to prevent those germs from traveling.

Also keep in mind that a room where food and water are common, you have to be extra careful. Damp areas can produce fungi and food that's left out too long will encourage the growth of bacteria.

So, instead of fretting about how clean your toilet bowl is or wiping that sponge over your counter top 20 times in a row, just take into consideration these tips and your kitchen will be less inviting for those ugly germs. Yes, you probably will come down with a cold every once in a while, but you certainly can be on the offense more often than not if you know where to find and kill those germs!

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Equipment Used in the Kitchen

Kitchen Equipment

Today we have all kinds of equipment and gadgets to make life easier in the kitchen. Kitchen tools are exclusive items used in the kitchen; they must be reliable and efficient.

Domestic kitchens carry many of the same gadgets that professional kitchens do but on a smaller scale. You will find most small gadgets at home, like the mixers and blenders, electric can opener, and electric carving knives, measuring cups, and pizza cutters more or less everything with the exception of walk-in freezers and walk-in chillers. There should be a display cabinet so that you can display the freshness of the foods.

The health inspector inspects the temperature controls (maintain hot foods hot and cold foods cold). The vehicle transporting food has to be cleaned on a daily basis.

Broilers, cheese cutters, griddle hotplates, ovens, cooking roasters, and microwaves are all equipment used in the kitchen... No restaurant can function without them. All these articles come in different sizes and capabilities. Stocking a kitchen with vast gadgets and utensils can really be a headache.

There are few ways to begin collecting the equipment, utensils and appliances you need. One way is to write a list and start checking them off as you purchase. A second method is trial and error method. As you begin cooking you will realize what your kitchen is missing. you may also go to a store that sell such items and asked for advice.

You can buy the equipment from a garage sale, however, new is better. Shop for quality over quantity. Make sure you read and ask questions before you buy. A commercial kitchen business relies on practical products. Space saving, energy efficiency and convenience are some of the factors when deciding on the products to choose for your kitchen.

Petroleum gas, large steam kettles, fridges with stainless steel doors and stainless steel tables, braising pans, deep fat fryers and a machine that slices cheese are used in professional kitchen.

Cutting boards come in plastic and different colours so make sure your staffs knows what colour goes with raw or cooked food.

These are some of the utensils used in the kitchen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_O_Ellis

Ideas For Blenders to Add to Your Kitchen

The variety of blenders available surprises many first-time buyers who may have thought that a blender is a blender! The truth is that there really is fairly little variation in blenders, and that most of what you read is pure marketing. The best approach is to buy a blender from a quality manufacturer like Oster or Bosch and be done with it. Blenders from a good maker should have the power for tough jobs like crushing ice, and should be built well to last you many years.

Don't be fooled by blenders with 10 to 15 buttons and settings: a blender with settings for Off, Low and High Power is probably just as good and has fewer parts which may break over time.

If you're also interested in making juices from fruit and vegetables, there's a new type of product emerging which combines the best parts of a blender and a juicer into once device. Instead of buying and storing both devices, you buy a single combination device and save some room on your countertop or in your cabinets. The downside is that the device may not be as good at blending or juicing as a standalone device, but this may be okay for you based on the space and cost savings.

A high quality blender has the potential to last you for years and years. I personally use an Osterizer which was made in the 1960s and it's still working great. It's probably more powerful and reliable than many blenders made new today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_H_Stevens

Replace Your Kitchen Doors on a Budget

We're all aware of the economical crisis right now, aren't we? And it's affecting all of us. We're all trying to tighten our budgets a bit. But if you're in need of a few kitchen improvements, replacing your cabinet doors is not only an affordable option when it comes to kitchen remodeling, it's also a great way to save money, especially when you compare the cost of replacing the full cabinets. Kitchen doors are always going to show signs of wear and tear over time, just because of their location and their heavy use every single day and the daily grind. Even the most expensive doors can wear out quickly in a busy household. In the end, your cabinet doors are going to wind up in the unmerciful hands of grease, heat, spills, and even stains from the food you and your family prepare in the kitchen, which will probably make your kitchen look cheaper and dirty.

