(ARA) - Kitchen remodeling projects continue to provide hefty returns at the time of a home sale. The 2006 Cost vs. Value report, published by Remodeling magazine, shows that home owners recoup 80.4 percent of the average $54,200 they spend on major kitchen projects, and get back 85.2 percent of the average $17,928 spent on minor projects.

You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s all well and good, but I don’t have that kind of money to spend on a kitchen remodel right now.” If that’s the case, don’t count yourself out, just think on a smaller scale. You can make some dramatic changes in the kitchen just by focusing on one of the attention-getting trends highlighted at the annual Kitchen Industry Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

A good place to start is by taking a long, hard look at your lighting. If you have an older home that has not yet been updated, chances are you have a single ceiling mount fixture in the center of the room that doesn’t let off much light and if you’re lucky, another one over the sink. Why not upgrade with options that offer more direct light?

These days in home remodels, designers are replacing the old center fixtures with recessed cans and pendants that offer more direct task lighting in the kitchen. They are also installing undercabinet lights to highlight the countertops and toe lighting to accentuate the cabinets.

Undercabinet and toe lights are easy to add. All you have to do is tap into the wiring for the outlets that already exist along the wall. In homes with no attic access above the kitchen, however, the cost of installing recessed cans can be a turnoff, but as Norm Brown of Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre in Burnaby, B.C., points out, “You can get around this limitation by instead installing a rail system on the ceiling that allows you to add light fixtures anywhere in the room.” Brown is a certified lighting consultant (CLC) and the consulting director of education for the American Lighting Association (ALA).

Among the many options these systems offer, the ability to drop pendants over and island and spotlights onto the counters, art or china, all without cutting holes in the ceiling. They are available in a variety of materials and finishes so there’s something that will match just about any décor.

And when it comes to the fixtures, Paige Malouche of Progress Lighting in Greenville, S.C., says there is a lot of mixing and matching of designs. “These days, we’re seeing people with what you’d consider to be a traditional kitchen putting in modern lighting fixtures. A popular trend is to hang bronze or brightly colored pendants from track and illum-flex systems,” she says.

“There are so many fixtures available it has really turned into a fashion show,” adds Monty Gilbertson, CLC of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wis. “There’s clean contemporary, decorative ornamental, pretty much any look you can imagine, and if you want to take it a step further and address intensity and mood lighting, this can be done by adding dimmers to the fixtures you install.”

For more information on lighting, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT IDEAS for your nearest showroom.

Shop Amazon for Chicago Cutlery

Chicago Cutlery Insignia 2 18-Piece Block Set with Bonus Mezzaluna and Chees…
Amazon Price:


Customer Review: Just received my knife set and it looks great. I haven’t used them yet. I was looking forward to Omaha Steaks but there was no information included in the shipment or on the order information. I won’t be happy if I don’t get my steaks.

Chicago Cutlery Cabrera 12-Piece Knife Block Set
Amazon Price: $29.99


Customer Review: I am displeased with this purchase. The knives dull quickly and rust spots appear after the first use. Plus, steak knives don’t even have “teeth.” Sure, it is a decent price, but I would suggest spending more on a better set.

Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Block Set with Bonus Shear and Cheese Knife…
Amazon Price:


Customer Review: After spending countless afternoons wandering around various stores looking for a new set of knives I resorted to browsing the internet. I had no idea at the value I would encounter!! The knives are impeccable, and all of the freebies that came with them were a BIG plus!!! The only thing I wasn’t quite impressed with was th…

Ginsu International Traditions 14-Piece Stainless-Steel Knife Block Set
Amazon Price: $45.32


Customer Review: Well, you get what you pay for. These are inexpensive knives but they seem to work relatively well. The metal is somewhat thick, but they are sharp. Some of the larger knives have oddly large handles making them less comfortable to use. The knife block has a huge “GINSU” metal logo on it, which is something less than attrac…

J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 17-Piece Block Set
Amazon Price: $89.99


Customer Review: This is overall a nice set of knives, good weight and they don’t bend too much. The price is the selling point here, Henckels International means “made in China or Taiwan” not Germany but overall it is a nice set. If you are the person who wants the German name this is not for you but if you want a knife that is sharp and r…

More Chicago Cutlery …

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(ARA) – Buying a refrigerator can be a chilling experience. When you think about it, it is a pretty big investment of time, money and effort. With so many brands and features to choose from, selecting the right appliance can be daunting. You can make it a more pleasant venture by getting educated about the variety of options before visiting your local appliance retailer.

