Types of Kitchen Flooring

The right kitchen flooring can not only make your life easier, but it has the ability to set the mood for the entire room. The three main factors to consider when deciding on the type of flooring for your kitchen are durability, use, and style. We'll start by taking a closer look at some of the most popular choices in kitchen flooring.

Hardwood Flooring
With its warmth and inviting tone, hardwood flooring creates a traditional feeling in any kitchen. Hardwood floors are known for their beauty and prestige and are sturdy surfaces that are easy to clean. One of the most popular types of hardwood floors is oak which is neutral in color and very durable. Other popular types of wood used for flooring are ash, cherry and walnut.

Cookware Sets

Hardwood floors come in two types: solid and engineered. Solid flooring is cut from single pieces of wood and worked into desired shapes. Solid hardwood floors come in strip flooring which are nailed to sub-flooring, plank flooring which has wider boards, and parquet flooring which comes in squares or geometric shapes to create different patterns.

Engineered flooring is created by laminating thin sheets of wood together in a crisscross pattern for strength. They are then topped with a veneer of hardwood to add strength. Engineered flooring holds up better than solid flooring when exposed to changes in moisture and humidity. This makes it a good choice for below-ground floors. Engineered hardwood floors come in strips and planks.

When purchasing hardwood floors for your kitchen, you want to make sure that it has already been finished. Pre-finished hardwood is your best bet for several reasons. First of all, pre-finished wood flooring is less prone to damage and easier to maintain than its unfinished counterpart. Secondly, it is more durable and will in most cases come with long-term manufacturer warranties. Lastly, pre-finished hardwood floors are offered in a wide variety of stain colors and can be easily re-stained to match future remodeling projects.

Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a cost-effective choice for kitchen flooring that is both long-lasting and easy to maintain. Although not considered to be on the same level as wood and marble flooring, laminate can be created to imitate such looks. It is made of several layers and can be installed over
existing floors.

Laminate flooring has an impressive life span. In the lifespan of one laminate floor, carpet would need to be replaced 2 to 4 times, solid hardwoods would need 3 to 5 refinishing treatments, and vinyl flooring would need to be replaced 3 times. Most laminate flooring comes with a manufacturer's warranty of 25 years or longer.

Laminate flooring is extremely durable, which makes it a great choice for families with busy kitchens. It will resist damage from traffic, spills, and scrapes and it makes cleaning and maintenance very simple. Laminate flooring will not lose color over time, while flooring such as hardwood tends to fade. It is offered in many different styles and patterns, and can imitate other types of flooring such as wood, rock, gravel, and concrete.

Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is an affordable and aesthetically pleasing choice for kitchen flooring. Because of its durability and moisture resistance it is primarily used in busy areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms. Another reason for its popularity is that it can, much like laminate, be made to imitate other flooring materials such as stone, marble, and wood. Vinyl flooring is often referred to by the popular manufacturers' trade names Linoleum® and Congoleum®.

Vinyl is made of plastic, or more specifically polyvinyl chloride - abbreviated PVC - to which other compounds are added. It can consist of either multiple layers of material or just one layer.

It is manufactured using one of two processes: inlay or rotovinyl. With inlay vinyl, color and pattern are imbedded into the vinyl layers, while with rotovinyl only a single layer of vinyl is printed with color and pattern. Both manufacturing processes require a protective coating overlay in order to boost durability.

Inlay vinyl flooring, which is only available in tile form, offers great wear resistance since the colors and patterns go all the way through the flooring material. Rotovinyl comes in both sheet and tile form. Resistance to wear is dependent on the type of protective coating used during the manufacturing process. Vinyl floors are very easy to maintain. Sweeping or using a dust mop is often all that is needed.

Marble Flooring
Marble flooring is known for its natural beauty and unbeatable durability. Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed beneath the earth's crust. Although the preferred choice for some, marble flooring is not the optimal choice for kitchen flooring as it is porous and prone
to staining.

Marble flooring comes in many styles and always adds a unique look to a room because no two slabs of marble are identical. It comes in a variety of colors such as pure white, deep green, brown, grey and blue. It is ranked in grades A through D, A being the strongest with the least natural imperfections and D being the softest with most faults. Although grade A marble is the most expensive, it is the recommended choice for kitchens because it is the most durable.

When choosing marble for your kitchen floor, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since marble surfaces can become very slippery when wet, you should choose finishes to help create traction for your floor; these include tumbled and honed finishes. Marble flooring also requires regular maintenance to last a long time. Because it is porous, marble is susceptible to stains from common household liquids so it is important to apply a sealant to protect it.

Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile flooring is a very popular type of kitchen flooring in the United States - it is one of the oldest and longest-lasting flooring materials known. Ceramic tile is especially well suited for areas with high traffic and exposure to water and dirt, such as entryways, bathrooms, kitchens and hallways.

There are four basic decisions to make when choosing ceramic tile for your floor: size, shape, color, and finish. Ceramic tile ranges in size from 1/4" square to 12" x 12" squares and even larger. Shapes include square, rectangular, diamond, hexagon, octagon, triangular, round etc. - depending on your budget, you can get ceramic tile in any shape you can possibly imagine.

Color choices are endless, from black and white to everything in-between, and as far as finish is concerned most people opt for the glazed finish. Glazed tile is simply more water resistant and easier to clean than any other finish. It does tend to be more slippery when wet, but you can easily get tiles that are glazed with a non-slip material, which should take care of that problem. Ceramic tiles are very strong, durable, cost-effective, and require little maintenance - making it an attractive alternative to many other flooring materials.

Tile Flooring
Stone tile flooring has a natural look and is strong and durable. It comes in several textures and colors and no two pieces are the same. Stone tiles can look traditional and rustic or contemporary and elegant. Although this flooring option can be expensive, stone tiles have the potential to last a lifetime.

Stone tile floors are generally easy to maintain, usually requiring only a mop for cleaning. For extra durability, stone should be periodically sealed. Since kitchens can become busy and messy places, you should choose stone tiles that are resistant to moisture damage and staining.

Granite tile flooring is one of the better options for kitchen flooring because it is denser and more durable than other stone options. Granite is still susceptible to stains so it should be sealed and periodically resealed for regular maintenance.

Factors such as room size, layout, materials used and amount of labor required will all affect the cost of your kitchen remodeling project. Your project is going to cost more if you are starting from scratch with a complete remodel rather than just replacing a couple of items.

A kitchen remodeling project can cost anywhere from ,000 to ,000 or even 0,000 - you can regulate the cost of your kitchen remodeling project by making product choices that fit your budget.

A new kitchen is a major investment, so take your time choosing colors, finishes and features - and remember to have fun. Work closely with your professional contractor and don't hesitate to ask for help and creative ideas - this will bring you one step closer to the kitchen of your dreams.

Types of Kitchen Flooring

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Small Kitchen Appliances - As Seen On TV

There are many small kitchen appliances to help create delicious meals, snacks, and desserts in the kitchen. We see many of these handy items advertised on television on commercials and infomercials.

A few that come to mind are the Ultimate Chopper, George Foreman Grill, Ronco Rotisserie Grill, Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer, GT Express 101, and the Pasta Express. Watching the infomercials on these As Seen On TV Products makes your mouth water watching the awesome foods they create.

Cookware Sets

The Ultimate Chopper is a compact food processor that slices dices and chops. What can you do with the Ultimate Chopper? Puree carrots to make your own baby food. Pulverize peanuts into creamy homemade peanut butter. Grate hard cheese, chop onions and other vegetables for salads. Grind your own meats. Turn regular table sugar into powered sugar. Create quick snacks like salsa and other dips. Crush ice. With the blender attachment you can create exotic drinks and smoothies. These are just a few things you can do with the ultimate chopper.

The George Foreman Grill is an awesome product for making quick meals. It is reasonable priced and helps to remove fat when grilling. It is great for cooking bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Here is an easy grilled chicken breast recipe. Marinate skinless, boneless chicken breast in italian dressing for at least 3 hours preferably over night. Grill on the George Foreman Grill for 4 to 5 minutes. The color of cooked chicken is not a sign of its safety to eat. Use a food thermometer to determine that chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout.

