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Kitchen & Cooking

  • For the beer lovers out there, having your collection of beer glasses is a thing of pride. There are many types of beer glasses aside from the commonly known pint. And each has its own unique characteristics. Some glassware is designed specifically to help enhance the colors of your beer, while others are designed to preserve the foam head of your brew.It’s important to remember that it’s more than just a glass that holds your beer; it’s a delivery mechanism that brings out the unique flavors, colors, and full bouquet of aromas from your favorite beer. The type of glass you use can make or break your overall drinking experience. If you have been using just any random glass or the one you “borrowed” from your local bar, here is a list of the best beer glasses in 2022 to help to choose the one for you, along with a buyer's guide.
    June 16, 2021
  • Utensil holders are great for people who love to keep things neat, simple, and orderly. When it comes to your kitchen arrangement, the last thing that you want is for your utensils to be scattered all over the place due to a lack of proper storage equipment. With a utensil holder, you can keep all your active kitchen utensils in a designated space within arm's reach.Utensil holders come in different sizes, shapes, and styles; the best part about it is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good product! Here are some of the best kitchen utensil holders of 2022 that you can buy today, along with a convenient buyer's guide if you're looking for more information.
    June 10, 2021
  • When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do before I even make my way to the bathroom is start making a cup of coffee. I love the smell, I love the taste, and I love allowing myself the time to sit and indulge in something I really enjoy. Well for me, it is the convenience of the drink that keeps me buying more. For most coffee drinkers, it is hard to feel like a fully-functioning human before you have that first cup o’ Joe.But why instant coffee, you may ask? Many coffee “connoisseurs” turn up their noses the thought of instant coffee. “How can you be a coffee lover if you only have instant coffee at home?” they would exclaim. The answer is simple - there are countless beautifully rich and flavorsome instant coffees available at reasonable prices.I am a self-proclaimed coffee lover and a staunch believer in not letting someone else’s pretentious views ruin the things I naturally love. If you love the convenience of instant coffee, you’ll love our list of the best instant coffee mixes in 2022. We’ve also included some handy tips for buying instant coffee mix when you’re at the store or shopping online for something different.
    May 25, 2021
  • Any person who has spent a decent amount of time in their kitchen is familiar with cutting boards and electric food choppers. They each embody opposing approaches to food preparation. One prioritizes mastery and experience, while the other is about speed and efficiency. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at both utensils and will answer the question: Should you buy a cutting board or an electric food chopper?
    May 13, 2021
  • For those of us who drink tea, the question of how to store it is a question that we never quite answer. There's a simple solution that can make the process of storing your favorite tea a little bit easier. A tea box helps you keep your tea in one convenient place. We've rounded up the best tea boxes to keep you organized when it comes to your preferred drink.
    May 13, 2021
  • As you know, your kitchen must not be overcrowded with cookware. Hence, there's a real need beyond simple vanity to pick out the perfect cooking equipment to match your personality and style. We get it; sometimes we get confused on which brand to go for and which cookware set is the best. Sometimes we think of sacrificing quality for quantity, and we want to go for pocket-friendly utensils to fill in the holes in our equipment list. Rest assured, we considered everything before coming up with this piece. This article will help you make the perfect choice as you “hunt” for the cookware of your dreams.
    May 10, 2021
  • Food containers make it easy to store your favorite foods while keeping them fresh and in the best condition possible. They can be used for various purposes and are often made of durable materials to ensure they hold up well to heavy use. These are best food storage containers in 2021 that are worth using when you want to ensure your food is stored safely.
    May 06, 2021
  • To many aspiring Western home cooks and chefs alike, the wok may seem like a daunting piece of cooking equipment. Its large shape may seem like one that can be difficult to manage, but you may find out that the wok is far easier to use than you may think.
    April 22, 2021
  • Bread makers are what turn novices into bakers in no time at all. They’re easier to use than manually preparing and baking bread, and they’re a lot less of a hassle, too. Here’s how to use your bread maker so it tastes just as good as oven-fresh loaves.
    April 12, 2021
  • As one of the most important tools in the kitchen, kitchen knives are used in a variety of recipes. Their sharpness is a valuable asset, but you need to take care of your surroundings and the utensil itself if you want to keep your knives in peak condition for as long as possible.