Size does matter
Before heading out to purchase your kitchen refrigerator, be sure to measure the space you have available. Most standard refrigerators measure about 65 to 70 inches high, 29 to 36 inches wide, and 24 to 32 inches deep. You should also decide how much space you will need inside your refrigerator to accommodate your weekly grocery list. The basic rule of thumb is to take the number of people in your household, multiply that by five and voila, you have the number of cubic feet you should look for in a refrigerator.

Practical styles and finishes
Next, decide if you are looking for a top freezer, side-by-side or bottom-freezer refrigerator. Top freezers provide a traditional look and are usually a little easier on your pocketbook. Side-by-side refrigerators are a great choice if you have depth limitations in your kitchen because these refrigerators can be as low as 24 inches deep, while other models tend to be quite a bit more. Bottom-freezer and French-door bottom-freezer refrigerators are quickly becoming the most popular options because they are not only stylish, but also put food you use most at eye level.

“Our research shows the average consumer uses the refrigerator section seven times more often than the freezer, which helps explain why the bottom-freezer is growing in popularity,” said Richard Heckathorn, Amana senior category manager.

Amana was the first to introduce the bottom-freezer refrigerator 50 years ago. It also was first to market with the side-by-side refrigerators.

“We’re proud of our heritage for helping make consumers’ lives easier by offering a range of appliances with common sense features,” said Heckathorn.

Once you choose the style of refrigerator, you should then consider the finish. Most models come in white, bisque, black and stainless steel. Be sure to select a finish that complements your kitchen.

Features that just make sense
Do you entertain friends and family on a regular basis? Do you like your beverages really cold? Are you looking for ice and water in your door? What about a bottom-freezer option?

These are questions you should consider before making a refrigerator purchase. No matter how many bells and whistles a refrigerator may have, make sure the refrigerator meets all your needs, providing practical features that will support your lifestyle.

“Finding the right refrigerator is a highly personal decision,” said Heckathorn. “Amana’s Ice and Easy French door bottom-freezer refrigerator offers a wide variety of space and capacity options. A Beverage Chiller keeps milk and other beverages up to four degrees colder than the rest of the refrigerator and this is very important to some consumers.”

Tips for loading your refrigerator
Now that you’ve got your new refrigerator, get to know the different storage and space options before you start loading it. This not only maximizes the amount of food you can store, but it also may help your food stay fresher, longer. Here are some helpful tips for properly filling a refrigerator:

* Avoid overfilling. Put too much in the refrigerator and it can restrict the air flow, making your refrigerator work harder to keep the optimum temperature of 37 degrees F. Amana brand’s Temp Assure dual sensors automatically keep temperatures consistent in the refrigerator and freezer to keep food at its freshest.

* Stow it away. Leaving produce on an open shelf causes it to dry out and deteriorate. For that newly-picked sensation, use crispers to keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer. A general rule of thumb is to set crisper controls at “high” for vegetables and at “low” for fruit.

* Keep meat moist and flavorful. Fresh meat should be stored in a meat and cheese drawer, such as Amana’s Chef’s Pantry. This refrigerator width drawer helps your meat maintain its ultimate flavor and freshness levels. Once stored, remember to prepare meat within one to two days of purchase, otherwise freeze it for a longer shelf life.

