Beginner's Guide to Kitchen tag:beginnersguide.com,2007:/kitchen//34 2006-10-11T20:36:10Z Kitchen Movable Type 3.35 Packaging tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32151 2006-10-03T20:38:47Z 2007-08-06T19:05:18Z The way the gift is packaged can be almost as important as the food itself. Consider using a container that can be used after the food has disappeared. Flea markets and yard sales are great places to shop for these... John The way the gift is packaged can be almost as important as the food itself. Consider using a container that can be used after the food has disappeared. Flea markets and yard sales are great places to shop for these kinds of giveaway containers. Here are a few suggestions:

• Loaf of bread tied to a cutting board accompanied by a bread knife
• Tea or coffee blend in a bright canister or in a tea or coffee cup
• Jams, jellies, and other spreads in a reusable container with a spoon or spreader attached
• Anything wrapped in a tea towel
• Cookies in a flowerpot lined with plastic wrap instead of a cookie jar
• Unusually shaped cookies packed with their cutters.

]]> Gift Ideas tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32150 2006-10-03T20:38:49Z 2006-10-03T20:39:17Z Gifts from the kitchen don't have to be very elaborate or cost much. What is best is something a little out of the ordinary or perhaps something the receiver is not likely to make themselves. Consider what the person likes... John Gifts from the kitchen don't have to be very elaborate or cost much. What is best is something a little out of the ordinary or perhaps something the receiver is not likely to make themselves. Consider what the person likes and what you enjoy making as well. Perhaps you have a specialty you would like to make.

]]> Recipes for Homemade Gift Items tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32152 2006-10-03T20:39:46Z 2006-10-03T20:41:45Z Here are some recipes I have enjoyed receiving or making that you might like to try. M&M Cookies in a Jar I received this recipe at a cookie swap a few years ago. Not only is it attractive, but the... John Here are some recipes I have enjoyed receiving or making that you might like to try.
M&M Cookies in a Jar
I received this recipe at a cookie swap a few years ago. Not only is it attractive, but the cookies are also delicious as well. What I love most about this recipe is that you can use different color M&Ms for the occasion. Here are some examples:

• Use red and green for Christmas
• Use pastel for Easter or new baby
• Use orange and brown for Halloween/Thanksgiving
• Or better yet, you can go to www.mymms.com and custom order M&Ms - you can put your own special message on one side and choose from 21 custom colors. You can order white for a wedding, pink for Valentine's Day, or pick your favorite team's colors. How personal is that?

Assembling M&M Cookies in a Jar

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• M&Ms

Layer the ingredients in a quart size canning jar in the order listed. You can use a small funnel for most of the ingredients. Use enough M&Ms so the jar is full to the top. You can use regular M&Ms or the mini M&Ms made for baking. Pack down all ingredients, particularly the brown sugar.

Print the following instructions (either write them on a nice gift tag or type them up and cut it out) and attach it to the M&M Cookies in a Jar so that the recipient will know what to do when they get home.

M&M Cookies

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Empty contents of jar into a large bowl; thoroughly blend mix. Using your hands, mix in the butter until well blended. Beat together the egg and vanilla and then add it to the batter. Your dough will be a little crumbly. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly browned.

Candy Cane Bark

I received this gift one year from one of my sweet neighbors. She and her three girls make this together every year for their neighbors and family. It's easy and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 12 large candy canes
• 2 pounds white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

Directions:

Line an extra large baking sheet with parchment; set aside. With a chef's knife or meat pounder, cut or smash candy canes into 1/4" pieces. In the top of a double boiler, melt white chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat as soon as the chocolate is melted. Stir candy cane and peppermint oil into the chocolate. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet; spread evenly. Refrigerate until firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Break into pieces. Put into gift containers or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

White Trash Candy

I also received this from a neighbor for Christmas one year. I think this is great delivered in small white trash bag tied up with beautiful ribbon with tag attached with name of candy on it. Or you can purchase a gift container that looks like a trash can at....
Ingredients:

• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 3 cups Wheat Chex
• 3 cups Cheerios
• 2 cups peanuts
• 1 can mixed nuts
• 3 cups raisins
• 2 cups pretzels
• 1 ½ lbs. almond bark

Directions:

Melt almond bark over double boiler (or 2 minutes in the microwave). DO NOT OVERCOOK. Stir frequently while melting. Immediately pour over mix, coating thoroughly. Spread out on wax paper. When cool, break into small pieces. Store in airtight container.

