Regenesis Home and Garden » Kitchen

Healthy Cookware For Cooking Right On a Budget Tight

Genie Simmons — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:49:03 +0000

With fluctuations in the economy, I’ve been forced to cut corners where I can in my life. I also try to keep up with any dangers afoot and live healthy.

Recently I found out about some studies in Teflon toxic off-gas. That is a separate topic on its own, but it was enough to make me want to find new cookware alternatives.

Sure, it would be great to just go out and get a new set of stainless steel all clad pots, but that is the opposite of cutting costs.

While looking for a healthy and cost-effective alternative I stumbled across a classic that is still a favorite in this day and age: cast iron.

Originally I wouldn’t have even considered this option. Any cast iron I had seen before was old and dusty and definitely not something I could picture cooking on. But that was because I didn’t know enough about cast iron…now I do.

It takes a little more care and concentration, but cast iron is a great cookware to use if you give it the love it needs.

DURABILITY
For starters, cast iron is extremely durable. If you stumble on an old rusty piece of cast iron cookware at a garage sale for $5, buy it. Although cast iron can rust easily, you can scrub the heck out of it with steel-wool and not worry about scratching it.

If you don’t have rust, but it is still old, follow these steps to season it.

• Wash and dry by hand
- always dry immediately and never use the dishwasher
• Coat with cooking oil
- use a paper towel to wipe down the entire surface with oil
• Cook at 250 degrees F for 2 hours
- preheat an oven to 250, put cast iron cookware upside-down on a cookie sheet and place in the oven
• Remove excess oil and let cool

The whole purpose of this process is to seal the pores of the iron. While it is in the oven, the pores open up and absorb oil. With the pores full of oil, you will have a nice nonstick surface while you’re cooking with cast iron.

Heat Management

The other thing to know about cast iron is that you should always preheat before placing anything inside to cook, and you should always let it cool down before washing.

Once it preheats, it will hold onto the temperature very well and THAT means cooking on even heat.

I don’t know if it hit home earlier, but the other big bonus of cast iron is that it is pretty cheap. Cheap cooking with no toxic off-gas? Yes, please!

Upgrade your Kitchen Storage Options in your Cabinets and Drawers

Genie Simmons — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:29:07 +0000

There is no question that your kitchen cabinets and drawers make up the majority of the storage in your kitchen. Organizing them properly and keeping them as clutter-free as possible is very important if you want to maximize the existing space that you have available. So what can a homeowner do to enhance the limited storage capacity that is in their kitchen?

As far as the kitchen drawers are concerned, it will help to incorporate some kitchen cabinet drawer organizers. Your kitchen drawers could be small drawers that you store your forks, knives, and spoons or they could be large pull out drawers into which you can store bowls, pots, and pans. No matter what size of the drawer, there is a solution to maximize your storage. If it is a small drawer then simple wooden or hard plastic drawer dividers will add some needed separation to the drawers depending on what is being stored in the drawer. These dividers typically expand to fit any drawer, no matter what the size. If the drawer is large enough to store cookware, a pegboard system will do the trick. Just place the pegboard at the bottom of the drawer and place the pegs in the holes at any configuration that works given the contents. Talk about versatility in a kitchen drawer!

Your cabinets contain the bulk of your kitchen and food items. Kitchen cabinet organizers come in many different types and forms. A tiered organizer is a step-like unit that fits directly into the cabinet and you can place items like spice bottles at different levels which make them easy to access and view inside the cabinets. Quick access and ease of visibility is the key with these tiered organizers. Another cabinet organizer comes in the form of a single or multi-level rotating surface. These are either turntables or lazy Susans which allow the homeowner to store related food or kitchen items in one place. With a simple spin of the surface everything that was in the back will come to the front of the unit. Once again, the features of ease of access and instant visibility make these organizers a big help in the kitchen.

Make the most of your kitchen cabinets and drawers by maximizing their potential as storage areas. Some simple and effective organization will go a long way to making your kitchen as efficient a work space as possible.