*Stop the burn before it starts. As moisture evaporates from food it often changes into ice crystals, which can lead to freezer burn. To properly prepare food for frozen storage, use air-, moisture- or vapor-proof packaging such as zipper-style plastic freezer bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Amana refrigerators, models ABB1921DE and AFD2535DE, have been rated as best buys by a leading consumer magazine. For more information, visit www.amana.com. Amana appliances can be found at Fry’s Electronics, Brandsmart, ABC Appliance or at your local independent retailer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - “I know it’s in here somewhere!” Does this sound like you when you’re trying to find something in your kitchen cabinets? If you find yourself on bended knee with a flashlight, or perched on a rickety chair to locate a favorite pie pan or a certain spice, it may be time to get organized. Thankfully, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can have everything within reach — and sight — without worrying about keeling over on the kitchen floor. Here are Julie Morgenstern’s top 10 tips for organizing your kitchen:

1. Have a plan of attack. Start with a strategy based on how you want to function in your kitchen. Prioritize by identifying the frequently used “must have” items and the things you use only occasionally.

2. Declutter in chunks. If it seems overwhelming, start with the most visible items first, such as what’s on the countertops. You’ll get a feeling of instant change and gain motivation to do the next chunk.

3. Seek treasures instead of trash. Focus on searching for hidden treasure versus ditching the unwanted. This will allow you to transform organizing into a positive experience.

4. Banish flimsy dividers. Pitch pitiful plastic trays and replace them with sturdy wooden drawer organizers. This will help you create a happy home for spoons, whisks and what-nots.

5. Lay out a landing strip. Designate an official “drop zone” for car keys, cell phones, etc. For example, Diamond Cabinets’ Mini Message Center has hooks, shelves and a write-in message board, all concealed behind a door, creating a perfect solution for on-the-go organization. It can be found on the Diamond Cabinet Web site at www.diamondcabinets.com/.

6. Cubbies aren’t just for kids. Containerization is the name of the game, so create your own kitchen ”cubbies” wherever you can. Stash wire baskets or transparent storage boxes on shelves so you can see and grab things quickly.

7. Create eye-level storage. Make items easier to see by adding eye-level shelves or a tall pantry unit to put small jars of spices or tall bottles of oils and dressings within easy reach.

8. Let there be light. Proper lighting ensures a comfortable environment for a variety of activities, so consider installing dimmers. The Diva dimmer from Lutron allows you to set light levels to full brightness for meal prep and art projects, for example — and to lower levels for others, like mealtime and late-night tea. Visit www.lutron.com for more information.

9. Divvy it up in drawers. Kitchen drawers need not be junk drawers. Use them to store items that can be folded or stored flat, such as cloth napkins or candles. Some drawers even come with wooden pegs to hold stacked dishes in place.

10. Make organization part of your life. Schedule a time for organizing into your daily routine, such as after the kids get home from school. Even a daily 10-minute dose of it can keep your kitchen in check.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Julie Morgenstern is an internationally renowned organizing and time management expert, best selling author, corporate productivity consultant and speaker. Her bestselling book, “Organizing from the Inside Out,” covers a new way of looking at the task of organizing effectively.

DeLonghi AS1870B Convection Oven with Rotisserie, Black and Chrome

I did a lot of research before deciding on this unit. After quality and price, some of the most important concerns I had were the height (I have limited vertical distance between my countertop and the cupboard), the rotisserie function, and the appearance of the oven. I decided against the ‘Showtime’ rotisserie oven because it was too tall, and because it had a boxy unattractive look (I thought). I was looking for something a little more retro and streamlined. I’ve owned my DeLonghi unit for three months now, and I am extremely pleased with it. It has a sleek retro look with black and chrome accents,and it fits with room to spare between my counter space and the cupboard above. I use it primarily to cook rotisserie chicken, and it does a superb job! My entire family loves the way the inside of the bird stays juicy and moist while the outside gets evenly browned. I can always throw some vegetables into aluminum foil and cook them with the chicken, so my total time spent preparing the meal is usually less than ten minutes….that means a lot to me! I just tie the bird up and put it on the spit, set the timer and come back when it is done. Clean up is pretty easy too since I just line the crumb tray with aluminum foil and toss it when the cooking is done! One of my lesser concerns was how hot the outside of the oven gets during cooking. All of the reviews I read for the different countertop ovens said that heat was a big issue. Since I don’t keep it near anything that would get damaged by the heat, that has not been a big issue for me. But even though the unit does get hot to the touch, it definitely doesn’t heat up the kitchen when I use it. That makes it much nicer to use than my large oven which makes the kitchen pretty uncomfortable–especially during the summer. I’ve also used it to bake mini loaves of bread, steam veggies, cook personal size pizzas, and have even made home-made jalapeno poppers in it! I especially like the way I can use the bake/convection feature, then instantly switch to broil to brown things–it works so much better than my larger oven for making snacks and small meals. The only negative point I can find with this oven is that the specs say it will cook up to a 12 pound bird–the largest one I’ve been able to fit that will spin correctly on the spit was 8 pounds. Any bigger could still be done, but it would have to be roasted not rotisseried. I am very satisfied with this oven and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great looking unit that has rotisserie, convection, and fairly small footprint on the countertop.