The Ronco Rotisserie Grill is great for cooking beef, chicken and pork roasts. It is known for the slogans "set it and forget it".

With the Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer you can create very tasty healthy juices. What will be your favorite grapefruit delight, kiwi surprise, papaya magic or the very simple orange juice?

The GT Express 101 can cook meals in just 7 minutes. The GT Xpress 101 has non stick cooking chambers both top and bottom so no need for turning. Cool meals, snacks, desserts and delicious low carb food in less time.

The Pasta Express is a very basic kitchen tool for making boiled hot dogs and pasta dishes. It can also be used for storage.

These products make our lives simpler in the kitchen and can be just plain fun to use. What will be the next new kitchen appliance we will see advertised on an infomercial?

Small Kitchen Appliances - As Seen On TV

TK Healey chief editor for SurfTilYouDrop® a consumer based website focusing on As Seen On TV Products. Check out the Orgreenic Green Frying Pan for green healthier non-stick cooking.

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JC Penney Outlets

JC Penney is one of the most popular mid-range retailers in the United States. Providing quality apparel, shoes, heavy-duty work clothes, children's clothing, home furnishing and more, the company enjoys a strong position as a favorite place to shop for Americans. Adding to the attractiveness and value that can be enjoyed by shoppers are the JC Penney outlet stores and JC Penney's online outlet. Here, bargains can be found in abundance and the same great quality that shoppers have come to expect from JC Penney is also found at JC Penney outlets.

In the U.S., there are twenty actual JC Penney outlets that shoppers can visit. These stores offer an incredible array of bargains, and reviews of these stores are very positive. People find clothing from jeans to party dresses and suits, and housewares and home furnishings from coffee makers to dining sets. Price reductions can be quite extreme. If you live near or are visiting a city with a JC Penney outlet store, you'd do well to stop for an afternoon of shopping. You never know what kinds of great deals you'll find.

Cookware Sets

If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, it's easy to do by visiting the JC Penney outlet online via the JC Penney website at http://www.jcpenney.com. Here you will find that same excellent discounts on quality merchandise for your home and the entire family. Shopping from the online version of JC Penney outlets is a relaxing way to spend some time and find just what you are looking for.

As a highly regarded retailer, JC Penney has a reputation for quality and value. This reputation extends to its great JC Penney outlets and outlet stores online. If it's value at a discount that you're looking for, you need look no further than JC Penney outlets.

JC Penney Outlets

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I Need Some Pots and Pans To Cook In - What Should I Buy?

If you've shopped for cookware recently, you may have gotten a headache from looking at all the choices and brands available. And all of them seem to be telling you the same things - I'm the best; I'm a great value; buy me.

What should you buy? Before you start considering your cookware options consider the following five questions.

Cookware Sets

1) Do you cook for a few people or a lot of people? This will determine how many pots and pans you need and also how big you need them to be.

2) What kind of cooking do you most often do? I like to make homemade soup so a large stockpot is essential for me. On the other hand, I never steam anything on the stovetop (I use an electric steamer) so a stovetop steamer is useless to me. Think about what you cook or what you want to learn how to cook so you can determine what pieces of cookware you'll need.

3) How important is ease of cleanup to you? If you hate cleanup you should probably buy non-stick cookware. If you want to be able to put your cookware in the dishwasher you'll need to look at the sets you're considering to see if it's advisable. For example, hard-anodized aluminum cookware is a very popular type of cookware but the outside of the pots will change color and darken if you wash them in your dishwasher. I own this type of cookware and I love it. But there are days when I don't love having to take the time to hand-wash it, but I do because I don't want it to get discolored in my dishwasher. Most professional cooks prefer stainless steel cookware. It's nice to cook with but clean-up can be fairly time-consuming.

4) What type of stove do you have? Do you have a smooth-top electric stovetop? If you do, you need flat-bottom pots and pans. I didn't think about this when I purchased my smooth-top stove. I quickly discovered my pots and pans weren't flat bottomed and that they didn't work well on my new stove. As a result I had to go buy new cookware that had flat bottoms. If you have an induction cooktop you needs pots and pans with ferrite in them, which means they need to be magnetic.

5) What is your budget? I highly recommend buying the best quality cookware you can afford. The best quality is not always the most expensive cookware available, but it's never the cheapest. If you buy a 9.99 set of cookware, you'll be getting a bargain but you won't be getting a good set of cookware.

Now that you've thought about your needs and know how much you can afford to spend, it's time to go look at cookware. You'll likely be using your cookware every day so you want something that you're comfortable working with. But the number one thing to look for in cookware is weight and heft. Heavier weight cookware won't warp over time which causes you to lose the flat, even cooking surface on the bottom of your pan; and you can control the heat better in heavier weight cookware. I'm not saying you have to buy cookware that you need to join the gym to be able to lift out of the cupboard but don't buy cheap flimsy pots and pans.

If a pan feels like you could bend it, don't buy it. I'm not suggesting you walk into a store, pick up every pot and pan and try to bend it, but look at one of the saucepans. If you push a little on the sides and that saucepan has some "give" to it, it's not going to hold up well on your stove.

To get a good quality cookware set you'll probably need to spend a minimum of 0. If you don't have that much to spend consider buying only the essential pieces you need to get you started such as a 2-quart saucepan, a sauté pan and a stockpot. Add pieces as you can afford them. Although you'll typically get the best value for your money if you buy a cookware set versus buying the individual pieces don't buy a poor quality set just so you have an entire set of cookware. You'll end up spending more money in the long run replacing those pots and pans when they get warped and ruined (which won't take long).

If you take the time to consider your needs, do some shopping around, and purchase the best quality set of cookware you can afford, you're likely to be happy with your purchase for a long time.

I Need Some Pots and Pans To Cook In - What Should I Buy?

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Glass Block For Kitchen Bars, Windows, Walls & Backsplashes

If you're looking to combine the benefits of light transmission, style, durability, and ease of cleaning in your new home or kitchen remodeling project then glass block is the material for you. This unique building product provides the dual benefit of structural stability and decorative beauty. Below you'll find 5 ideas to transform an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary space.

Idea 1 - Kitchen Bar - The central place where company and family hangs out is around the island or kitchen bar while the meals are being prepared. Let's face it - a standard laminate top with basic wood cabinetry underneath is just not scoring high on the cool scale anymore! If you want color, interest, and functionality a glass block kitchen bar can be used in conjunction with a granite countertop. These bars are generally built 40" high and the counter is set on top of the glass blocks. The bar can be built in either a rounded, angular, or rectangular design (there are radius blocks, angled blocks, and corner blocks to accomplish this objective). If you really want the glass to stand out consider either backlighting the bar wall or using either vibrant or muted colored glass blocks (a project in Minneapolis Minnesota is planning this type of project right now).

Cookware Sets

Idea 2 - Half Wall Room Separator - In many split level homes like you see in the Midwestern United States there is a railing at the end of the kitchen to safely separate the kitchen from the family room that is 5 to 6 steps below. A project in Cleveland Ohio recently used a block separator wall to safely modernize this railing area. The wall was built 32" high by 10 feet long and used finished end and double ended blocks. It was safely tied in with anchors at the side wall (jamb) with panel reinforcing throughout the mortar joints - creating a modernized, safe, and stylish wall in a highly visible area of the home.

Idea 3 - Operable Casement Kitchen Window - If you need privacy, air flow, and a unique style all in one kitchen window consider an operable acrylic block window. A home in Columbus Ohio was built in a subdivision where the homes are only 12 feet apart and the kitchen window is on the side facing the neighbor's windows (not the best situation when you've been laboring around the house and you don't look your best). Using an operable casement acrylic block window the owner can now get air through the window and the privacy they desire. The vinyl framed block window also meets the Energy Star ratings required for this development as well.

Idea 4 - Block Up A Hard To Clean Area Behind the Stove -Have you ever used wall paper behind a stove only to find it splattered and stained from your meals overheating from your cook top? A solution to add style and ease the cleaning of these hard to get to areas is with glass tiles or glass blocks. A project near Boston Massachusetts built a colored block wall behind a pot bellied stove to contrast the old stove with the new contemporary styled block. This wall also had the benefit of transferring light through this interior wall to an adjoining bathroom as well.