The History of Kitchen Cabinets

Genie Simmons — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:13:04 +0000

With dates going as far back as the early 1900s, kitchen cabinets have definitely come a long way and evolved over time to be able to better serve all kinds of storage needs within the kitchen area. Generally speaking, kitchen cabinets are built-in furniture which is to be found in many kitchens and is used to store cooking equipment, food and other items to be used around the kitchen.

The very early models of these cabinets were counters or freestanding tables and a combination of pantries and shelves for storage of dry non-perishable foods and cooking equipment. Items of a more perishable nature such as vegetables and milk were often purchased daily. This was the time period before WW1 and wood was the primary material used in making these wooden storage cabinets.

Thereafter, the industrial era set in after WW1 and better advancement in household efficiency were noted with built-in storage cabinets being developed. The very simple design of wooden work tables/counters was enhanced using stainless steel and linoleum surfaces for durability and aesthetic value. The built-in cabinets replaced pantries in many a prestigious home with models that were attached to high positions on kitchen walls, such as we have today, being created.

After WW2, further developments, especially in the U.S, came in the shape of countertops for work surfaces in the kitchen made from Formica. More and more attention was being paid to the style and design that kitchen furniture could bring to a home. It was just about functionality anymore. In Europe, frameless cabinets became popular for their minimalist design which was seen as a similar style to the famous and much sought-after Bauhaus design.

Thereafter, designs have developed in the post-modern and modern times to feature designs which save on space and incorporate style and fashion in your kitchen!

The Ultimate Travel Mug Guide

Genie Simmons — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:36:10 +0000

With all the popular beverages like coffee, tea or anything else for that matter, we need something to contain it while traveling. The invention of the travel mug took place to fill this gap. In this article we’re going to guide you throught the jungle of picking the right travel mug to fit all your needs. What do you want to consider when browsing the web for a new mug? How does the cheaper compare to the high-end models?Let’s dig in deeper.

Size

The first thing you want to consider is the size of the mug. Don’t by the 20 ounce mug if you know you are not going to finish half if the mug before the drink gets cold! (actually this might take a really long time with some of the newer models)

Insulation

A good insulation is what makes your beverage stay heated for a long time. If you are a slow drinker you will find this as an important feature, but on the other hand if you are a speedy coffee drinker you don’t have to consider this.

Leakage Prevention Technology

Your mug needs to be spill proof. Make sure the lid sits firmly on the top of the travel mug and that it doesen’t come off while simulating a relatively sharp turn in your car. There’s not really much more to it!

The Material

This one is worth looking into. You don’t want the taste of whatever the travel mug is made of to stain your drink. By using a ceramic travel mug with lid this is not an issue. Another decent material to consider is stainless steel.

There are many different travel coffee mugs to pick from. I would suggest browsing places like Amazon, reading the user submitted reviews. Make sure the mug style is appropriate to your clothing and before conducting in any purchases!

The Best Wooden Worktops

Genie Simmons — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:24:10 +0000

Adding new wooden worktops to your kitchen is one way you can employ to improve the general appearance of your kitchen. However, it is important to differentiate the types of solid wood worktops. In so doing, you are able to know their advantages and disadvantages.

Different Types of Wooden Worktops

Nowadays, many kitchen designers will come up with worktops from beech, oak and walnut wood. Nevertheless, other designers are coming up with new and perfect designs from unpopular woods like iroko and cherry. You can also choose to have fake wood worktops made by designing other material like images of wood.

The Difference Between Various Wood Types

If you want your kitchen to look as attractive as possible, then you must first observe the arrangement of the grains on that wood. Oak kitchen worktops have well-defined grains that will give your kitchen that elegant look you are searching for. Like wine, oak worktops will look better with age, but you must take good care of them. Walnut worktops have a stunning look that makes them stand out from the rest. Cherry, on the otherhand, is also gaining popularity in the kitchen due to its rich and dramatic color.

The Best Woods for Making Butcher Block Worktops

Generally, the look of the worktop is very significant, but its durability is also as important as its appearance. If you cook regularly, then you will require a worktop that can withstand a lot of pressure from heavy pans and knives. Most kitchen designers will recommend oak kitchen worktops in such a case because of their robustness.