Features:
• 0.8-cubic-foot convection oven with rotisserie and DuraStone II enamel interior
• Bake, bake with convection, broil, keep warm, defrost, and rotisserie functions
• Adjustable thermostat maintains uniform temperature; 2-hour timer; interior light
• 2 wire cooking racks, crumb tray, rotisserie kit, and bake pan included
• Measures 11 by 18-1/2 by 11-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty

More DeLonghi professional kitchen appliances …

Bosch MUM4420UC Compact Kitchen Machine

A dynamo among small kitchen machines, our 4 Series Compact Kitchen Machine boasts up to a 450-watt motor. Yet it’s also remarkably quiet. In fact, you’ll find quality in every detail, from its durable, easy-to-clean surfaces and extra-sturdy elements, like the four-quart mixing bowl and break-resistant blender, to its exceptional reliability and long service life. And with a multitude of accessories, you’ll find new ways to use your new kitchen equipment every day - much to the approval of your family and friends.

Features:

• Included Accessories: four-quart plastic bowl with anti-splash cover
• six-cup blender
• continuous shredder, slicing & grating disks
• beating and stirring whisks, dough hook
• cover for blender drive, accessory holder

More Bosch kitchen appliances …

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Each piece of All-Clad cookware features a unique metal bonding construction. All-Clad Stainless cookware sandwiches a thick core of three separate layers of aluminum between an easy-to-clean, highly polished 18/10 stainless-steel cooking surface and a magnetic stainless-steel exterior. The aluminum core retains heat and evenly distributes it along the bottom and up the sidewalls of the cookware. The stainless interior is stick-resistant and cleans easily. The magnetic stainless-steel exterior gives the cookware a gleaming finish. All-Clad Stainless also features the company’s signature “stay-cool” long handles, lids fashioned from gleaming 18/10 stainless steel, and highly durable stainless-steel rivets. All-Clad Stainless cookware is one of five collections from All-Clad Metalcrafters. Designed to work on conventional gas and electric ranges, as well as induction cooktops, All-Clad Stainless cookware is the best-selling collection in a full line that includes All-Clad LTD, Cop-R-Chef, Master Chef 2, and Copper Core.

See the collection of All Clad cooking pans

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Shop Amazon for Global Cutlery

Global 8-Inch 20cm Cook’s Knife
Amazon Price: $91.00


Customer Review: Hello. I bought this knife in May 2007. I used it almost daily to cook, it cut vegetables and meats very well and kept its edge. I did sharpen it 2 or 3x though.

Unfortunately, I accidentally knocked it off the counter. When I picked it up, it was broken in two pieces between the narrow area between the hil…

MinoSharp Water Knife Sharpener, Gray/Black
Amazon Price: $34.00


Customer Review: It does work well and does put on a sharp edge, but not close to the sharpness out of the box. I expect I will learn the trick if there is one.

Global 5-1/2-Inch Vegetable Knife
Amazon Price: $62.00


Customer Review: I love this.