Idea 5 - Kitchen backsplashes - The backsplash underneath your kitchen cabinets does not have to be boring anymore. If you'd like to move light in from the outside and add style with an easy to clean material consider using a vinyl framed glass block window system either 8" or 16" finished height in your backsplash. The blocks can be provided in clear glass, colored glass or even decorative patterned blocks (there are contemporary designed blocks, fruit patterns, and over 150 other standard and limitless custom blocks as well). In many cases the blocks can add light and reduce the cost versus using decorative glass tiles in a backsplash.

This is a just a short list of the ways glass blocks can add style, interest, and practical benefits to your next kitchen bar, window, wall, or backsplash project.

Glass Block For Kitchen Bars, Windows, Walls & Backsplashes

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Vice President of Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide factory direct designers, suppliers & installers of glass block walls, bars, windows, and backsplashes for residential and commercial projects.

Nationwide 877-668-5888

glass block bar

glass block bars

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Learn How to Build Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets add worth to a home along with providing a lot of helpful storage space but they can be very costly. However, if you have prior experience with woodworking you can make cabinets on your own and remove the price of hiring a professional; here's how.

Required Tools

Cookware Sets

Table Saw/circular saw

A doweling jig or a horizontal boring tool

Mallet

Drill

Router

Clamps for gluing

Sandpaper

Required Materials

Cabinet grade plywood for carcass (frame)

Plywood for door, false front insert and kick plate face

1" x 6" oak for face frame

Dowels

Hinges

Knobs

Glue

Finishing nails (6d)

Self drilling screws

Drawer materials and slides (if needed)

Counter top materials

Instructions

The base for the cabinets should be 3¼ inches high and the size should be the same as the floor of the cabinets minus the sides, front and back of the cabinets. Use the table saw or a circular saw to cut the plywood to the desired length and nail it all together.

Use the cabinet grade plywood to create the floor of the cabinet and use a little glue and some finishing nails to hold it to the base. Next glue and nail the sides of the cabinet to the base, using the clamps to secure them in place while you drive the nails. Ensure that the carcass is correctly squared. You can now put in whatever shelving you plan to include.

When the carcass is finished move on to the face frame; cut the oak wood to the required length and then decide where the dowel holes will go and set out the face frame and the stiles (vertical pieces) to make sure that everything fits correctly. Use the doweling jig or horizontal boring tool to drill the required holes for the dowels you are using. Put wood glue on the stiles, dowels and in the dowel holes and then place the dowels into their chosen holes using the mallet to set them properly. Use the clamps to hold the assembly together until the glue dries and everything is dried in position.

Drill holes along the top, middle, bottom and sides of the face frame to keep it to the carcass. Apply glue to the edges of the plywood (the carcass) and the face frame and use clamps to keep the face frame in position. Ensure that the face frame is properly lined up before tightening the clamps. Next nail 6d finishing nails into the pre-drilled holes to secure the face frame in place.

You can choose to order ready-made doors or you can make them too. As with the face frame use dowels, clamps and glue to put the doors together, however, for the doors you need to use the router to create a slot for the door insert. Glue, clamp and nail the drawers together too and install the slides for the drawers and doors.

Install the door inserts and sand down all the segments of the cabinet and then put in the doors and drawers. Fill in all nail holes with wood putty and put on whatever finishing touch you desire like stain, varnish and polyurethane.

Put in the drawers, doors, knobs, handles, hinges and set the cabinet in place. Use a drill and the self drilling screws to secure the cabinets to the wall and lastly, put in the top of the cabinet and you are finished.

Tips and Warnings

Use a clamp to hold a ruler or other straight item onto the plywood when cutting to function as a guide.

Any height or width the counters are to be, build the frame about ¾ of an inch lower and narrower so that the cabinets are the designated size when the doors and counter tops are attached.

Learn How to Build Kitchen Cabinets

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Affordable Renovation With Countertop Resurfacing

Let's face it; remodeling a kitchen can be an expensive prospect. From appliances and paint to floors and countertops, transforming a kitchen completely can require quite a bit of money and time. For most of us, tackling the entire project at once is simply cost-prohibitive. But there are ways to visually transform your kitchen space without breaking the bank. The answer lies in creative solutions to kitchen renovation; and one such idea is that of countertop resurfacing.

There should be no underestimating countertops in their ability to set the tone in a kitchen. Because they cover the space that they do - and because are often the focal point of the kitchen - they dramatically change the style of an area. Changing the countertop will allow you to carry through with the design you desire and visually impact the space with just one renovation.

Cookware Sets

But as dramatic as they are, countertops can also be expensive. And sometimes, changing them completely is not within a standard budget. Luckily there are ways to transform the countertops without having to change them completely; countertop resurfacing is an affordable and easy way to change the look of your kitchen without the mess and expense of replacing the materials completely.

Luckily, most kitchen countertops come in a standard size; this can be a major advantage when it comes to countertop resurfacing as laminate material often comes ready to buy at the standard sizes of most countertops. Today's laminates come in an extensive selection of colors, styles, and textures and because they are mass-produced, they are often extremely affordable.

Laminate material is only about one sixteenth of an inch thick and, therefore, can be handled quite easily. But before you adhere the new laminate to the existing countertop you need first to prepare the countertop itself. Begin by removing the countertop and stripping it of its laminate and glue. This can be done with chemical solutions available at home improvement stores. Once the glue and laminate is removed the exposed wood needs to be sanded smooth in order to create a pliable surface for easy adherence.

Once your surface is ready you can spread the glue for your new laminate. Again, this specific glue can be purchased at a home improvement store. The most important part of this process is to make sure that the glue is spread thinly and evenly over the entire surface. Uneven glue distribution can result in bubbling of the laminate and an uneven countertop surface.

A glue spreader can assist you in making this layer of glue as even as possible. Be sure that the glue reaches the edge of the countertop in order to achieve a proper seal of the laminate to the edges. The edges are critical to countertop resurfacing as edges that are not properly glued down can fold or come loose, exposing the laminate to moisture and subsequent damage.

A heavy roller can be used to roll over the laminate to ensure even adherence of the counter top and glue. Some glue seeping out of the edges is to be expected, and can easily be wiped off before it dries.

Affordable Renovation With Countertop Resurfacing

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How Much Will My Granite Countertop Cost

There are many reasons why people are choosing granite countertops. Many of the reasons include the benefits, installation issues, and cost. You have made an excellent decision to use granite for your counters. The best decision with the installation of granite counters is to use a licensed contractor for the job.

Cost of Materials For Granite Countertops

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Granite can vary in cost. It may depend on the type of granite that you choose and the type of finish you select. However, installing granite requires more than just the granite slab or tiles. There are many other materials that you need to purchase for the installation of your new countertops like a 25 lb. of thin set mortar (), a 5 lb. bag of unsanded grout (), a quart of polished sealer (25), a roll of fiberglass mesh tape (), a trowel (), a putty knife(), a honing stone(), a grout float (), caulk that matches the color if you are using tiles (), and plastic spacers (). All of these materials will be needed for installing granite countertops and you should consider the costs when you are budgeting for your new counter. You also might need a tile saw. You can purchase one for around 5 or you can rent a saw from many places for around for each day. The cutting should be able to be done in one day. You also need to estimate the lumber materials that you will need to purchase also. The materials that you will need include a full sheet of ¾ inch plywood. Every 8ft. of countertop that you have you will need one sheet. You will need a sheet of Denshield to back the tile for every 5 ft. of counter that you have. Roofing nails and screws will be needed for securing purposes.

The cost of granite differs by the type of granite that you decide on. If you would like a solid surface granite countertop then you will pay around 5 per square foot. If you are thinking about tiles on your counter then the costs will run around per square foot. Tiles can be very cheap or they can be expensive. It depends on the type and texture of the granite. The finish you would like for your counter will make a big difference also and will increase the price. Many people prefer the faux finish which can cost you approximately .