Taking care of your oak worktops by resealing and refinishing them regularly will enable them to remain in good condition for a long time. Regular maintenance of your solid wood worktops will also keep your kitchen attractive and add resale value to your home.

The Classic Design Of The Farmhouse Dining Table

Genie Simmons — Wed, 11 May 2011 16:16:10 +0000

In the various lines of furniture there are some pieces created as country items. These are usually crafted out of wood and can come as natural unfinished items or as pieces that have been stained and coated with a glossy finish. The farmhouse dining table is the classic large table usually made with a square block design. Some of the large sized tables have decorative spindle turned legs, while others use a contrasting color scheme to make the piece more decorative. The contrasting colors will have the top surface in a light colored wood with the bottom edge and legs painted white.

The classic table shape is the rectangle, but there are dining styles available in oval shapes as well. An oval design can come with a pedestal base, which can also be painted in white to add charm to the look of the finished piece. In the sets where the table is two colors the chairs will also be designed to match. These charming sets are sometimes referred to as country cottage styles and are available in sizes to seat two to six people. Another type of design is the Shaker style which uses very simplistic lines in creating the different pieces.

In addition to products designed for dining there are also smaller items created for use in living rooms and bedrooms. An end table will often have a bottom shelf or a drawer as part of the unit. A sofa table can incorporate both the drawer and shelf in the design and can be found made of oak or pine. Pine is often used to create rustic looking pieces because it has a very predominate wood grain with lots of visible knots. A country coffee table will have a classic design different from a mirrored coffee table, which is often a contemporary look.

The Significance Of Obtaining The Correct Kitchen Furniture

Genie Simmons — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:44:11 +0000

Aside from being a place for cooking, a kitchen can also be one more livable area if the correct kitchen furniture pieces are picked. Accessories like fireplaces or chandeliers may be added. However, it is advisable to opt for the functional ones which help in doing the kitchen tasks.

For one, the kitchen island is a functional kitchen furniture item. This provides extra space for preparing meals, and also for storage of utensils as well as condiments. On the other hand, the spice caddy and the towel bar also aids in making the needed things accessible. In this regard, Home Styles offers an island/cart that has a hard wood outer part for its hidden storage, and also heavy-duty casters which make this product portable. The granite top and classic natural finish assist the island to have smooth blending capabilities with the other furnishings of the involved house. A gray or black granite top, a wooden top, or a stainless steel one may be chosen. This selection is priced over $400.

Meanwhile, islands can also be obtained from manufacturers like Linon Furniture, Hillsdale, Pennfield and Powell. And, when getting the preferred island, the concerned buyer can also check out the kitchen stools that will make kitchen work a lot easier. These stools can absolutely be as fashionable and elegant as the island. Many from the same group of manufacturers also offer stools, and in a number of instances sell the stools and island in matching sets. Furthermore, stools which are big enough are also suggested, since these can accommodate kitchen tables during events wherein additional seats are necessitated.

Indeed, any home can be wonderfully transformed through the use of the correct kitchen furniture. Numerous handy accessories like tables and chairs, a pot rack, and a kitchen butler can also be considered, to not just help with the kitchen tasks but also extend an ornamental edge to the area.

Feature Backsplash Ideas To Try

Genie Simmons — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:32:04 +0000

Backsplash ideas abound for the kitchen in any home. Many homeowners are taking advantage of this stylish accessory as they remodel their kitchens or build a new home. Since the kitchen is one of the most well-used areas of the home and is the place where friends and family gather, it is vital that the space be pleasant yet attractive. Every aspect of the kitchen plays a part in its overall ambience; the backsplash, typically installed above a sink or sometimes around the entire counter area, is one of these. Here are just a few backsplash ideas that are the most appealing.

The first material that comes to one’s mind is tile. There are many options in this category with porcelain and ceramic being two of the most widely used. Tiles come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The four inch square seems to be the most popular. However, many are branching out and picking other geometric shapes and larger tiles. Some prefer to pick tiles that go together to form a pattern or to use very small tiles to create an artistic mural with styles such as Talavera tiles.