Unfortunately cabinet doors are one part of the kitchen that often gets overlooked, which is not good considering how much they get used! As you read above, they'll be exposed over time to heat in your kitchen, dirt or food on you and your family's hands, and if you have pets, they'll suffer even more abuse! If you spend a bit of time shopping around, you'll find that it's not too difficult to locate replacement doors that might even be able to handle the abuse better than your current doors. A good choice now-a-days is laminate doors. Laminate doors are easy to clean and can withstand a good deal of heat, although you may not want to grill a steak right in front of them. If you look around a bit, you should be able to find a cabinetmaker who can make custom doors for your cabinets and it shouldn't even cost you too much.

Whether you're shopping for new doors or renovating your current ones, you'll also want to get some great handles or knobs to complete the look and style of your kitchen. They are usually a pretty inexpensive but effective way of adding visual appeal to any kitchen, and there are numerous imitation and replica handles of extremely luxury designs - so get looking!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rory_Wallwork

More Kitchen Products

It is amazing how many gadgets you can find to use in your kitchen. There are cake decorating bags that can make you feel like a pastry chef at an exclusive resort, talking bottle openers that root for your favorite team, talking pizza cutters that sound like Homer Simpson and handheld bug zappers that make sure your dining experience is not interrupted by uninvited guests.

People enjoy reaching into their cupboards and finding the latest in cooking equipment too. Many people prefer to use more than one sauté pan at a time, and find that they prefer two of the same size in many cases. It’s refreshing to know that there are online kitchen collections that will let people pick and choose which cookware items they need to use in their kitchens.

There are an abundant amount of novelty gadgets that will keep everyone amused for hours. For Nascar fan, there might be a slow cooker with their favorite driver’s logo on the side. This item would be perfect for tailgate parties and at-home parties where friends would be amazed at your cleverness and the marvelous food that each cooker holds.

When people cook dinner, they want to be able to prepare delectable meals for their family, but do not want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They prefer to use their precious time off from work with family member. Every meal can be a festive occasion when you are equipped with cooking items such as omelet pans, non-stick griddles and 30 quart stock pots filled to the rim with lobster and crawfish.

Kitchens can be organized to save time and many cooks prefer to use pot racks to hang their marvelous assortment of steaming vessels. One night they might select a round BBQ wok and create Asian cuisine that is out of this world. Another night, they might cook a splendid pork roast that is so succulent the juices are 2 inches deep in the pan.

For any person that wants to learn how to cook better, there is always the standard cook book that stands ready to guide you through the motions. A kitchen crisis might be order however, when you have recipes that were handed down several generations and someone asks you to prepare them for a family gathering. While you can read the recipe quite clearly, you are unsure if your kitchen has the right pots and pans to get the job done in stellar fashion.

Some cooking pans are equipped with vents, and others feature pure stainless steel tops that provide a full seal around the top with a overhanging edge. Many of these types of lids have inserts that can be used for home canning projects.

The more perplexing pieces of equipment that can be found in the kitchen are double-boiler types that are rarely used but are one of the things that old recipes require from time to time. Knowing which one is the right one to use in these marvelous recipes might make the difference between success and failure in your cooking endeavors.

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How To Be Safe In The Kitchen

Cooking can be a lot of fun for both kids and their parents; it can also be quite dangerous if we don't take care with what we're doing. Before letting your children start on their culinary masterpieces make sure they understand the need to careful and the reasons why they should take the time to clean up before, during and after cooking.

If something is spilt on the floor it should be cleaned up at once to avoid anyone slipping and falling. While this can hurt at the best of times if the person slipping is carrying something hot or sharp it could prove quite painful.

Always use oven mitts (or if not available at least a tea towel) to carry or move hot pans or dishes, even if they don't feel hot initially they can eventually start to burn your hands if held for any length of time.

If you have a saucepan or frypan on your stove always turn the handles in so that they can't be accidentally bumped.

Never unplug (or plug in) electrical appliances if you have wet hands, otherwise you may get a nasty shock.

Always cut away from yourself. Whatever you're cutting place on a cutting board and always cut down and away, never toward the hand holding what you're cutting.

Don't leave spoons in saucepans on the stove. Not only can they get very hot you may also accidentally knock them and cause the saucepan to fall over.

Watch out for steam. If you need to lift the lid of a saucepan always be careful to tilt the lid away from you so the steam will escape on the side opposite to where you are.