Installation Costs For Granite Countertops

There are many things that you need to think about when you hire a contractor to professionally install your granite countertops. Hiring the wrong person could be disastrous and cost you more money in the long run. You should find out how long the contractor has been in business so you can be sure that they have been in business for a while. This will also verify that they are well-established. You should also verify if they have any complaints against them through consumer protection officials. You want to verify how many projects the contractor has completed and ask to see a portfolio of the work they have done. Some contractors take pictures of their finished work and this will give you a good idea of what you have to look forward to when it is finished.

You should also ask for a list of references and you should verify all of them. Don't just take their word for it. Call everyone. If the contractor is going to be using other sub-contractors to help them with the project, you should meet them and make sure that you feel comfortable with them in your home. Verify that everyone who will be working in your home is licensed and that they are all covered by insurance. You can protect yourself by asking to see a lien waiver to verify that the contractor doesn't owe anyone any money. A contractor should have personal liability insurance that will cover damage to property and anything else that could happen.

When you pay the contractor for the work completed, verify that you are satisfied with the work done before you make a final payment. You should limit the down payment to as little as possible and if you are asked to be paid in full then you should go with someone else. You can work with the contractor and set milestones for payment. This means, as the contractor completes defined amounts of work, and then you pay them. You should also always avoid paying cash at all costs. You should also have a contract that clearly spells out all of the work that will be done for the countertops. Be sure that warranties are defined for the materials and the work done. Also be sure the contractor cleans their mess of excess materials and things before they leave.

When you hire a contractor to install granite countertops in your home, the price may vary by how experienced the contractor is and how large the counters are. The price can range from 0 to 00 and higher. If you decide to install granite countertops on your own, then you can be looking at prices from 0 to approximately 0. It is usually not recommended to install granite counters yourself. This is because you should have skill when you are cutting granite and installing a counter. The cost of mistakes with granite might cost you more than what you can afford. It is always better to hire a professional contractor to install granite in your kitchen.

Choosing granite countertops for your kitchen is the best decision that you can make to beautify and increase the value of your home. We wish you the best of luck in finding the slab of granite that is right for you and your home. You are sure to find it.

How Much Will My Granite Countertop Cost

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Article written by Richard L McCaffery

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It Is Easy to Clean Aluminum Rims That Are Corroded or Oxidized If You Know How

All you need are the right tools and know-how to cleaning aluminum rims that are in these types of conditions.

Just by following these simple procedures you can quickly learn how to clean aluminum rims easily.

Cookware Sets

Corroded or oxidized aluminum rims can mean anything from just some sticky road grime and brake dust all the way to much more harsh damage such as pitting. The amount of time and effort that will be needed to clean them is primarily based on how severe the condition is. You need to be aware that oxygen is definitely one of the worst enemies for aluminum. Just by allowing your rims to be exposed to the air will result in them turning dull coloured, old and weathered. Moreover, people who live in colder climates and expose them to road salts damage them even quicker. Other culprits are grime, brake dust and other pollution contaminants. All these external factors can greatly affect the shine and lustre of your rim. So if you have invested into a brand new, or gently used, set of shiny rims you need to protect them from the air as much as possible.

To begin with, park your vehicle in a shaded area and take a garden hose and spray your rims with a strong steady stream of water. Then fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a generous amount of liquid dish soap or other gentle rim cleaning liquid and mix thoroughly. Apply this mixture to each rim and let it soak for approximately five minutes and then hose it off with a pressurized stream of water. Take a good soft microfiber cloth or chamois and wipe them dry. This initial step alone should remove the majority of the surface grime and allow you to get closer to the actual corrosion and/or oxidization.

Mask off surrounding painted areas of your vehicle by utilizing some painter's masking tape and large sheets of plastic. After that, spray a layer of regular household oven cleaner on them and let it to soak in for about a half hour. Now take a pot and pan scrubber and scrub the entire rim thoroughly. When that is completed, take a hose and rinse it off right afterwards and then buff it dry with a clean cloth. For numerous types of corrosion and oxidization it is important that you repeat this process. A good point to know here is that sometimes that is all that is necessary to complete your cleaning job. If that is the case then all you need to do now is polish them with a professional aluminum brightener, which can be bought at any automotive store, and also polish them with regular car wax. However, if you find that it still does not completely fix the problem you will need to take more drastic steps.

This step will require you to apply a 400 grit sandpaper to all the pitted areas on your aluminum rims. For the majority of types of pitting this is basically the only do-it-yourself solution. Sanding can be accomplished by hand or, for much bigger areas, a motorized sanding wheel installed onto a drill can be used. If you do use this make sure you don't apply too much pressure and also be mindful to keep the wheel constantly moving in a circular motion so that you do not scrape too deeply into any one spot.

After they have been meticulously sanded to an even brightness you will then need to rinse them with a pressurized spray of water and polish them with aluminum brightener. Again you will need to wax your rims with some basic car wax to prevent further oxidation or corrosion.

Remember that you will need to clean aluminum rims on a consistent and frequent basis to keep corrosion and oxidization damage to an absolute minimum. When cleaning aluminum rims you will need to reapply a clear coat of wax after each time, or alternatively, rub on a mild coating of oil on them to also prevent future oxidation or corrosion. The final most important thing to remember on how to clean aluminum rims properly is to always rinse them off and wipe them clean after driving in salted road conditions.

It Is Easy to Clean Aluminum Rims That Are Corroded or Oxidized If You Know How

Visit Clean Aluminum Rims for more information.

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What is the Best Cookware to Buy For Your Kitchen?

What is the best cookware for your kitchen and what should you consider when buying it for your kitchen? When shopping for pots, pans and other cookware some people are only concerned about the aesthetic and whether or not it is the color to match the rest of their kitchen décor and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.

However if you take your cooking seriously you will most likely want to take a more functionally approach when choosing the best type of cookware for your kitchen.

Cookware Sets

One of the key things to consider when choosing pots, pans, or any type of cookware set is the material that it is made from.

Some of the best rated cookware for heat conduction is copper but it is expensive and is reactive to certain acidic foods.

Copper, to some degree cast iron and aluminum react to certain acidic foods like tomato sauce which may change the flavor or color of the food you are preparing. The one exception to this would be anodized aluminum, which does not react to acidic foods.

So what would be the best cookware to buy for your kitchen? In my opinion the most versatile cookware for the kitchen is made of stainless steel. It will not pit or corrode and doesn't react with acid.

However it does not conduct heat efficiently so in the higher quality pots and pans some manufacturers will sandwich aluminum between the internal and external layer of the stainless steel. This greatly increases heat conduction and efficiency of the stainless steel cookware.

In my opinion I think the best cookware sets are ones that offer basic shapes and sizes and the handles and lids are all metal. The reason why I prefer all metal handles and lids is because you can start your cooking process on the stove top like searing or sautéing and then finish the cooking process in the oven or under the broiler all in one pot or pan.

Also it has been my experience that even after you have purchased the best type of cookware for you cooking needs, there will always be a few specialty pieces that you may need to purchase in order to supplement your set.

What is the Best Cookware to Buy For Your Kitchen?

You will find more information about what is the best cookware to buy here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

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Pork Crackling

Pork crackling used to be something that was available at a price from supermarkets in the form of "Pork Scratchings", that is until I discovered that secret that is about to be shared to all and sundry via this short article.

Years ago, I used to rely on, let's say, more traditional chefs who advocated that all I required to make the perfect piece of cooked pig skin was a sharp knife and a very hot oven. I seem to remember that it was vitally important to strive to the point of impossibility to TRY to keep the thing as dry as possible before it went into the oven. They used to say that if your crackling ended up a little tough, then it was the chefs fault as he hadn't kept it dry enough before it was cooked.

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Things the moved on and I followed the line of thought that if the crackling was cut from the joint first, turned upside down and cooked face down in water for ten minutes, covered with tin foil. It was then dried and cooked at a very high temperature, the perfect crackling would simply emerge from the oven when it was ready. True, there was a slight improvement my old aunt Ethel was able to chew the stuff without breaking her teeth or having to spit the stuff out into a tissue, but the amount of effort involved tended to relegate crackling meals to those days when there was absolutely nothing else to do.