Glass is another favored option. Glass makes an area look clean, bright and modern. Glass is typically cut into squares that resemble tiles but can occasionally be found in other shapes as well. It can be clear, colored or opaque. Also, some enjoy choosing designs that have patterns or pictures etched into them. Glass is also quite beautiful when there is lighting either behind it or shining down on it.

These are the two most common backsplash ideas. There are a few other options that can make a kitchen look modern and unique. Marble, granite or stone can be rather expensive but produce a long-lasting and luxurious look. Other options include stainless steel or other metals such as iron. There are some plastics that can look rather authentic and be wonderful for homes with young children since the plastic is durable and easy to clean. Basically, there is an option for backsplashes that can fit into any budget.

How to Install a Tile Backsplash in Your Kitchen

Genie Simmons — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:45:02 +0000

The hard surface between the countertop and the cabinet is called the backsplash. It is sometimes called the jewelry for the kitchen because it typically hosts the color to accent the room. Installing a kitchen backsplash can be a do-it-yourself project that will be easy on your budget rather than hiring a professional tile layer. Following the steps on how to install a tile backsplash in the kitchen, will assure you that you can accomplish this task

Tile Backsplash Installation

The first step is to completely clear the area where you will be working. Remove outlet covers, and begin sanding the wall. This will allow the adhesive to bond the mastic that is used to adhere the tile. Measure the wall to find the center and make a mark and draw a line.

Scrape out some of the mastic with a notched trowel and distribute in on the wall. Cover only a little area, and adhere the tile to the wall starting it on the line you drew. Check to make sure your line is perfectly straight.

Continue installing a backsplash along the line and then to the next row by repeating the application of the mastic in small areas and adhere the tiles. If the tile does not fit, snap the tile to the correct size and continue. After installing all of the tiles, let dry overnight.

The next day to finish installing a tile backsplash, use a tile grout to be spread over the tiles. Be sure to get the grout in the entire tile lines packed tightly with a grout float that is rubber. While the grout is still damp, wipe over the entire tile area with a sponge removing the excess.

Now that you know how to install a tile backsplash, you can stand back and admire your handy work. You can purchase your tiles and supplies at any home improvement store. There are many colors and styles available that can fit into your existing decor. Check out my backsplash ideas for granite countertops, to give you a few suggestions.

Kitchen Furniture for Every Season

Genie Simmons — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:51:01 +0000

People often forget just how vast the field of furniture design actually is. There are so many different available options to choose from, like what material to use and what color to choose, that it is possible to decorate a room to any theme. Let’s take the most difficult decorating challenge in your house and see if we can’t come up with a few pieces of furniture that will fit one of each of the four seasons.

The kitchen is often the most difficult room to choose furniture for because you are limited in space and limited in furniture options. Basically all you have to choose from in regards to freestanding kitchen furniture are tables, chairs, food carts and islands. That’s not even taking into account the restrictions placed by the size of your kitchen. Since we can’t possibly know what everyone’s kitchen looks like and what type of kitchen furniture sets will fit let’s just assume that there is enough space for a round kitchen table and chairs. So, let’s decorate.

Summer

To achieve the summer look you want to use a lot of warm colors. We’re talking a palette of rosy reds; sun burst oranges, deep banana yellows, and a touch of purple or blue if you’re so inclined. You want to look for light wooden tables and chairs for this theme because they will go well against the warm colored background. Look for pinewoods, oak, and maybe even bamboo.

Spring

Spring is a little bit tricky but basically the color palette is a muted summer. You want to cut out most of the heavy reds and lighten up the yellows. Add some lavender into the mix and some sky blue and you’ve got yourself a spring themed décor. In regards to the materials of the furniture you can get away with using glass here but you should stick to light colored woods.

Fall

Fall makes a shift into darker colors again but the focus is on orange, forest green, and brown. You want to give the feel of a pumpkin or a molting tree with your color choices. For materials use dark woods like mahogany to bring a dark and rich texture to the room.

Winter

The color scheme for winter is simple white, dark blue, and gray. You can get away with using glass or metal tables here as well.