Once you have finished cooking make sure all appliances are switched off and the work area and floor are clean to avoid any mishaps later.

These are just a few common steps both children and parents should take before they start cooking. Always remember that with a bit of care and preparation cooking can be a lot of fun.

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Who's Who In A Restaurant Kitchen

Have you ever ordered dinner in a really nice restaurant, and when it comes you wonder how in the world they got it all to your table, hot and looking perfect, at the same time? And, if you had several courses, how everything was timed perfectly?

Better yet, have ever tried to duplicate it in your own kitchen? If so, you know how hard it is to get a meal perfectly timed. Think about a big family holiday dinner. Do you find yourself having to keep the vegetables and meat hot while you mash the potatoes and make gravy simultaneously—and when you serve it you have dry meat, overdone veggies, lumpy mashed potatoes and decent gravy?

In the 1800’s, a French chef, Chef Escoffier, invented the “Kitchen Brigade System.” This system is still used in many restaurants and kitchens. It streamlines kitchen duties, avoids duplication of efforts and keeps everybody out of everybody else’s way. It’s how they are able to serve perfectly prepared food every time. You may not be able to completely duplicate the Kitchen Brigade System in your kitchen, but if you understand it, you’ll at least know what it takes to get a meal together. And there may be parts of the system that you can adapt in your kitchen to make your meals even more successful than they already are.

The Chef

The Chef is the head honcho, the person who is in charge of the kitchen and everything that happens there, from ordering food to hiring staff to creating menus and specialty dishes. Chef is technically a title of respect. It is earned by experience, knowledge, skills, training and reputation. Other titles for the Chef are Chef de Cuisine or Executive Chef.

Sous Chef

The Sous Chef is the second in charge. He is first assistant, sort of the Chef’s “Number One” (if you’re a Trekkie). One of the Sous chef’s major responsibilities is to make sure your order is perfect when it comes to your table. He is the one who oversees everything so that it all comes together perfectly at the exact right time.

Chef de Partie or Line Cooks

Under the Chef and Sous Chef are several other cooks or chefs who have specific responsibilities. They are also called the Chef de Partie or Line Cooks.

The sauté chef has the hardest station. He makes hors d’oeuvers, stews and sautéed dishes and sauces.

The rotisseur, or Roast Cook, cooks roasts, braised dishes and broiled meats and the sauces that go with them.

The poissonier or fish cook takes care of all fish dishes.

The friturier or Fry Cook handles all fried foods.

The entremetier or Vegetable Cook is in charge of vegetable dishes, pastas and hot appetizers.

The chef de garde manger or Pantry Manager takes care of all the cold foods, such as salads, cheeses, sandwiches and cold appetizers.

The Pastry Chef has the yummiest job, of course, and takes care of all baked goods and desserts.

Some kitchens have a tournant, or Swing Cook, who helps out wherever he or she is needed. In smaller kitchens, one person may cover several stations. For instance, one cook may be in charge of vegetables and sauces, or the Pantry Manager may also be the Pastry Chef. The jobs can be combined in any way that makes sense, and gets the job done.

Really makes you appreciate what it takes to get a meal to the table, doesn’t it? And, of course, you don’t have seven or eight people to help you get dinner together, so it gives you a great excuse—you can tell your family that you have to do the work of eight people in the kitchen, so just shut up and eat.

You can use this information to help you be a better cook, though. Of course you don’t have professional cooks helping you; if you did, there wouldn’t be a problem. But there are things you can do that will streamline your kitchen.

The first thing you can do is to set up stations, where the things you need to prepare certain dishes are all together. Many people have a baking station in the kitchen, where baking equipment and ingredients are easily accessible in one place. You can do that with anything.

You can have a sauté station, where you store oils and skillets and pans and seasonings. You can have a vegetable station, where everything you need to prepare vegetable dishes is handy. It will save you time and effort, and that will result in great meals with all the elements perfectly prepared.

The second thing you can do is to recruit help. Even if you just have someone else make the salad while you finish the vegetables, it will help get everything to the table prepared just the way you want it to be. And if you have a “salad station,” everything they need will be in one place, and your helper won’t get in your way while you’re cooking.