I was chopping potatoes when my boyfriend handed me my Christmas present a few days early… the difference between this and my decade-old knife that I had been using was just phenomenal. Now I want a complete set of Global knives - I knew from working in restaurants that they were great, but havi…

Global 7-Inch Hollow-Ground Santoku
Amazon Price: $95.00


Customer Review: I’ve had this knife for about a year and I am satisfied with it. The balance of the knife in my small hand is ideal, it is easy to grip, and the one-piece construction makes it easy to clean thoroughly. I even put it in the dishwasher without ill effect. The edge right out of the box was phenomenally sharp–I’ll leave th…

Global 3-Piece Chef’s, Utility, and Paring Knife Starter Set
Amazon Price: $175.00


Customer Review: This was a wedding gift and the couple absolutely loved it! This starter set of knives is perfect for people to get to “know” Global knives.

More Global Cutlery knives…

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A company with a rich heritage, ED.WÜSTHOF DREIZACKWERK of Solingen, Germany is one of the World’s leading manufacturers of precision forged cutlery.

As early as 1814 the company was listed in official documents of the Duchy of Berg. To this day, the company remains family owned and under the management of the seventh generation of ownership, Harald Wüsthof. More than 350 people are employed in modern production facilities in Solingen.

The TRIDENT Logo - synonymous with form, function and uncompromising quality – was registered with the Berlin Patent Office in 1895. Today, the Trident logo is registered and protected in most countries and recognized the world over as a proud symbol of quality.

Throughout it’s history, WUSTHOF has focused almost solely on the manufacturing of forged knives for the professional chef and home cooking enthusiast. A considerable number of separate manufacturing steps are required to complete each precision forged knife. Each step along the way is performed to exacting standards by skilled workers aided by the most modern, computer guided equipment and powerful robots. That is how each WUSTHOF knife is created, known the world-over for it’s unique, uncompromising quality.

The Wusthof Cutlery collection …

Wusthof 2 Stage Knife Sharpener
Amazon Price: $19.99


Customer Review: I’ve owned this sharpener now for about 2 years and have found it to be a solid sharpener - especially for the price. I do not think that you’re going to get your knives to be as sharp as if you were using a stone, but it does seem to work quite well enough.

Oxo Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads
Amazon Price: $11.40


Customer Review: non stick locking so they dont take up drawer space i dont know how i cooked without these. oh right burned fingers and scratched up cookware!

Oxo Good Grips i-Series Swivel Peeler
Amazon Price: $9.95


Customer Review: This peeler has a comfortable grip, slices thinly enough that you are not wasting vegetable, and even has a notcher to remove potato eyes! Very happy with my purchase.

W�sthof Come-Apart Kitchen Shears
Amazon Price: $19.95


Customer Review: Love these kitchen shears as they are super sharp and come apart for great cleaning….this is my second pair I keep them in home and RV

Joyce Chen Burnished Bamboo 5-Piece Utensil Set
Amazon Price: $11.95


Customer Review: On the surface you might think these are “cheap”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each utensil is very sturdy and cleans up beautifully! The holder is very nice looking and also wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. These are a must for use with nonstick cookware. I wish it had a wisk with the set.

kitchen shears
kitchen scissors

Technorati Tags: kitchen shears, kitchen scissors

Black & Decker G48TD Grill and Waffle Baker
Amazon Price: $53.48


Customer Review: In theory, this item is great. It makes waffles and it can cook a porkchop in 4 minutes. However, be prepared for a nasty burn if you graze any part of the grill other than the tiny black handles. Also, even after “conditioning” the cooking plates as per the instructions, everything we cooked stuck to the cooking surface…

Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
Amazon Price: $39.98


Customer Review: This waffle iron has NO adjustable temperature control; mine is set too high. So your choice is to either 1) open it up early and have the waffle halves separate, leaving a sticky mess in the middle, or 2)overcook the outside so it comes out with a burnt taste. I don’t recommend it.

VillaWare V2002 UNO Belgian Waffler - Round
Amazon Price: $52.20


Customer Review: After a week of research on which one too get I setteled on this one. It works great but after only a week out of the box and used 3 times the numbers are coming off. I dont know if this is a print problem or what but I was very upset for the amount of Money I paid, cant even find information to contact the Maker.

Waring Pro WMK300A Professional Stainless-Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
Amazon Price: $79.95


Customer Review: I am often amused by companies that slap the moniker “pro” on their products. It used to mean that a product was suitable for constant duty, such as a professional might ask of it. Now it’s just a slap-on descriptor for products the manufacturers of which feel need a little more excitement.