Doggy Biscuits in a Jar (for doggies)

It seems that everyone is going dog crazy these days. Everywhere you look there are pet pampering stores and services. If you know someone who has a special dog in their life, Why not make their favorite doggy a special gift? People love to receive gifts for their dogs too!

Ingredients:

• 1 quart wide-mouth canning jar
• 1 dog biscuit cookie cutter
• 16 inches pretty ribbon
• 1 large envelope, with a hole punched in the upper left hand corner
• 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

In a medium mixing bowl, combine: the flours, cornmeal, milk powder, sugar, garlic powder and salt. Using a funnel, pour dry ingredients into the jar. Close jar tightly. Tie dog biscuit cookie cutter and instruction card around the top of the card with a pretty ribbon.

Type the following instructions on a pretty piece of paper or card and tuck inside the envelope.

To Make Doggy Biscuits

Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat it to 250 degrees.
Place Doggy Biscuits mix ingredients in a medium size bowl. Add 1 large egg, 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup (or more) hot chicken broth, beef broth or very hot water. Make a dough that is very heavy, but not sticky. Add more flour or water, 1 teaspoon at a time if dough is too moist (use flour) or too dry (use hot water). Turn out dough onto a floured pastry cloth and knead 8 to 10 times until elastic. Let dough rest for 5 minutes.

Roll out dough 1/2 of an inch thick and cut with a dog-bone shaped cutter. Place cookies close together as they will not spread. Bake for 1 hour.

Rotate the baking trays in the oven (turn tray around 180 degrees), and bake them another half hour. Cool the cookies in the pan for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire cake rack to cool completely.


Sources:
www.cooks.com
www.cdkitchen.com
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu
www.familycrafts.about.com
www.recipegoldmine.com

]]> How Do You Sharpen A Knife With A Steel? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32607 2006-10-06T13:48:41Z 2006-10-06T13:49:45Z Your knife should be kept sharpened, a dull blade can be more dangerous than a properly maintained one. Sharpening a knife is often perceived as the most difficult knife care task. Modern stainless steel is very hard and when sharpened... John Your knife should be kept sharpened, a dull blade can be more dangerous than a properly maintained one. Sharpening a knife is often perceived as the most difficult knife care task. Modern stainless steel is very hard and when sharpened properly, will hold a good edge for a very long time. When sharpening a knife you must have a high quality sharpener that features a rough stock removal surface, diamond abrasive is preferred, and a finishing surface of hard stone or ceramic abrasive. The diamond and ceramic materials will cut away the steel on the blade's cutting surface easily as these materials are harder than steel. A hard stone will also perform this task, but the stone is only slightly harder than the steel and will require more effort on your part.

When a knife is used, the edge eventually becomes dull. The edge will turn either to the left or right side depending on how you hold your knife when cutting. Quality knives with high carbon/molybdenum/vanadium alloy have elasticity and can easily be re-aligned by a sharpening steel. Do not use a diamond coated steel or a pull through manual or electric sharpening device for maintaining the edge of your knife. These devices will destroy your turned edge. The can be used to sharpen, but not for maintenance.

You should place the knife blade against the tip of the sharpening steel at an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Pull the knife down and across the steel, describing a slight arc. Repeat this action on the back of the steel to sharpen the other side of the blade. Repeat this five to ten times, alternating between the left and right side of the blade. It is very important to maintain the angle of 20 degrees and to run the full length of the cutting edge along the steel from the hilt to the tip of the knife.

]]> How Do You Sharpen a Knife With A Stone? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32608 2006-10-06T13:49:48Z 2006-10-06T13:50:09Z When grinding your knife on a stone, it may be helpful to use a three-way oil stone, Fine-Medium-Coarse. Use the stone only when your edge does not realign with a steel. That means your edge has dulled from constant use... John When grinding your knife on a stone, it may be helpful to use a three-way oil stone, Fine-Medium-Coarse. Use the stone only when your edge does not realign with a steel. That means your edge has dulled from constant use or steeling. Make sure you use the exact angle at 30 to 40 strokes before your new edge is formed. Use more strokes if needed. The angle used is determined by how sharp you want the knife, the smaller the angle the sharper the edge. But remember that the sharper the edge the sooner it will fade, and will need to be re-sharpened.