You are the Executive Chef in your kitchen. Using the Kitchen Brigade system can make you a better Chef and make your kitchen more efficient.

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Creating Your Very Own Kitchen

I believe that the most visited place in the house is the kitchen. This is where the family gathers to prepare a meal, to probably have breakfast, and for some they frequent this at midnight to grab a bite while the rest of the household sleeps. But do you feel that your kitchen needs remodeling or better yet a new look? Whether you are planning a kitchen for your new house, preparing to redesign it, or just giving it a new face there are certain considerations we have to bear in mind to have the kitchen that would best fit our needs.

You have to consider the flooring of your kitchen. It is essential that the floor is easy to clean especially since the kitchen is very much prone to liquid spillage and food drops. Wood is a good alternative and we can find a lot of variety in different finishes. Ceramic tiles are also a good choice. They come in a variety of designs and colors as well as any finish. If you are on a tight budget you can opt for vinyl tiles which are also easy to maintain and are suited for those who are looking into changing their flooring every few years since it is not expensive. In choosing whatever flooring, always go for durability.

The cabinets in your kitchen are also an important consideration. Wood cabinets would match almost any kitchen theme and glass front cabinets would look very chic. It is important though that if you use glass front cabinets they contain your beautiful china especially if your living room is formal. Otherwise it would look terrible for your canned goods and food packs to be stored in these glass cabinets. But if your home gives off a country theme having your food boxes stored in these glass cabinets would be just fine.

For countertops, granite is one of the best options. Aside from being elegant and sophisticated, they are very durable and heat resistant. You can easily clean spills made on it. The downside with granite is that it is very expensive. Other options include marble and even stainless countertops. Ceramic tiles are also beautiful. But if you are short on your budget, a cheap alternative would be plastic laminates.

What is important for a kitchen is its functionality and durability. Of course everything in your kitchen should be coordinated and should complement each other. We would want to have memorable times preparing dishes in our kitchen.

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Get Into The Mix In The Kitchen

Mixers are the heavy lifters of the kitchen. They are available in several shapes and sizes and come with a wide array of attachments to carry out the kitchen functions. Some of these functions are similar to those performed by blenders, and people frequently mistake blenders for mixers. They should keep in mind that blenders have sharp blades and powerful speeds while mixers are slower with no blades and are used for mixing, folding, beating or whipping ingredients.

There are two types of mixers: hand mixers and stand mixers. The hand mixer is a hand-held appliance, while a stand mixer is mounted upon a stand. In addition to this basic difference, the two types of mixer also vary in power, features and functions.

Hand mixers can be battery-operated or corded appliances and consist of two beaters driven by a motor. These beaters are immersed into the food ingredients to perform basic tasks such as whipping cream or egg whites, mixing cake batter or perhaps mashing potatoes. Their prices typically range from $20 to $75, and are ideal for people who like to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible, or for people with little available counter space.

Stand mixers are larger, with more efficient motors and a separate mixing bowl. They are locked into place atop the stand. These mixers can perform far more powerful tasks such as blending pastry dough, kneading bread dough, mixing cookie dough and beating flour. In addition, stand mixers make whipping cream and eggs a relatively effortless job.

The stand mixers cost much more than hand mixers because they are heavy-duty appliances. They can cost up to several hundred dollars. They are ideal for serious cooks or avid amateurs who make elaborate dishes and need a lot of cooking support. They are also sturdier, and can be used to mix a large amount of ingredients. In contrast, the hand mixers are light-weight devices and should be used for light tasks only.

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The Right Kitchen Wallpaper

The need to make the kitchen space appealing and comfortable cannot be overemphasized because most people spend a lot of their time in the kitchen area. Having the right kitchen wallpaper in place can make a whole lot of difference. In addition, the right kitchen wallpaper adds warmth and personality to this well-used room in the home.

There are lots of options out there for your décor that can make you overwhelmed when searching for kitchen wallpaper. You need to consider few things before starting your search. Approaching the task of finding the right kitchen wallpaper in an organized fashion will not only save you lots of your precious time but also save you the difficulties of having to redecorate after few months.

