We are sorry, but the manufacturer is no longer offering the Chefs Trend Cookware Set we wrote about. May we suggest the Bialetti 9-pc. Red Fusion Cookset?

The Bialetti set is about $20.00 more than the Chef’s Trend Cookware Set but you would be getting a better quality cookware set. Bialetti has many other cookware sets in its line for a lot more money. Sorry again about the Chefs Trend but these things happen.

Toddy Maker coffee is produced by a simple device that uses cold water and a carefully designed filter system to produce an exceptionally pure coffee concentrate from ground coffee. The advantages of coffee brewed with the Toddy Maker make it a popular choice among both individuals and the food service industry.

Cold water brewing extracts the desirable flavor elements, but eliminates many of the undesirable oils and acids found in hot brewed coffee that are not soluble at low temperatures. Cold brewed coffee tastes smoother and is easier on the stomach. Toddy coffee has been recommended by doctors to their patients who are sensitive to the acid in hot brewed coffee.

The original Toddy Maker consists of a plastic brewing container with a plug and filter at the bottom. One pound of regular grind coffee and nine cups of cold water are added and allowed to steep for eight to twelve hours. The plug is then removed and the resulting concentrate is allowed to drain through the filter into a glass carafe which is also provided. The grounds are then disposed of (they make good compost) and the filter rinsed thoroughly. The concentrate must be refrigerated.

To make a cup of hot coffee mix one part concentrate with three parts water and heat in the microwave. To make iced coffee mix one part concentrate with three parts water and serve over ice. The concentrate is good for about three weeks in the refrigerator, and can be frozen for several months

So you’ve decided to take a large step, and move from wine lover to wine connoisseur. You are going to buy a wine cellar. This guide will give you all the information you need to make this purchase, or build your own.

Wine Bottle Storage
The ideal location for storing wine is a dark, draft free area that stays at a constant 50-60 degrees, with 60-70 percent humidity. The bottles should be kept on their sides to keep the corks moist, and should be exposed to limited vibrations. This will ensure that you will be able to keep bottles at their best for years to come.

One thing to consider if you decide to purchase a large wine cellar: make sure the unit will fit! This sounds obvious, but many times stand-alone wine cellars are much wider than a standard door. Another thing to think about is weight. Consider not only the weight of the storage unit, but be sure to calculate 3 pounds each for a standard bottle of wine. You might not want to store your wine upstairs. This is another reason that wine is typically stored in a cellar.

If you are lucky enough to live in a house, maybe you can use the existing cellar or a spare room, or have one built. Just be sure not to skimp on building materials - it would be silly to have 400 bottles of wine crashing to the floor because you wanted to save a few bucks on thinner wood. Also, be sure the condensation will be able to evaporate; otherwise, the humidity will increase beyond ideal levels.

Consider the cellar as an investment.

If you don’t have a large amount of space, you can buy a freestanding wine cellar. While not actually a cellar in the traditional sense, these are large units that can be stored in a house or apartment. They are available commercially for a wide variety of prices. Always consider where you are going to be storing the wine. If it will be kept in your home, you will not need to have as much insulation or as strong of a cooling unit, but a unit kept in the garage will have to be much higher quality.

Building Your Own Wine Cellar

The best location for the cellar is below the level of the house. If your basement has outside walls, keep in mind that north-facing walls will get the least amount of light. Some smaller crawl spaces may not work very well if they experience extreme changes in temperature. The same goes for a garage. The first floor of the house can also be used, and as long as the house stays at a fairly constant room temperature, the cooling unit will not have to work too hard.

Framing

The first step in building a wine cellar is the framing. The outer walls of the basement or room should be framed with 2′ by 6′ wood studs. If the floors are cold, use 2′ by 4′ studs.

Insulation

The next step in the creation of a wine cellar is insulation. The room needs to be kept at the most constant temperature possible. The best type to use is sprayed 2 pound polyurethane, although less expensive methods can used, especially if the cellar is on the first floor of the house. Once again, consider the cellar to be an investment.

Doors

Don’t forget about the door! It needs to have weather stripping and also be insulated. Otherwise all the work done to insulate the walls will be wasted.

Drywall

To finish the walls, use a drywall that is resistant to moisture. Other wall material can be used, but make sure that it will not soak up moisture and that it will not impart an odor on the wine.

Racks

Don’t leave the design of the racks until the end. Start first with this design to make sure that you have enough space for the number of bottles you’d like to store. A good place to start would be to look at the smaller racks available at your local wine store. These will give you ideas on the design you would like. Once again, make sure the construction is sturdy enough for the weight of the wine.

Temperature and Humidity and Wine

As mentioned before, the ideal temperature for wine is between 50 and 60 degrees. If the temperature is too high, it will spoil quickly. If it is too low, it will not age properly. If the temperature changes often, the cork will expand and contract. This may lead to air getting into the wine. Keeping this in mind, never buy wine chilled at a store, as you have no idea how long it has been that way. Also, don’t keep wine in your own refrigerator for more than 1 or 2 days.

