We're big time coffee fans and need at least one cup (usually two) to help us get going in the morning. Nothing beats coffee from a French press of just grounded fresh roasted beans but sometimes we just don't have the time to do that. That's when you need a single serve coffee system.
Single serve coffee has been an amazing invention for us and we've tried a few of them. We had a poor experience with a Cuisinart single serve that almost soured us on using them at all but when we saw the latest coffee system from Keurig we thought we'd give it another shot.
Out kitchens can easily become cluttered with junk that we don't really need. Specialty tools and gadgets that might work great for one particular task but take up precious space in your kitchen cabinets and on shelves.
Our friend Brian Parks worked as a chef for eight years in NYC at some of New York's finest restaurants including Danny Meyer's BBQ joint Blue Smoke and Mario Batali and Andy Nusser's Spanish-inspired Casa Mono. We asked Brian what he feels are the most important tools that every cook should have at home and he obliged with his Top 8 Must Have Kitchen Utensils.
I often get this question during cooking classes. Major retailers out there would swear that you need a separate gadget for each and every food out there from apple corer to watermelon knives. However as a professional chef, I roll my eyes at their gadgetry.
In professional kitchens where every penny counts, you make do with the basic tools of the trade. So what I propose for the home cook is forgo all gadgets and work on your knife skills. A nice sharp set of knives and a little practice is all you need.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was great this year! Beyond seeing some unique products from the top manufacturers in the country, we spoke to a lot of designers and bloggers who provided us with some real insight to where they feel the industry is headed and what trends are hot right now.
As always we wrap up our trade show coverage with our favorite picks.
Cambria Quartz Countertops
This man made countertop material is stain-resistant, non-porous and maintenance free. It also contributes to LEED certification. What more do you want in a kitchen countertop material? At KBIS they introduced 38 new colors, some of which mimic carrera marble and various shades of granite.
TOTO Luminist Vessel Sink
These sinks look TRON inspired. A LED illuminated ring is now a sink. Cool in a club, yes? Cool in your home, maybe?
Wood butcher block countertops have become a popular choice in kitchen countertops. They give any kitchen a rustic farmhouse look but can also be gussied up with the right hardware to be modern and hip.
The problem with any organic countertop material is that they take on oils and dirt and need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from taking hold.
Our friends at DIY Life have shared the steps to refresh a butcher block countertop and we think they are valuable tips that can not only serve as a reminder to work on your countertop but also what it takes to maintain a butcher block countertop.
Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.
Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.