Firstly, you have to narrow down your options. Though having lots of choices to choose from can be very good, too many of them can be detrimental to your decision-making intelligence. You don’t need to worry your head about what you’re missing out. Keep your search for kitchen wallpaper narrow. Its easier this way than if you step back and consider the overall style of your home in addition to your own personality.

There are some homes having modern, cutting edge style that beckons a harlequin detail here and there with nothing more. These rooms are suitable for kitchen wallpaper that is understated. It’s essential that the kitchen wallpaper have clean lines and lack any pattern.

If you prefer the modern style, then the colors should be strong and clear-cut. Your kitchen wallpaper should simply reflect your kind of décor. Don’t let it overwhelm the room. The detailed backlashes and stone countertops are the most prevalent today. Kitchen wallpaper wrought with patterns and designs can compete favorably against the strong elements already in existence.

There is a little more personality in the décor of country kitchen. The most popular kitchen wallpaper that’s more appealing to the country style is the rooster themed paper. Many people choose the classic farm bird because it adds some detail to the room and is acceptable to another age bracket. Also, the rooster’s bold red color has been fond to stimulate the appetite.

Another kitchen wallpaper gaining more acceptability uses the farm scene. Making grand entrance to many homes these days are the barns. Some people prefer the murals of barns while others include the barn-theme in smaller details and in the borders. The red color of the barn works in similar fashion to the red rooster, that is, the stimulation of the appetite.

As long as you use a targeted search, you’re sure of getting the right kitchen wallpaper whether you’re a modern kitchen user or a regular country person.

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Keep That Kitchen Sink!

Have you ever heard that expression, “They threw everything out but the kitchen sink!”? Do you know why they didn’t throw out the kitchen sink in that saying? It is because the phrase originated when the average kitchen sink was made from cast iron. If you are unfamiliar with cast iron then you may not be aware that this is a very heavy and dense material. Simply put, a kitchen sink made from cast iron was too heavy to throw out the window!

A cast iron sink was commonly coated in enamel. Now this enamel was baked onto the cast iron so that it would not come off. If you have ever seen a damaged cast iron sink coated with enamel, then you have noticed those “brown spots” in the sink. Those brown spots are what happens when that enamel coating is broken off and the cast iron underneath is exposed to water. Naturally it, like all metals, rusts.

One of the great things about an old cast iron kitchen sink coated in enamel was that you could get them in almost any color. Although white was the most common, a wide variety of other colors were available. A lot of people matched their cabinets and counter tops with their cast iron sink.

Unfortunately, the cast iron sink is virtually a dinosaur of days past. People have opted instead for a lightweight kitchen sink made from a composite material or perhaps a solid surfacing material like some of the countertops are made out of as well. Occasionally you will see a stainless steel sink but many of the contemporary homes are built with non-metallic materials.

But a cast iron sink is an absolute classic and is a great addition to any restoration project. Vintage lake cottages look wonderful with a cast iron kitchen sink because most were equipped with one when they were new. But what do you do when you come across an old cast iron sink—especially if it has seen better days?

A fully restored and functional cast iron kitchen sink can actually add value to your home—they are that rare and coveted! If you find one that has the “brown spots” mentioned earlier or other damage to the enamel finish, there are still experts out there who specialize in resurfacing enamel and porcelain. For a fraction of what it would cost you to buy a comparable sink, a resurfacing expert can make your cast iron kitchen sink look like new.

Even if you find a cast iron sink that is impractical for your particular home, don’t throw it away! There are a number of companies that specialize in restoring cast iron sinks so don’t hesitate to jump on the web to find one in your area. Hey, they just aren’t making the classics any more so the more that can be preserved, the better!

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Accessorize Your Kitchen

Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from accessories! If you are thinking about redecorating but don’t have a lot of dough to put into your kitchen, try simply adding some accessories in a matching theme or color and see how it transforms the room!

Now before you rush out to the store, you should probably decide what sort of theme you are going for. Do you want the look of old Italy? How about a cottage theme? Why not try a country style kitchen? You will want to buy different accessories depending on the theme you choose.

If you can’t quite put your finger on exactly what you want, look in magazines and decorating books or surf the internet to get a flavor of the accessories you would like to see in your kitchen. Once you have found a style you like, you can purchase accessories close to those you see in the magazine or book. Color choices, of course, should compliment the main color in the room.