This waffle maker …

Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
Amazon Price: $26.99


Customer Review: My wife and I hate belgian style waffles and have been searching for a long time to find a decent classic waffle iron. We found this one here and decided to give it a try. We’ve used other Cuisinart products in the past and have liked their quality. This waffle maker is no different. It has various power settings so you…

More waffle makers …

(ARA) - Year after year we grill up the same barbecue fare: hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken breasts. These party pleasers are always delicious, but this year, why not add some extra spice to your barbecue traditions? Two summer entertaining experts from Hormel Foods share easy tips to serve up an inventive menu infused with new flavors at your next summer grill-out!

Flavorful Grilling
“Barbecuing is a wonderful way to create delicious, smoky flavor while keeping meat nice and juicy,” says Hormel Foods’ “Flavor Czar” Dan Hernandez. “By experimenting with new ethnic flavors and spices, you add some creativity to barbecue favorites like hamburgers and chicken.” Hernandez offers the following tips:

* Get creative with condiments: Give your guests a welcome break from the usual barbecue condiments like ketchup, mustard and relish. Try topping your burger with a fresh, flavorful salsa, like CHI-CHI’S Salsa, and a slice of pepper jack cheese for a Mexican twist.
* Mix up a marinade: Marinating meat adds flavor and tenderization before cooking. Every marinade should contain an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or wine; an oil, such as olive or canola; and seasonings, such as herbs and spices.
* Serve a savory side: For an easy side, slice up new potatoes and add a dash of light olive oil, such as CARAPELLI Extra Light Olive Oil, which is made in the Mediterranean for authentic taste. Mix in feta cheese and rosemary, and cook on the grill in a foil pouch for a no-mess Greek treat.

Nutritious Grilling
Summer favorites, while heavy on taste, can be heavy on calories. Hormel Foods’ test kitchen director Joan Hanson offers these calorie-saving tips to create tasty barbecue meals:

* Go lean: Choose white-meat poultry without the skin and lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin, flank or tenderloin.
* Try turkey: Many barbecue favorites now have turkey substitutes providing a leaner, lower-calorie option. Try making hamburgers with ground turkey instead of ground beef or grill up a seasoned turkey bratwurst, like JENNIE-O Beer ‘N Turkey Bratwurst.
* Flame-broil fruit: For a low-calorie dessert, try fruit on the grill! Lightly brush cut fruit — such as apples, pears and peaches — with canola oil, add a dash of cinnamon, place on skewers and grill for about three minutes.

Safe Grilling
“Preparing and serving grilled entrees and side dishes in warm weather can be tricky,” Hanson says. “Keeping food safe should be a top priority.” Here are some food safety tips:

* Keep it cool: To prevent bacteria growth, keep perishable foods, like potato salad, in the refrigerator or a cooler until just before serving. Also, always thaw meat in the refrigerator or cooler, never at room temperature or in the sun.
* Trust the temp: Bring your meat thermometer; cook hamburger and pork to 160 degrees F and chicken and turkey to 165 degrees F. Here’s a good rule: if the juices do not run clear, keep cooking.
* When in doubt, throw it out: After the meal, throw away any leftovers that have become wet or have been left out for one hour on hot days.

For more creative grilling tips, flavorful recipes and food safety guidelines, visit www.hormel.com.

(ARA) – Football season is underway and for the next several months, the delicious smells of food cooked on the grill will be wafting in the air. But it won’t just be burgers and brats you’re smelling. These days, people are being more adventurous, traveling down their grocer’s freezer aisles to find other options.

At your next backyard gathering, push the buns aside and consider grilling up a Cornish Game Hen, which can help backyard chefs break out of their grilling rut. Cornish Game Hens allow chefs to experiment beyond the ordinary to create delicious meals that are customizable for even the pickiest eaters in the bunch. With the help of an easy marinade or a dash of seasoning, people can enjoy a gourmet-style meal with great visual appeal that doesn’t require extra time and effort, leaving the chef plenty of time to relax with friends and family.