However, one Sunday afternoon, when believe me there WAS plenty to do, I cut the crackling from the joint in order to cook the pork in my slow cooker. The crackling was cooked on a high temperature for 45 minutes. On coming out of the oven it was chopped into pieces using scissors and hey presto, the most wonderful crackling that I'd ever had in my life was created.

Pork Crackling

After dinner, I sat back, let everyone else do the washing up and did some work on my london nanny jobs website with a cup of coffee.

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How to Make Brown Gravy From Scratch

Brown gravy is usually made from the pan drippings from a beef dish. The little bits left in the bottom of the pan help deepen the flavor of the gravy, but you can make gravy without these drippings. You want to be sure to use a good tasting liquid or broth. You can extend pan drippings with broth or water to get enough flavorful liquid to make the gravy. But, as my daughter asked, what do I do for meatloaf or other meats that don't provide pan drippings? Here is a basic brown gravy you can make anytime.

To make one cup of delicious brown gravy you will need

• 1 cup of beef broth or stock (stock will give you a little richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons sifted flour OR 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter (or you could use olive oil)
• 1 packet HERB OX beef bouillon ( I prefer this brand because it has 0 sodium and a great flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until the flour is dissolved into the butter and begins to turn a light brown. This is the RUE. It should resemble a spoonful of peanut butter. If you choose to use cornstarch instead of flour, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cool water and set aside.

Into the RUE you want to add the beef stock or broth, maintaining medium heat and stirring as you add the liquid. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to boil. You will see it thicken as you continue to stir. Add the packet of bouillon and salt and pepper to taste. That is it. You now have a delicious gravy.

If you are using the corn starch option, add the stock or broth to the melted butter over medium heat. Dissolve the bouillon into the liquid. Over medium heat, add the cornstarch mixture (stir it so that any cornstarch that has settled to the bottom is re-mixed with the water). Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and salt and pepper to taste.

For a tasty treat make the gravy as described and add one can of cream of mushroom soup. This is wonderful on any beef dish and will add yet another depth of flavor to your table.

With a little care you can easily make a gravy that will have your family asking time and again, 'Did you make gravy tonight?'. I hope you will give it a try soon.

How to Make Brown Gravy From Scratch

I am Barbara Cagle and I have been working and playing online since 1989. I am a certified teacher and as such I find that people are constantly asking me how to do ____. I started http://www.cagleonline.com in 2001 and it is now my internet portal where you can access information on a variety of subjects to make your life just a little bit easier.

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How to Fix Your Cheesecake - A Troubleshooting Guide

A cheesecake should be relatively trouble free but occasionally problems do come up. Over the years, we've been asked the following questions.

"What's the easiest way to make crumbs for my crust?"

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Lots of folks use a food processor; we don't bother. We use a heavy duty zipper-type plastic bag and crush the crackers or cookies with a rolling pin a few at a time. We save the plastic bag for the next crust. If we're in a hurry, we just use packaged graham cracker crumbs rather than crushing crackers.

"I have lumps in my cheesecake. How do avoid those?"

Most likely the lumps are from globules of cream cheese in your batter. Before adding any of the other ingredients, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until completely mixed. The sugar crystals will cut through the cream cheese breaking up the globules. In the heat of the oven, the sugar will melt further breaking up any pieces.

If your recipe calls for chocolate, either white or dark, the lumps could be chocolate. When the chocolate is mixed into the cool batter, it solidifies and creates lumps. To avoid that, make sure your melted chocolate is hot, well above the melt point. With your mixer running, drizzle the hot chocolate into the batter. With the chocolate hotter, it will disperse before setting up.

"I bake my cheesecake for the time specified in the recipe and the center is still soft. What am I doing wrong?"

You're probably doing nothing wrong. Baking times in recipes are always estimates and can be affected by the temperature in your oven (calibrated temperatures are seldom right), the depth of the batter, whether the pan is light or dark (dark pans bake faster), how cold your batter is, and other factors. Don't worry about the time and just bake it until it done. (See the next question.)

"How do I tell when my cheesecake is done?"

There are three ways. You can gently shake the cheesecake. If only the center is still jiggly, it's done. This is not very precise but with practice, you can get good with this method.

The most common way is to stick a knife in the batter about one-inch from the center. If it's done, it will come out clean.

The most precise way to tell when a cheesecake is done is with an insta-read thermometer. Stick the probe in the center of the cheesecake and see what it reads. A cheesecake is done when the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees. That's when the proteins in the eggs coagulate.

"How do I stop my cheesecake from cracking?"

A cheesecake top without a crack seems to be the ultimate measure of success. It shouldn't be. A crack doesn't affect the taste. Many cheesecakes are topped and the topping covers any cracks.

There may be a number of reasons for cracks:

- Too much air incorporated into the filling may cause cracks.
- Too much baking time will over bake the filling and is a common cause of cracks.
- Uneven baking may be a cause. If you are using light gauge, reflective pans, consider switching to heavier gauge, dark pans.
- Too high of heat may cause cracking. Consider baking at 325 degrees instead of at 350 degrees.
- It your cheesecake cools too rapidly, it may develop cracks. Don't let your cheesecake cool in a draft.

Cheesecakes with starch in the filling are less prone to cracking.

"My crusts crumble when I try to serve my cheesecake. What am I doing wrong?"

It's the butter that acts as the mortar holding the crumbs together. The butter needs to be well mixed with crumbs. There has to be enough butter, a minimum of four tablespoons per crust. The mixture needs to be compacted with firm pressure. We use a pastry tamper or heavy mug to compress the bottom and to press the sides.

Always cut and serve your cheesecake cold. That way the butter is a solid. If the cheesecake gets too warm, the butter melts and the crust will crumble.

Baking a crust is not necessary but it does tend to hold the crust together. The sugar melts in baking and tends to hold things in place once it cools and sets.

"I always seem to muck up my slices when I cut my cheesecake. What's the best way to cut a cheesecake?"

Use the right knife, a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Don't use a serrated knife as filling and crumbs tend to stick to the serrations.

Cut with a downward pressure, dragging the knife as little as possible. After each cut, wash and dry the knife so that you have a clean blade slicing through the cheesecake.

"My slices seem to stick to the base and it's hard to remove them. Is there an easy way to neatly remove my slices?"

There is an easy way to get slices to slide of the pan base. Heat a wet kitchen towel in the microwave. Lay the towel on the counter and place the cheesecake directly on the hot towel. In a couple minutes, the heat will soften the butter against the base and slices will easily slip off.

It helps to have a springform pan with a smooth base.

How to Fix Your Cheesecake - A Troubleshooting Guide

Dennis Weaver is the president of The Prepared Pantry, a kitchen store with a complete selection of springform pans including his favorite Candy Apple Red Silicone Springform Pan. He has written numerous books, articles, and recipes. For more information, see the "The Cheesecake Recipe Cookbook" for free instructions, recipes, and e-books.

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Cast Iron Cookware - Soap or No Soap

Of all the concerns of cooking in cast iron, cleaning seems to be the most debated of all followed by seasoning. Cleaning of any cooking or serving items, including cast iron, basically revolves around fastidiousness, hygiene, personal taste, and care for the cookware itself. Using Lye (soap), Detergent, Ammonia, Coarse Salt, Vinegar, Cornmeal, Boiling or just wiping the pots have all been advocated as cleaning techniques and it seems like everyone has there own technique that works for them. A review of these techniques seems to be in order so the reader can decide on which best suits them.

Cleaning in general involves removal of unwanted soil from the surface of the particular item in general. Cooking vessels generally involve soiling from both oily soil and baked on soil in the process of food preparation. Baked on soil usually entails some form of abrasive technique to remove while the former can be removed by other techniques involving a detergent or other surfactant to roll up the unwanted cooking residue. Removal of these soils is a consideration of both hygiene and care of the vessel itself.

Cookware Sets

Specifically addressing cast iron cookware, in particular the "Black Iron" variety it's important to review its surface. Almost all of this type of cookware manufactured today comes pre-seasoned in which some form of oil is applied to the vessels surface under pressure, then baked in under high heat. This baking allows the pores of the metal to expand, absorbing the oil, and upon cooling seal the surface against humidity so as to prevent rusting. What makes cast iron unique in this respect is that should surface damage occur, it can be renewed by re-seasoning unlike other cookware which must be discarded.