Humidity can also damage wine. If the humidity is too low, the cork can dry out. While a tipped bottle will keep one side moist, the rest of the cork can become cracked and brittle.

Also, ensure the wine will be kept in a dark place, away from vibrations. Colored bottles help keep the light out to some extent, but don’t rely on the bottle to keep the light out. Movement may cause the bottles to shift. Wine needs to stay in contact with the cork so it will not dry out and crack, so limit the movement the bottles are exposed to.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units

After you cellar is complete, you can purchase a commercial wine cooling unit. Many of these work similarly to a window AC unit. They vent through a wall rather than being installed in the ceiling. However, if you are below ground or for some other reason cannot use a window unit, there are commercial units that can be installed. These are slightly more costly, but work well in those situations.

Every wine has an ideal aging time. If your wine cellar is built properly, it will keep your wine for years to come.

Jason Connors is a successful writer and wine connoisseur providing valuable tips and advice on wine cellar design, wine making, and wine basics. http://www.about-wine.net

Serve Up the Best Burger by Using an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer Every Time

It’s that special time of year when home chefs nationwide are heating up the propane gas grill and putting their cooking skills to the test. But are they cooking burgers so they’re not only savory, but also safe to consume?

Most backyard chefs don’t know the optimal temperature for a grilled or cooked burger, according to a national consumer survey from The Beef Checkoff. In fact, nearly 90 percent of respondents were unaware that 160 F is the correct internal temperature when cooking ground beef patties.

Taylor Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $12.97
You Save: $7.02

Features:
• Easy-to-read digital temperature readings
• 1 second temperature updates
• Easy to read digital readout
• Antimicrobial pocket sleeve
• Waterproof

When it comes to serving the best burger, professional grill masters like Steven Raichlen, best-selling author of 28 cookbooks including the just-published “Barbecue Bible! 10th Anniversary Edition” and host of the new “Primal Grill” on PBS, leave nothing to chance. Instead, they reach for an instant-read meat thermometer, the only reliable way to ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160 F. Next to an outdoor grill cover a meat thermometer is the essential gas grill accessory.

“When it comes to serving a world class burger, the right preparation is just as important as the right ingredients,” says Raichlen. “Remember, the internal temperature for a safe and savory burger is 160 F. So every time you fire up the grill to make burgers, remember that your instant-read thermometer is just as important as your favorite tongs or spatula.”

To serve safe and savory burgers for you, your family and your friends, follow these simple tips:

* Always cook ground beef to 160 F. This guarantees harmful bacteria are destroyed and ensures ground beef isn’t under- or over-cooked, keeping burgers safe and savory.

* Stop eyeballing the doneness of your burgers. Rather than relying on colors or juices, get an instant-read meat thermometer which gives an accurate temperature reading much quicker than an oven-proof meat thermometer.

* Use your instant-read meat thermometer properly. Always insert the meat thermometer sideways into the thickest portion of the patty to ensure it has reached 160 F. And to make sure you get an accurate reading the next time burgers are on the grill, hand wash your thermometer instead of using the dishwasher.

Recipe:
The Great American Hamburger
Adapted from The Barbecue Bible by Steven Raichlen (Workman Publishing)
Total preparation and cooking time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 to 3 tablespoons butter, melted or extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
6 Vidalia or other sweet onion slices, cut 1/2-inch thick (optional)
Coarse salt and pepper
6 hamburger buns, split
Toppings: Iceberg lettuce leaves, tomato slices, dill or sweet pickle slices, cooked bacon, ketchup, mustard and/or mayonnaise (optional).

Directions:
1. Lightly shape beef into six 1/2-inch thick patties. Brush onion slices with 1-1/2 teaspoons melted butter, if desired.
2. Place onion slices on grid over medium ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 15 to 20 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 15 to 20 minutes) or until tender. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 11 to 13 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 8 minutes), turning occasionally, until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
3. Brush cut sides of buns with remaining butter, if desired. Place cut sides down on grid during last minute of grilling.
4. Serve burgers on buns and top with toppings, if desired. Close sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: If using 95 percent lean ground beef, add 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs and 1 egg white to ground beef in step 1.

If you want a midsized or large gas grill that’s loaded with features, looks like a modern sculpture, and screams affluence and good taste then look at Lynx outdoor grills. The 42″ cooking surface on some models fits 30 or more burgers or 10 juicy, thick steaks easily.

Lynx grills use 300/400-series stainless, which includes nickel and has more corrosion-fighting chromium. Every lynx grill has heavy-duty, full-seam welded construction that eliminates gaps where grease and moisture can collect. You won’t see this unless you look and it’s one of those quality touches that makes a Lynx gas grill truly exceptional.

Some Lynx barbeque models come with a dual-position internal rotisserie with a heavy-duty 3-Speed motor and rear infrared burner, so now not only can you be a Lynx bbq champ, but now you can also slow cook and roast.

Like all high-end stainless propane grills costing $1,000 or more your Lynx gas grill comes with a sturdy cart; heavy grates made of stainless steel or porcelain-coated, heavy cast iron; and a stainless toe kick to keep wheels out of sight.