]]> How Do I Sharpen A Serrated Knife Blade? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32609 2006-10-06T13:50:11Z 2006-10-06T13:50:30Z To sharpen a serrated blade you should first obtain the correct sharpening tools and have the proper technique. Many of the sharpening kits on the market offer serration hones as options. Most factory ground serrations will have the same angle... John To sharpen a serrated blade you should first obtain the correct sharpening tools and have the proper technique. Many of the sharpening kits on the market offer serration hones as options.

Most factory ground serrations will have the same angle as the plain edge portion, usually around 20 to 25 degrees, assuming the blade is partially serrated.

Once you have everything set up you can begin the sharpening process. Using firm pressure, work the hone in a back and forth motion, perpendicular to the cutting edge. Every so often, stop and feel for a raised burr on the backside of the blade. You should move on to the next tooth only when you see or feel a raised burr. Once you have completed sharpening the ground side of the blade, flip the knife over and begin again.

]]> What Type of Knife Sharpeners Are Available? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32610 2006-10-06T13:50:33Z 2006-10-06T13:50:53Z There are many good knife sharpeners on the market today. The main factor in sharpening a knife is the device you use to remove the material from the blade must maintain a uniform angle for you and not allow your... John There are many good knife sharpeners on the market today. The main factor in sharpening a knife is the device you use to remove the material from the blade must maintain a uniform angle for you and not allow your efforts from stroke to stroke to change the angle of pressure you are putting on the cutting surface of the blade. If this angle of relationship is changing from stroke to stroke, you will end up with a rounded edge that will feel sharp for a short period of time and dull rapidly.

A wide variety of sharpening tools including an extensive selection of Arkansas stones and Norton India stones as well as Diamond Whetstones. There are also a variety of ceramic and diamond rod systems.

]]> What Kind of Stone Should I Use To Sharpen A Knife? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32611 2006-10-06T13:50:57Z 2006-10-06T13:51:15Z A stone basically needs to cut metal off the edge. You should purchase the biggest stones you can afford and have room for. The bigger stones make the job much easier. The soft Arkansas stones provide the coarser grits, with... John A stone basically needs to cut metal off the edge. You should purchase the biggest stones you can afford and have room for. The bigger stones make the job much easier.

The soft Arkansas stones provide the coarser grits, with harder stones providing finer grits. Many people use oil on these stones, theoretically to float the steel particles and keep them from clogging the stone. But one you use oil on your stone, you need to continue using it, or it will clog. If you have not put oil on your Arkansas stone, you will never need to.

Synthetic stones are very hard and won't wear like natural stones. They clean very fast and very well with detergent charged steel wool.

Stones with diamond dust embedded in them cut aggressively. You can remove metal very quickly if you need to, but be careful are you may remove too much to soon. With some diamond stones the diamond dust wears off quickly, leaving you with a useless stone.

Natural stones will eventually wear in the center with use. To flatten them out, mount wet/dry 400 grit sandpaper on a flat surface and rub the stone on it.

]]> Should I Use Water Or Oil On My Stone When Sharpening A Knife? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32612 2006-10-06T13:51:20Z 2006-10-06T13:51:46Z Oil has been used on stones for many years, but some claim that no liquid should be used on the sharpening stone. The purpose of the stone is to rub against the blade and remove metal. Slippery liquids, like water... John Oil has been used on stones for many years, but some claim that no liquid should be used on the sharpening stone. The purpose of the stone is to rub against the blade and remove metal. Slippery liquids, like water and especially oil, make the rubbing slicker, causing less metal to be removed, causing sharpening to take longer. As your edge is being sharpened on the stone, the oil suspended metal particles are washing over the edge and dulling it again.

On an Arkansas stone, the oil is supposedly needed to float metal particles away from the stone surface, in case the stone clogs and stops cutting. Some people have used their Arkansas stones without oil or water and have reported good results. But, if you've already used oil on your Arkansas stone, you'll probably need to keep using oil on it or it may clog up if you don't keep it oiled. If you have a fresh Arkansas stone, you should use it without the oil. Using any liquid will make the sharpening process slower and messier.