Other great finds in the frozen food aisle include Tyson Individually Fresh Frozen Chicken Wings in flavors such as Tequila Lime and Hot’n Spicy. These pre-seasoned wings can go straight from the package directly to the grilling rack to the plate — your guests will never have to know that you didn’t make the marinade yourself! With a resealable bag, you can cook what you want and store the rest for next grill session.

Try the following recipe and visit www.tyson.com for more tasty ideas!

Chef’s Choice Seasoned Cornish Hens

Ingredients:
4 Tyson Rock Cornish Game Hens, thawed
Olive Oil Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil
Your favorite seasoning blend — such as Lemon Pepper or Italian

Preparation Instructions:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Wash hands. Coat hens with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil. Sprinkle with seasonings to taste.

Place hens on grill. Cover and grill 30 to 40 minutes, turning frequently with tongs. Cover and grill 30 to 40 minutes longer or until done (internal temp 180 degrees F).

Serving Suggestion: Serve with grilled vegetables and bread. Refrigerate leftovers.

(ARA) – Whether it’s working late at the office, running errands or rushing to get the kids to practice, many of us cut corners to save time. Preparing dinner is no exception. Because we hurry through our days, we sometimes don’t have the time to make nutritious meals.

Our cooking habits have become rushed and as a result, our food and diets suffer. Whether it’s quickly running to the nearest fast food restaurant or casually throwing something in the oven, dinner is now viewed as more of a chore than a time to catch up with family and enjoy a delicious meal.

Here are some healthy and time-saving ideas to help you enjoy great food in less time than you think:

* Don’t Cheat on the Preheat
According to a recent survey by Thermador, manufacturer of high end appliances and the first built-in wall oven, a whopping 40 percent of people sometimes skip preheating their oven altogether. Ironically, cheating on preheating is not a reliable method of saving time, since 50 percent of respondents reported that they compensated by cooking their food longer. Not properly heating your oven can have a negative effect on the quality, taste and texture of food as well.

“This is especially true of baked items, which can suffer from uneven browning or consistency, sticking and insufficient rising when prepared in an oven that has not been adequately preheated,” comments Judy Barber, senior consumer scientist for Thermador.

Consider taking the time to preheat to ensure your food is cooked adequately. Barber recommends an oven with a faster preheat time, such as Thermador’s wall ovens, which take less than seven minutes to reach 325 F.

* Plan Ahead to Save Time
Try planning meals a week in advance to save time. Preparing meals ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing can be enjoyable for those who like to cook, but have limited time in the evenings. Simply remove the prepared meals from the refrigerator and pop in the oven. You’ll get a home-cooked meal and have more time for other activities.

Another way to save time is to incorporate the use of leftovers. If you made a full chicken meal on Sunday, use the leftover chicken for homemade chicken noodle soup on Monday and the leftover gravy as the base for beef stroganoff later in the week.

Finally, clean your kitchen as you go. Making this a habit will actually save you time because when you’re done, there will be little left to do and you can enjoy the rest of your day.

* Make Dinner Time Quality Time
Cooking shouldn’t be a one person job. Try involving your family in all aspects of cooking. For example, take your children to the grocery store and have them each pick out a dinner they would like in the upcoming week. On that day, have them help you prepare the meal. Not only will they learn to cook, but they will get a homemade meal and some one-on-one time with their parent.

Perhaps you and your significant other have always wanted to try a new recipe. On the way home from work, swing by the local store and purchase fresh ingredients and try the dish at home. Trying new things can be fun and result in fun conversation accompanied by delicious food.

If you’re extra busy, consider planning when you eat throughout the day. Maybe the kids have to stay late at school. Instead of grabbing a quick burger on the way home, why not have everyone eat an afternoon snack and have dinner at 7 p.m. instead of at 5?

Eating at home is generally less expensive and healthier than eating out. With a little planning and these helpful hints, dinner can be quick, delicious and nutritious, saving you quality time for yourself or your family. For more information visit www.thermador.com.