    April 09, 2021
  • Smoothies are a great way to introduce healthy fruits (or even vegetables) into your meals and overall diet in an interesting way. Instead of eating them, you can enjoy them as a way to wash down your food. They’re perfect during any time of the day and are incredibly easy to prepare once you get the hang of it. With that being said, here are five of the best smoothie recipes you should learn before firing up your home blender.
    March 31, 2021
  • Having a dishwasher at home can be a major convenience. It saves you the time it takes to wash the dishes by hand and also keeps you away from the dirty stuff. However, like with most appliances, they must be maintained regularly. After all, it’s responsible for cleaning some of the cleanest utensils in your house. Here are some tips to keep your dishwasher functional at all times.
    March 31, 2021
  • Cooking healthy is not just about what you cook, it’s also about how you cook. The amount of nutrients you get from your meal largely depends on how you cook it because even the most nutritious foods can be ruined by the wrong cooking technique. Let's look at ten ways you can cook healthy:
    March 31, 2021
  • Kitchen appliances are a necessity for every household; we simply cannot do without them. But, as helpful and necessary as they are, when left unclean, they can harbor bacteria like salmonella, yeast, and listeria, which can cause stomach upsets or worse. And apart from those, dirty dishes just make your kitchen look appalling.
    March 30, 2021
  • You’ve always been able to rely on the invigorating taste and aroma of your favorite morning elixir. But one morning you brew a cup, as usual, take a sip, and cannot resist the urge to spit it out. Your coffee tastes bad, and you don’t know why.
    March 29, 2021
  • Bread is one of the most popular quick-meal choices for just about anyone. Unless you're also making eggs or tea, you don’t need to do any extra cooking, and just a few slices will fill you up. There are about a million and one bakeries that have professionals skilled in baking bread of different types and flavors all over the world, but really, nothing beats making your own bread from scratch.
    March 27, 2021
  • Pizza.com says 93% of Americans have eaten pizza in the last month and over five billion pizzas are sold worldwide each year. Whether it’s homemade or delivery, meaty or veggie, there seems to be the perfect pizza for everyone.
    March 27, 2021
  • Fruits and vegetables, while healthy, can be pretty repetitive to eat over time. This can cause people to want to eat other, less healthy foods. Fortunately, you can spice up your meals by using blenders and juicers, introducing a new way to eat (or drink) your favorite plant food.
    March 27, 2021
  • Coffee is a morning essential for many working adults. It’s got that rich, bitter taste, and the caffeine inside really sets you up for the whole day. Because of this, it’s no wonder that many people have decided to take matters into their own hands and brew coffee themselves. Instant and ordered coffee is fine, but there’s just something about making coffee yourself that makes each cup that more fulfilling.
    March 27, 2021
  • What’s a kitchen without its tools? Even without fancy kitchen appliances, you can still make delicious and beautiful meals with simple tools. Kitchen tools are essential in just about any meal that you prepare, and we’ve ranked some of the most vital ones that you’ll be needing every day.
    March 26, 2021
  • On days when time is hard to find, a good breakfast bar can make the difference between being hungry and having the energy to get things done. Even if you don't have much of an appetite in the morning, a healthy breakfast bar may be just what you need to get you going or be that perfect snack before lunchtime. We’ve selected the best breakfast bars in 2022 available so you can choose one that suits your dietary needs or taste preferences. There's something here for everyone, whether you prefer something packed with protein and natural ingredients, something lighter, or something to satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Plus, these options are great for children and adults alike.
    March 03, 2021
  • A good set of knives is something every cook needs. Prices on individual knives range from downright cheap to astronomically expensive, but you don't have to pay through the teeth to pick up a quality blade that will last a number of years. Whether you prefer the strength of a forged steel blade, the value of a stamped steel blade, or the incredible sharpness of a ceramic blade, there are plenty of excellent knives to consider. When you're building a collection of knives, you'll want to start with a great utility knife, like a classic chef's knife or an Asian style santoku. These lists of the best kitchen knives in 2022 are great for many different types of tasks, including chopping vegetables and mincing herbs. A paring knife that can make intricate cuts, skin fruit, and core berries is another must in every kitchen. You'll want a long knife with a serrated edge to cut bread, and you'll want to be sure to pick up a set of steak knives for the table. Once you have these basic knives, it's a good idea to add some specialty knives to your collection. From fillet knives to carving knives to butcher knives to boning knives, using the right knife for the right task makes a big difference. Once you pick out a few knives, you'll want to be sure to follow the manufacturer's care guidelines. Some knives should be hand washed, while others can stand up to the high temperature and humidity in the dishwasher. All knives benefit from routine sharpening, but you'll want to be sure to follow sharpening directions to the letter because not all knives are honed to the same angle.