Sometimes, you can just rearrange the accessories you already have to create a whole different look. It is recommended to group your accessories in odd numbers rather than even numbers. Different heights and textures are also attractive.

Hanging artwork or decorative plates, trays or other wall art in your kitchen can really add to the ambiance, but did you know that most people do not know how to hang wall décor properly? The rule of thumb is that a picture of piece of wall decor should be hung so that the middle of the piece is at eye level. Art work should be placed no more than seven to ten inches above a table. Grouping wall decor in geometric shapes such as rectangles, triangles or circles adds interest.

Bakers racks or open cupboards are too cluttered in most kitchens. If you are using it to store cookbooks, vary the heights of books with the tallest in the middle and avoid putting small books next to tall books. Removing the dust covers can often make the books look more appealing. You can also decorate the shelves with candles, family pictures, fancy bowls, baskets or pantry boxies in odd number groupings of 1, 3 or 5 pieces. Place a plant on the top shelf for balance.

Certain accessories can give your kitchen a gourmet feel. Hanging copper pots and pans from a wire rack attached to the ceiling can add warmth and color. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Growing herbs in a decorative container on the windowsill can be a great way to add interest and improve your cooking. Accessorize your counter tops with canisters or cooking utensils. A large bowl of fruit on the kitchen table can be fresh or artificial.

Once you have decided on the look you want, don’t feel like you have to run out and buy everything that day. Take your time and shop around for those perfect pieces. Try antique stores, consignment shops or flea markets for ideas. Accessories can make or break the look of your kitchen so be creative and trust your instincts!

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The Well Stocked Kitchen

Every cook dreams of having a kitchen like those you see on TV complete with a pot rack full of gleaming cookware in every shape and size. While this daydream probably isn’t entirely realistic, it is possible to have a well stocked kitchen that will fit your every cooking desire. Before you run out and purchase a set of pots and pans, get a working knowledge of what types of cookware are best suited to your needs. Use this handy checklist to see what your kitchen is missing.

Skillets: A skillet is simply a low sided, long handled pan often called a frying pan, Generally skillets come in four sizes, extra large (12 Inches), large (10 Inches), medium (8 inches), and small(6 inches). Cookbooks often refer you to certain size skillets, so it is important to know the measurement of each one. Occasionally you will have a recipe that requires you to place a skillet in the oven, so it is important to purchase skillets with handles that can withstand the heat of baking. You can also purchase skillets with removable handles.

Saucepans: Saucepans come in three sizes (1-, 2-, and 3-quart) and it is a good idea to have a few in each style for warming soups and making sauces. Saucepans have long handles and tight fitting lids.

Dutch oven or Kettle: A Dutch oven or kettle is a large heavy stock pot with a tight fitting lid. Unlike a sauce pan, these pots don’t have a long handle; rather they have two tight fitting handles along the rim on opposite sides. Dutch ovens are perfect for soups, stews, and braising meats. Kettles are good when you have a large stew or pot of soup to make or if you enjoy home canning.

Vegetable steamer: A vegetable steamer is a perforated basket that holds food over boiling water in a pan in order to steam it rather than boil it. They are available as collapsible units or solid baskets.

Double boiler: A double broiler is two pans doing the job of one. When using a double broiler, simply place one on top of the other. Water in the bottom pan simmers gently to cook or melt the contents in the top pan. This is a great piece of cookware for preparing delicate sauces or melting candy to make chocolate.

Griddles: A griddle is a flat, rimless pan that converts your stove burner into a smooth surface for preparing things like pancakes and crepes. The rimless design also makes flipping pancakes an easy task.

Omelet pans: An omelet pan has specially sloped sides that help to form your egg into the right shape. This pan also comes with a nonstick surface make it easy to fold and slide your omelet right from the pan onto your plate.

Grill pans: A grill pan is a special skillet that has deep groves that allow fat to drain away from your food. The grooves also add lines to the items you cook, making them look like they have been seared on the barbeque grill. A grill pan also comes in the flat rimless shape of a skillet.

Woks: A wok is a pan with deep, sloping sides that help keep food pieces in the pan when you are stir-frying. They are available with rounded or flat bottoms, and sometimes come in electric versions.

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