Addressing the aforementioned cleaning techniques, most manufacturers of decent cookware dissuade the use of either harsh or abrasive materials in the cleaning process. Lye (sodium hydroxide), Ammonia (Yuck), and Vinegar (acidic) unless properly diluted can impact the pans surface and complicate the cleaning process as does boiling due to having to refill the pan and bring to a boil although these may be effective for heavily burned on soil. Abrasive techniques such as coarse salt and cornmeal can also impact the surface, as does dishwashers. Merely wiping may be OK for dry foods but for oil based soils is not particularly good from a hygienic standpoint.

Regarding the use of soap or other surfactants on cast iron, a balance between cleaning, hygiene and personal taste must be made. Cast Iron Cookware has a tendency to retain a flavor of previously cooked food which some delight in so they clean to favor this characteristic. Others may prefer a deeper cleaning to remove the flavor bearing oils required by this tendency so this remains a personal choice. Cast Iron is porous, as is a lot of cookware, and surfactant absorption is a factor of contact, concentration, and time. Hence we need a balance between cleaning for hygienic reasons and yet retaining the cookware's inherent properties.

A reasonable balance could be struck by employing the "Neat Method" (ref.1) of cleaning which removes baked on soil using hot water with a mildly abrasive cleaning device followed a mild detergent applied to the same cleaning device is employed. This is followed by a thorough rinse in hot water and drying with papers towels. In addition, I also employ what I call intermediary seasoning by warming the pan over a medium heat, spraying with cooking oil, cooling, and wiping off the excess. This has worked well over the years with frequently used pots and pans. For consideration on detergents and cast iron cookware see (ref. 2).

In conclusion, while there is no definitive cleaning technique for cleaning a cast iron pot other than the manufacturer's instruction, or personal preference, these are some considerations which should be kept in mind if you're considering acquiring one of these great cooking vessels.

References:

1) Liquid Detergents, Kuo-Yann Lai, P214 -215 Washing methods

2) Dawn Detergent, http://dawn-dish.com/en_US/dishwashing-tips/the-dish.do

Cast Iron Cookware - Soap or No Soap

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Potato Recipe - Party Potatoes for a Hungry Crowd

Party potatoes will satisfy even the hungriest crowd! How do I know? Read on.

Back in college my volleyball team was in my hometown playing in a tournament. Mom was gracious enough to accept my request to host a team dinner at the house. Mom always says her goal is to prepare enough food to feed "Cox's Army." Maybe this is some secret service special detail that only a Mom would know about, because I don't remember reading about "Cox" in any of my history classes.

Cookware Sets

Mom made her menu and prepared the meal and believed she had the army covered. And she was right! The team was quite satisfied after dinner and the only dish the team left empty was the party potatoes! Mom was very proud to have more food than could be eaten! She certainly does not like anyone to leave the table hungry.

If a large family gathering is scheduled for Thanksgiving, the following recipe from my Mom's kitchen can add a very filling side dish to your table.

2 lb. bag hash brown potatoes

1 pt sour cream

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of potato soup

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Mix and put in casserole dish.

Bake 40 minutes @ 350 degrees.

Optional:
Put some shredded cheese on top of casserole.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thanks Mom.

Potato Recipe - Party Potatoes for a Hungry Crowd

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Susan Tyler owns and operates Potware.com. Potware carriers stainless steel cookware sets [http://www.potware.com/sets] and various pots, pans, stock pots, food steamers and roasters [http://www.potware.com/roasters].

NOTE: This article may be published electronically or in print in its entirety as long as the author bylines in the resource box are included and urls kept live. A courtesy copy of your publication or web page URL would be appreciated.

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Latin American Food And Its History

Thanks to the geographical location from the United States while using Latin American countries, the its meals has turn out to be very well-known while using Americans. From tacos to roasted pork to fried plantains, name them and you are going to get it in quite a few from the American shops. This foodstuff is ideal known for it really is techniques of preparation that is labor intensive and also for it really is bold flavors.

Should you still have not been fortunate sufficient to try out the Latin American food, I am certain that after reading the article the initial factor that you are going to do is go to your nearest restaurant and order for the greatest dish offered. But ahead of putting your teeth in to the delicious food, learning concerning the Latin American foods history, will make the meal additional enjoyable.

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Historical past on the Latin American Meal

Just like the cuisine, even the historical past in the meal is complex too as unique. It is a mixture of different cultures and different traditions. Just before the Europeans discovered South America, the latter knew all about cultivating an array of plants. They had had sufficient knowledge in regards to the irrigation system, the terrace farming on the mountain slopes. They knew about tips on how to grow corns and lima beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chili peppers, avocados, peanuts and chocolates and also how you can raise llamas and guinea pigs. Each region from the Latin America, had it really is personal special cuisine.

Then came the Europeans, the Asians (Chinese as well as the Japanese), along with the Africans (slaves), and they incorporated a number of their personal ideas and traditions in to the Latin culture, and vice-versa. There was a mixture in the Latin American foods lifestyle as well as the meal lifestyle with the other civilizations. The Europeans introduced the pigs, chickens, citrus trees, wheat, almonds, cows and goats and took back to their country a number of the foods habits from the Latin Americans. The Asians, mainly the Chinese as well as the Japanese immigrants, came to this land while using issue that Asians are well-known for; spices. The Africans came to Latin America as slaves. Throughout their meal time, they were given those pieces of meat which no a single ate. The slaves modified these inedible meal items with whatever they got and transformed it into something new and better, which was taken to the Latin American traditions.

The vast diversity inside the South American meal lifestyle was not only due to the fact on the colonizers or even the immigrants or even the slaves, but also due to the fact from the several traditions followed within the continent. The foods lifestyle in Brazil was various from that of Cuba, or that of Argentina or even the Mexican meal along with the rest in the nations within the continent. Cultural exchange between these nations is also responsible for the vast diversity within the Latin American foods traditions.

Now that we know in regards to the history, let us take a look at a number of the popular Latin American foods solutions.

Some Prevalent Meals Merchandise in the Latin Americans

A few of the popular meal solutions which you may be able to appreciate when you're in 1 in the nations on the Latin America, are

* Corn
* Maize
* Peppers
* Tropical fruits like coconut, mango, lucuma, etc.
* Queso fresco/ Queso blanco that is a fresh cheese, applied for Latin American cooking
* Yucca or cassava, the starchy, edible roots with the yucca plant

Therefore, these are a number of the prevalent Latin American meals merchandise which forms an critical part of their staple diet.

Latin American Food And Its History

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Tuscany Decor - Ideas For Creating an Elegant Tuscan Kitchen

Creating a Tuscan kitchen is all about the colors, textures, materials and Tuscany decor that is used throughout the space. Taking the image of an old Tuscan farmhouse and unearthing the elements found within is the simplest method for defining your Tuscan space. The use of dark and heavy unpainted distressed woods along with wood that is either aged or looks aged is a romantic way of incorporating a Tuscan style material into your kitchen.

Another way of creating a Tuscan kitchen is connecting the dinning room to the kitchen using Tuscany furniture such as a long farmhouse table. Within Italy many families view meal time as an important part of their culture. Many generations would gather for late, evening meals so such a large table combined with rustic benches and chairs can be used to combine the two spaces into one.

Cookware Sets

Dishware that is most often used in a Tuscan kitchen is pottery, ceramics or copper. Copper is most often used for cooking but also can be found in large bowls, ice buckets and more. Bright bold patterns can especially be found throughout the pottery in a Tuscan home. This pottery is often displayed on the tops of tables or within open kitchen cabinetry. Once again you are able to bring in the earthly elements from outside.

Often you will find within the sink area of a Tuscan kitchen would be a wall mounted dish rack and a separate area for baking. Wet dishes would be allowed to dry while the water drips back into the sink. Italian cooks love making fresh homemade meals so the use of a baking area is essential when creating your Tuscan space.

Tuscan cabinetry is often open where dishes are usually visible. For more modern and elegant Tuscan kitchens a mixture of open and closed cabinetry is usually found throughout. What would be found in an authentic Italian Tuscan kitchen is mismatched cabinetry arranged in different bold colors.