GasWatch(TM) Gas Level Indicator

The safer, smarter, cleaner way to grill. GasWatch(TM), America’s favorite gas level indicator, allows you to see how much propane is left in the tank, saving you unnecessary tank returns and untimely tank exhaustion. Unless you like your steaks and burgers rare, get GasWatch(TM).

Features:
• [tag]Propane Gas Level Indicator {/tag]
• Emergency Flow Limiter
• Built-in Leak Detector
• Works with All Type I Propane Tanks up to 30lbs
• UL Listed

More propane gas gauges …

(ARA) – Ah summer. The time of year when parties are plentiful and you love to entertain, especially in the backyard. But imagine your embarrassment if, as everyone is waiting for those great smelling steaks, burgers and hotdogs you’re grilling up, all of a sudden your gas tank goes empty.

“You wouldn’t dream of hitting the road without a gauge that tells you how much gas you have left in your car. I thought grillers needed something similar,” says S.K. Suman of Charlotte, N.C., inventor of the GasWatch, an electronic device that not only lets the user know when they’re close to running out of gas, but also serves as a leak detector and emergency flow limiter in case of a major leak.

The gadget has only been on the market for a short time, but is really catching on with consumers, says Suman, who proudly explains that they are now available at retailers as Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Target and selected BJ’s Wholesale Club, and sell for less than $30.

There are two versions available — an electronic one that has a color-coded LED display. It’s green when the tank is full, turns yellow when it’s less than half full, and when you only have 15 to 20 minutes of gas left, the indicator moves into the red zone and begins to beep. The original version just has a low level gas indicator. Both versions have an emergency shut off feature which stops the propane flow immediately in case of major leaks like hose burn, cut or fire.

“Easy to Connect, Easy to Use, No Tools Required”, GasWatch works with all 20 pound gas barbeque grill tanks, and can be attached to any cool surface of the grill that is convenient, which is especially handy for grills whose tanks are hidden behind doors.

The electronic GasWatch is available at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores or online at www.gaswatch.com. The version without the electronic indicator is available at Wal-Mart, Target, BBQ Galore, Northern Tool + Equipment and selected BJ’s Whole Club stores and online. For more information or to place an order, log on to www.gaswatch.com or call (704) 814-0930.

Presto FryDaddy Deep Fryer

You don’t need a 6- gallon oil vat to enjoy deep- fried foods at home–this petite deep fryer makes four big servings with just 4 cups of oil. A compact 7 inches in diameter, the fryer features easy controls for precision frying: it automatically maintains the proper frying temperature, letting you focus on cooking instead of fussing with the controls. The fryer features a snap-on lid, so you can store oil right in the fryer for reuse. All surfaces are nonstick for tidy cleanup (the fryer is not dishwasher-safe and should never be completely immersed in water). A hand scoop is included with the fryer for easy stirring, lifting, and draining, and the 120-volt AC cord unplugs from the outlet, while the attached handle makes the fryer easy to move around the kitchen. The fryer has a two-year limited warranty. –Ariel Meadow Stallings

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Smokehouse Smoked Salmon Natural Style is characterized by a light pink color, fine texture and mild flavor. Natural Salmons mild flavor allows the smoke process to carry through the entire salmon making it one of the best Smoked Salmon products on the market today. After being delivered to our smokehouse in Alaska within days of being caught, only the best salmon are selected for smoking. Once selected, the Salmon are hand filleted and soaked in traditional Native American brine.

The salmon is then smoked over alder wood fires. Finally, each fillet is inspected before it is sealed in a gold foil pouch known as a retort locking in the Salmons freshness and rich flavor. The gold foil pouch is then packed in our award-winning gift box for further protection. No preservatives, coloring, oils or artificial ingredients are ever added to these Kosher-certified Natural Smoked Salmon fillets. Our Smoked Salmon Natural Style is great for entertaining! Serve as an appetizer with crackers or use with one of our Smoked Salmon recipes that range from a wonderful Salmon Quiche, to a mouthwatering Salmon Fettuccini.

Each package has a recipe card enclosed. You can also find recipes on this site. If you would like to serve wine with our Smoked Salmon Natural Style we suggest a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Technorati Tags: salmon, Smoked Salmon

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