]]> How Fine Should My Stone Be When Sharpening A Knife? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.32613 2006-10-06T13:51:48Z 2006-10-06T13:52:10Z The finer the stone, the more polished your edge will become. The more polished the edge, the better your edge will work for doing push-cut applications like shaving, whittling, peeling an apple or even skinning a deer. Your cut will... John The finer the stone, the more polished your edge will become. The more polished the edge, the better your edge will work for doing push-cut applications like shaving, whittling, peeling an apple or even skinning a deer. Your cut will also be more clean and precise with the polished edge.

The rougher the stone, the more the scratches in the edge function as micro-serrations. A rougher, more micro-serrated edge will work better for slicing-type applications like cutting through coarse rope and wood. The serrations present more edge surface area.

For utility work, such as cutting coarse materials, a medium stone with 300 to 400 grit is recommended. The medium stone will have pretty big micro-serrations.

A fine 600 grit stone is a very useful finishing stone, leaving enough micro-serrations for general utility work but still being very sharp.

An extra fine 1200 grit stone should start polishing the edge. This is also a good choice for a general utility finish, especially on a partially serrated blade, where the serrations can be used when the slightly polished main part of the blade becomes less effective.


Resources:

WWW.PREMIUMKNIVES.COM
WWW.KNIFECENTER.COM
WWW.CORNERHARDWARE.COM

]]> What Are Solid Surface Countertops? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.33105 2006-10-11T20:33:15Z 2006-10-11T20:34:23Z Solid surface countertops are a great solution if you are considering building a new house or remodeling your current home. These countertops are beautiful to look at, easy to care for and are a fantastic value. A main draw for... John Solid surface countertops are a great solution if you are considering building a new house or remodeling your current home. These countertops are beautiful to look at, easy to care for and are a fantastic value. A main draw for consumers to these types of countertops is that they are nonporous which prevents bacteria from being able to grow - something every clean kitchen can appreciate!

Solid surface countertops have been in existence for almost 35 years and can be used in horizontal countertops, vertical wall applications, commercial countertops, tub and shower walls and much more. They are a manmade product created from a hard synthetic blend of natural minerals and high-performance acrylic that offer a very affordable alternative to granite or other natural stone. In addition to the natural minerals and acrylic, color pigments are added for appearance and fillers are added for heat resistance. As a result, this type of countertop is ultimately a member of the plastics family. Because of this affiliation, solid surface countertops contain special adhesives that allow separate pieces to be welded together to make one solid piece with little to no seams so you cannot see where separate pieces are pieced together. They can also be molded into the exact size that is needed for the space..

Solid surface countertops can be produced in several different grade levels. The grade level is determined by the size of the mineral particles they contain. The more the final product resembles granite, the higher the grade as well as the price tag.

]]> The Benefits of Solid Surface Countertops tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.33106 2006-10-11T20:34:26Z 2007-08-06T19:05:18Z There are many benefits to installing solid surface countertops versus granite or linoleum. They are very durable, sanitary, stain-resistant and come in a large variety of styles. When looking at a solid surface countertop, the colors and patterns of are... John There are many benefits to installing solid surface countertops versus granite or linoleum. They are very durable, sanitary, stain-resistant and come in a large variety of styles.

When looking at a solid surface countertop, the colors and patterns of are continuous throughout the surface area, and it is virtually impossible to see any seams between pieces when forged together. The countertops are able to appear so seamless because of their plastic nature. When putting two pieces together to form a larger section, the adhesives in the material actually cause the plastic molecules of one piece to interlock with molecules of the other piece. This is not only visually advantageous, but also has sanitary benefits. The solid surface materials are non-porous to start with, but since the seams are so tight, neither water nor bacteria can form in the seams. This prevents the growth of mildew, fungus, mold and germs.

The durability of these countertops is phenomenal. The have a great resistance to impact because of their hard surface. Also, they resist acids, alkalis and stains, making clean-up easy and stress-free. If your red wine or coffee does leave a mark, you should be able to wipe it right up with a household cleaning pad. Because the product's design nature, there are no veneers to chip, crack, peel or wear down. It is because of their durable nature that most solid surface countertops come with a ten to 15-year warranty. But because of its synthetic properties, a solid surface countertop can feasibly last a lifetime.

If you do happen to get a scratch in your surface or a burn mark, these countertops are able to be repaired. This is a great benefit to have since kitchen accidents do happen frequently. Most of the time, scratches can be buffed out by hand. Burns from cigarettes or hot dishes can also be sanded away, but it is best to call a professional. Even severe damages can be removed in most instances, which is not the case in other types of countertops.