Wall paint is very important for bringing the whole space together. The use of warm chestnut or spice colors, found in much of the pottery can be used as inspiration pieces. Different painting techniques can be used to create an old world Tuscan feel.

Elegant Tuscan kitchens are probably the most important part of creating a Tuscan home. The Tuscany decor used throughout the space along with the right accessories can have your friends and family feeling like they are in Italy.

that is used throughout the space. Taking the image of an old Tuscan farmhouse and unearthing the elements found within is the simplest method for defining your Tuscan space. The use of dark and heavy unpainted distressed woods along with wood that is either aged or looks aged is a romantic way of incorporating a Tuscan style material into your kitchen.

Another way of creating a Tuscan kitchen is connecting the dinning room to the kitchen using a long farmhouse table. Within Italy many families view meal time as an important part of their culture. Many generations would gather for late, evening meals so such a large table combined with rustic benches and chairs can be used to combine the two spaces into one.

Dishware that is most often used in Italian kitchen decor is pottery, ceramics or copper. Copper is most often used for cooking but also can be found in large bowls, ice buckets and more. Bright bold patterns can especially be found throughout the pottery in a Tuscan home. This pottery is often displayed on the tops of tables or within open kitchen cabinetry. Once again you are able to bring in the earthly elements from outside.

Often you will find within the sink area of a Tuscan kitchen would be a wall mounted dish rack and a separate area for baking. Wet dishes would be allowed to dry while the water drips back into the sink. Italian cooks love making fresh homemade meals so the use of a baking area is essential when creating your Tuscan space.

Tuscan cabinetry is often open where dishes are usually visible. For more modern and elegant Tuscan kitchens a mixture of open and closed cabinetry is usually found throughout. What would be found in an authentic Italian Tuscan kitchen is mismatched cabinetry arranged in different bold colors.

Wall paint is very important for bringing the whole space together. The use of warm chestnut or spice colors, found in much of the pottery can be used as inspiration pieces. Different painting techniques can be used to create an old world Tuscan feel.

Elegant Tuscan kitchens are probably the most important part of creating a Tuscan home. The Tuscany decor used throughout the space along with the right accessories can have your friends and family feeling like they are in Italy.

Tuscany Decor - Ideas For Creating an Elegant Tuscan Kitchen

As you can probably read, I am very interested in Tuscany decor and the culture. A families Tuscan kitchen is usually a thought that comes to my mind when I think about Tuscany along with other elements such as the sights, smells and food. To read more articles about Tuscany decor please follow me on: http://etuscanydecor.com

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Tips For Choosing Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

The kitchen is one of the more important parts of a household. This is where families gather to cook and share sumptuous meals, celebrate milestones and simply to bond with each other. Any homeowner would love to have the best tools and equipment in the kitchen, and it all starts with the best cabinets and countertops. Cabinets and countertops not only make a kitchen look stylish, it can also hold various number and sizes of kitchen tools and utensils.

There are various tips for choosing kitchen cabinets and countertops that every homeowner should learn. First, in selecting kitchen cabinets and countertops, one should have an idea on the space required to store various kitchen tools and utensils. The sizes of the kitchen cabinets and countertops should be determined first before going to the nearest home depot. For small kitchens, tall cabinets may be required to maximize space as much as possible.

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Kitchen cabinets

Usually, kitchen wall cabinets have various sizes ranging from 24 inches in depth and 35 inches in height, with width starting at 12 inches and higher. Since there are numerous sizes of kitchen cabinets, homeowners have greater flexibility on how the cabinets would be placed in their kitchen.

Those who are not able to find the right size of kitchen cabinet, an alternative is to have it customized. This is the best way to get the right cabinet dimensions, although this can cost more than regular-sized cabinets.

Of course, in choosing kitchen cabinets and countertops, one should also set aside a certain budget. Those who have plenty to spare for their kitchen cabinets and countertops may go for more expensive yet durable and stylishly designed models. Homeowners constricted with their budget can settle for modification of their old cabinets and countertops.

Countertops

Among countertops, granite is considered as the top choice of homeowners. Granite comes in numerous colors like black, white, coral, beige, and green. It is also available in a polished finish that provides a shiny look to the kitchen. The costs of this material can depend on the color, style, and the place where the stone was imported.

Aside from granite, other natural stone are popular materials for counterparts such as limestone, marble and soapstone. These materials are softer compared to granite and thus should be used with utmost care. Concrete countertops are also getting more popular since it comes in various finishes like grounded, smooth, and pressed. Wood countertops, on the other hand, are also highly preferred because they are easy to clean while scratches may be sanded out.

For those who cannot decide on one material for their countertops may mix and match surfaces. This is particularly helpful in differentiating space and assigning a countertop for a specific task. For instance, most households use butcher block in chopping while marble countertops are usually for baking.

Before making any decision on what material suits best for a countertop, homeowners should see the surface first in person by visiting a showroom or seeing samples in-home.

Tips For Choosing Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

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Varieties of Pots and Pans and Their Uses

There are many types of pots and pans and each tend to have a specific use. The most widely used pan is the saucepan. The saucepan is used for everyday cooking for the likes of vegetables, rice, pasta, soups etc. A good pan should have a close fitting lid and strong secure handles. Ideally the knob and handle should be made of a heat resistant material. Saucepans can be made of stainless steel, which is probably the best type to buy as there are very durable. You can also get enamelled cast iron which is excellent for retaining the heat. Less expensive pans such as glass, ceramic and non stick are not quite as good at conducting heat, but will serve the purpose.

Pressure cookers are an excellent way of cooking food quickly. These work by trapping the steam and increasing the pressure, thus raising the temperature to above boiling point very quickly so the food cooks faster. These are ideal for making steamed puddings and casseroles. This way of cooking tends to preserve the nutrients in the food as they are cooked quickly.

Cookware Sets

Slow cookers are at the other end of the spectrum to pressure cookers and, as the name implies, these cook the food very slowly. Slow cookers run off the electricity supply and are very economical to use, even though they take several hours for the food to cook. They are ideal for casseroles and soups because the meat cooks slowly and is therefore tenderer. You can also cook dried fruit and grains in them.

Steamers are an excellent way of conserving nutrients when cooking vegetables. As the name suggests the food is steamed in very little water, so therefore very little of the nutrients are lost. There are several types of steamers. The cheapest is a flower steamer which expands to fit into most types of saucepan, or you can get an electric steamer which you can plug into your electricity supply and use independently from your hob. Electric steamers also have the benefit of having stacking units so you can cook larger quantities in them.

Frying pans are also very useful. These tend to be made of the same materials as saucepans. When cooking meat it is generally a good idea to cook the meat in a frying pan first, with a little oil, to seal in the nutrients. They are also an excellent way of crisping up vegetables. 

Omelette pans are very similar to a frying pan: the main difference being there size. Omelette pans tend to be about 10cm in diameter and are used solely for the cooking of omelettes.

Woks are used for stir frying. These are made of fairly thin metal which heats up quickly. Woks need only very little oil in them due to their shape so consequently are a more health way of cooking than frying pans. Because they are made of thin metal the food heats quickly and because of this the nutrients have little time to escape.    

Each of these types of pot and pan will serve their own use in your kitchen. If you cannot afford them all, the basic essentials are a couple of saucepans, a frying pan and a wok, but over time it is good to accumulate them all.

Varieties of Pots and Pans and Their Uses

Having a complete kitchen set can make all the difference when it comes to cooking.

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Safe Cookware - Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?

Stainless steel cookware is a great choice for safe cooking. Many kinds of cookware react with the foods, either changing the taste of the food or even releasing harmful materials into the food that can cause imbalances or diseases. Many non-stick coatings like teflon are safe - but once they get scratched or overheated they can start to leak chemicals in the food that are according to some scientific studies dangerous and possibly carcinogenic.