The visual versatility in appearance and the cost of solid surface countertops are also distinct advantages over other types of surfaces. Any color or pattern can be created by adding various additives that can give speckled looks like granite or particles that give a swirled look like marble. There are processes that can even add specks of metal that give the countertop a copper-like appearance. The surface can be finished with a high gloss ranging all the way down to a dull matte finish. The cost for creating such wonderful countertops does not reflect all of the benefits that come along with them - the cost is considerably less than a natural stone. The cost is typically between $40 and $60 per square foot, although it varies by region and adding a texture or pattern can increase the price.

]]> Installation of Solid Surface Countertops tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.33107 2006-10-11T20:34:58Z 2006-10-11T20:35:17Z Solid surface countertops are not typically for the do-it-yourselfer because they need to be installed by a professional. Usually the fabricator of the countertop also prefers to be the one to install it for you in order to control the... John Solid surface countertops are not typically for the do-it-yourselfer because they need to be installed by a professional. Usually the fabricator of the countertop also prefers to be the one to install it for you in order to control the process and quality. It is best to install the countertop as one piece after it is seamed together, but if the countertop is too large, the fabricators have the proper equipment to seam the two pieces together once in the home. They use equipment that includes a tool for dust extraction, clamping and finishing so the seams have no air between them whatsoever. Unlike other countertops, solid surface countertops are not screwed in or nailed down, but attached with a silicone caulk that allows the countertop to expand and contract. Installation of solid surface countertops into a new home usually takes a few hours, while a remodel project may take a full day.

]]> Care for Solid Surface Countertops tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.33108 2006-10-11T20:35:20Z 2006-10-11T20:35:43Z Because solid surface countertops are so durable, there is not much maintenance to keep up with. However, there are a few things you should know about protecting and cleaning your countertops to keep them looking as good as new. First... John Because solid surface countertops are so durable, there is not much maintenance to keep up with. However, there are a few things you should know about protecting and cleaning your countertops to keep them looking as good as new.

First of all, never set a hot object directly on the countertop. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Also, heat-generating objects like crock pots can cause damage to the surface as well. Although these sources of direct heat have been known to damage solid surfaces, the countertop will not actually burn or combust and can be repaired.

To clean your countertop, simply use soap and water. Stubborn stains may require a non-woven scrubbing pad or a more abrasive liquid cleaner. If you are trying to repair a scratch on your countertops, sand them with a 240-grit sandpaper followed by cleaning with an abrasive cleaner. If you prefer a high-gloss finish, apply a polishing compound with a soft cloth after you use your soap and water. You may want to also cover your pottery and hard objects with felt protector to protect your high gloss. No matter what the finish, always avoid using a harsh chemical such as a drain cleaner or a paint remover.

It is important to use a cutting board when preparing foods on your countertops. The solid surface can become scratched easily with a sharp knife, but most scratches can be sanded out if needed.

]]> Different Types and Brands of Solid Surface Countertops tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/kitchen//34.33109 2006-10-11T20:35:46Z 2006-10-11T20:36:10Z There are a few popular name brands of solid surface countertops that might ring a bell. • DuPont Corian: Corian comes in over 100 different colors and has been a leader in quality of solid surface countertops. They claim that... John There are a few popular name brands of solid surface countertops that might ring a bell.

• DuPont Corian: Corian comes in over 100 different colors and has been a leader in quality of solid surface countertops. They claim that their customers have responded to their product with a 96% approval rate over the 35 years they have been in service. Like other solid surface countertops, Corian is seamless, non-porous and stain-resistant.

• Wilsonart Countertops: Wilsonart surfaces are ½-inch thick, 100% acrylic based and are solid and don't require sealing. They are easily renewable and repairable as scratches can be buffed away easily. Wilsonart offers countertops with unique designs and textures that fit any home's décor and personality.

• Formica: Formica has probably best been known for their inexpensive laminate countertops, but also offers varieties such as Formica stone, wood and solid surface countertops that have great patterns that can't be found in the other countertop companies.


Sources:

1. www.anewsurface.com
2. www.clcweb.com/solid/Solid_Surface/solid_surface.html
3. www.bobvila.com

]]>