Stainless steel cookware is very safe. Stainless steel is a mix of different metals: iron, chromium and nickel. Iron, as you are probably aware of is not a dangerous metal for the human body - one of the healthy aspects of spinach for example is that it has a lot of iron.
Chromium also is healthy for humans - between 50 to 200 (microgram) mg per day are recommended. Studies have shown that when you cook one meal in a stainless steel pan or pot it releases about 45 mg of chromium into the food - so that's even less than what's recommended daily, a very safe amount of chromium. That means even if you eat four meals a day that are all cooked in stainless steel pots and pans you would still be in the safe range, since 4 times 45 mg equals 180 mg (less than the daily 200 mg that are totally fine).

Cookware Sets

About nickel - nickel really isn't something that you want to put in your body. Fortunately when you cook with stainless steel cookware there is very little nickel leaking into the food - so little that scientists and medical professionals consider it absolutely safe. The only people to whom the nickel might pose a threat are people who have nickel allergies. If you have a nickel allergy I suppose you already talked to your doctor about that. Since stainless steel cookware is used in so many public places (restaurants etc.) I suppose that it still is normally not that big of a threat, but again, check with your doctor.

To some this might all sound a little weird and they might be surprised that when they cook part of the cookware also gets into the food. But this is really normal, it's the world we live in. You drink from a can and some tiny amounts of the can material will get into your drink. You drink from a bottle and some tiny amounts of the plastic get into your drink. When you cook there is heat involved which enforces reactions between different materials. This is nothing bad - remember that we human beings are designed to live in this world and to handle these kinds of things.

When you buy high quality cookware you can be pretty sure that it is safe to use - cause all these big brandname manufacturers have a reputation and they don't want to risk lawsuits. Of course if you buy cheap noname cookware that's a different case - which is one of the reasons why I always choose high quality cookware.

Safe Cookware - Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?

To learn more about cookware visit my website http://www.highqualitycookware.com

There you find free cookware videos, can listen to cookware podcasts and find tips on how to handle cookware, selecting the right cookware to buy and everything else that you possibly could want to know about cookware.

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Cleaning Tough Stains on a Glass Cooktop

Glass top stoves are far easier to clean than your typical range with all those nooks and crannies. However, when cleaning glass cooktops, you will still need to worry about how to clean up streaks and how to clean stains. Sugar syrup, water rings, melted plastic, caked on stains, baked on stains and copper stains on glass stove tops can be a hassle. But before you give up on cleaning tough stains, try some of these tips.

The best way to prevent persistent stains on a glass cooktop is to clean it regularly. Regular cleaning of a glass or ceramic stove is pretty basic. Simply turn off the glass top stove and wait for it to cool. Then, using a clean dishtowel and a little bit of water and mild dish detergent, wipe down the entire stove. The key is to use a clean dishtowel, as the dirty dish towel you use to wipe your pots and pans will leave residue. You'll also want to make sure to take off your diamond ring or turn it outwards to avoid scratching your cooktop.

Cookware Sets

Another method is to use a mixture of baking soda and warm water. For very persistent stains, spray your cooktop with white distilled vinegar and then sprinkle a sponge with baking soda. Scrub away, rinse and dry. This is an excellent way to remove grease.

If you get a copper stain on your cooktop, apply a little bit of Bar Keepers Friend and scrub it with a plastic scrubber. It's very important to not use something like steel wool, as this can scratch the surface.

If you get an aluminum stain from a piece of foil left on your stovetop, soak two paper towels in a mixture of 1 part bleach and 1 part water. Let the paper towels sit on top of the aluminum stain for an hour. Wipe clean and reapply a cleaning conditioner.

For spills on hot elements, wipe them up immediately before they get caked on. Wait until the burner cools a bit so you don't burn yourself then promptly wipe it up.

For caked on stains, use a single sided razor blade. Keep the flat side in contact with the glass cooktop to avoid scratching it. You should only be scraping away the stain. Wedge it beneath as if you were trying to flip a very stuck pancake.

The best way, of course, is to use the commercial cleaner that comes with your stove. All glass cook tops are a little bit different. You can find the best glass and ceramic oven cleaner for your model by referring to the manual. Stock up! You'll need it for as long as you have a glass stove top.

For mineral deposits (white streaks and splotches), use the commercial cleaner. You will usually get these deposits because your water is very hard. You may be able to avoid this by using distilled water when mixing the abovementioned cleaning solutions. But the commercial cleaner will likely work best.

Cleaning Tough Stains on a Glass Cooktop

Gretta Wallace is a homemaker and proud owner of a glass cooktop. She maintains a blog of quick, easy, effective and green cleaning tips called The Cleaning Frenzy Blog where she also discusses how to clean a glass cooktop.

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Safe Cookware - Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?

Stainless steel cookware is a great choice for safe cooking. Many kinds of cookware react with the foods, either changing the taste of the food or even releasing harmful materials into the food that can cause imbalances or diseases. Many non-stick coatings like teflon are safe - but once they get scratched or overheated they can start to leak chemicals in the food that are according to some scientific studies dangerous and possibly carcinogenic.

Stainless steel cookware is very safe. Stainless steel is a mix of different metals: iron, chromium and nickel. Iron, as you are probably aware of is not a dangerous metal for the human body - one of the healthy aspects of spinach for example is that it has a lot of iron.
Chromium also is healthy for humans - between 50 to 200 (microgram) mg per day are recommended. Studies have shown that when you cook one meal in a stainless steel pan or pot it releases about 45 mg of chromium into the food - so that's even less than what's recommended daily, a very safe amount of chromium. That means even if you eat four meals a day that are all cooked in stainless steel pots and pans you would still be in the safe range, since 4 times 45 mg equals 180 mg (less than the daily 200 mg that are totally fine).

Cookware Sets

About nickel - nickel really isn't something that you want to put in your body. Fortunately when you cook with stainless steel cookware there is very little nickel leaking into the food - so little that scientists and medical professionals consider it absolutely safe. The only people to whom the nickel might pose a threat are people who have nickel allergies. If you have a nickel allergy I suppose you already talked to your doctor about that. Since stainless steel cookware is used in so many public places (restaurants etc.) I suppose that it still is normally not that big of a threat, but again, check with your doctor.

To some this might all sound a little weird and they might be surprised that when they cook part of the cookware also gets into the food. But this is really normal, it's the world we live in. You drink from a can and some tiny amounts of the can material will get into your drink. You drink from a bottle and some tiny amounts of the plastic get into your drink. When you cook there is heat involved which enforces reactions between different materials. This is nothing bad - remember that we human beings are designed to live in this world and to handle these kinds of things.

When you buy high quality cookware you can be pretty sure that it is safe to use - cause all these big brandname manufacturers have a reputation and they don't want to risk lawsuits. Of course if you buy cheap noname cookware that's a different case - which is one of the reasons why I always choose high quality cookware.

Safe Cookware - Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?

To learn more about cookware visit my website http://www.highqualitycookware.com

There you find free cookware videos, can listen to cookware podcasts and find tips on how to handle cookware, selecting the right cookware to buy and everything else that you possibly could want to know about cookware.

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Drip Pans

The best drip pan in the market today is the chrome one. Just like it's name suggests, its use is preventing leakage or dripping in a refrigerator. However, it comes in handy when cooking especially roasting meat in the oven. Basically its shallow and light. In fact sometimes when you don't have one designed for your purpose, it's improvised from any cookie sheet.

While buying one, you should be careful in buying the size that matches you're existing cookware. Also make sure that you at least change it once a year and at all times keep it clean. Basically when you don't clean it, toxic fumes from burned meat juices can be harmful to your health. Simply wash it with soapy water regularly but always wait until it cools down before you remove it to wash.

Cookware Sets

Those who love grilling they'll definitely agree with me that a drip pan makes it easy and fun. It's does the trick when it comes to preparing meat or even vegetables. Generally a grill drip pan is larger and easier to adjust. It's different from the models designed for ovens and it's mostly made of aluminum.

Their cleaning is a bit easier and replacing them is also not a problem since they can often be purchased in sets. Various models are out there in the market today and before you buy one two most important things that you should look at is the sealing level and their capacity. Their use is not only in cooking, in fact there are even plastic ones available at relatively low prices and can hold up to one gallon of liquid making frequent removal unnecessary.

Drip Pans

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Frying Pans. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here FRYING PANS If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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