    April 24, 2020
  • Wok cooking can be a fun and exciting experience. There are two main types of woks to choose from: Electric or Traditional. Traditional stove top woks typically have a flat or round bottom. Round bottom woks are generally for pit stoves because the bottom sits in sort of a fire lit hole. Flat bottom woks are for standard or induction cook tops. They also come in electric versions. Woks are made from stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel and has become very popular as it is a great way to cook quickly. The surface of the woks are nonstick which allows for healthier cooking without the need for extra oil. They heat quickly and maintain that heat throughout the cooking process. The high sides of the wok makes it easy to utilize the entire surface of the wok. Whether you choose an electric or traditional wok, you will be able to enjoy the versatility that comes with owning one. You can also use your wok to braise, steam or deep fry.Woks come in a variety of sizes and you don't have to spend a lot of money to find a good quality one. With so many types on the market, it won't be hard to choose the best wok for your needs. Just a little bit of research goes a long way when selecting the right one for you. Check out our list of the best woks in 2022 below.
    February 03, 2016
  • If you've ever tried to eye-ball measurements or use soup or dessert spoons in place of measuring spoons, you may have had a baking disaster or made a dinner that didn't quite taste right. That's why measuring spoons are an essential tool for any kitchen. In most cases, spoons come in sets that contain at least a quarter teaspoon, half teaspoon, full teaspoon, and tablespoon measures. Some of them also include eighth teaspoon and half teaspoon measures, which are useful for home cooks that do a lot of baking or want to get their spices just right. Metal or porcelain spoons are preferable to plastic ones because they discolor or pick up odors, which is especially important when you're measuring spices. If you don't want to dig through the drawer to search for a half-dozen different measuring spoons, you might want to consider an adjustable measuring spoon. The size of these spoons can be changed thanks to a simple slider on the handle, making these convenient, one-size-fits-all measuring spoons. Check out our list for the best measuring spoons in 2022.
    February 01, 2016
  • The right wine glass can make the difference between a decent wine and a great wine. That's because wine glasses are specially shaped to enhance the aromas and flavors of different types of wines, bringing out the subtleties you might miss if you try to enjoy wine from the wrong type of glass.Sparkling, red, and white wines each have their own style of glassware. For sparkling wines, you'll want to use a deep, narrow glass that encourages tiny bubbles to rise to the top. If you're drinking red wine, a glass with a large bowl that has plenty of room at the top for the bouquet is desirable. White wines also benefit from extra room at the top of the glass, though you'll want your nose a little closer to the wine if you're hoping to pick up on the subtleties.Within these three categories, there are a wide variety of specialized glasses designed to enhance particular varietals. If you tend to drink one type of one, it's a good idea to buy glassware that's ideal for that varietal. No matter what type of wine you enjoy, you'll want to look for glassware that's well-made, easy to clean, and perfectly clear. Take a look at our list for the best wine glasses in 2022.
    February 01, 2016
  • A set of matching flatware can make any dining room feel well put-together. Flatware usually comes in sets of four, six, eight or 12 and it's always a good idea to buy a few sets more than the number of people in your household so that you can accommodate for any guests that come over. Stainless steel flatware is by far the most popular. These sets are easy to take care of, won't discolor if left overnight in water or exposed to acidic foods and never need to be polished. If you're looking for a set of flatware on a budget, stainless steel is definitely the way to go. Not all stainless steel sets are inexpensive, however, so you'll want to be sure to check the price to make sure that the set you like is in your budget. Silver plated and sterling silver flatware sets range in price from expensive to astronomically expensive. If you want the look of real silver without the incredibly high price tag, silver plated flatware is your only option, and some of these sets can run into the thousands. All sets of real silverware run from the thousands to the tens of thousands of dollars, and should be treated as heirlooms that can be passed down to children and grandchildren. Silver should be washed by hand after use and requires polishing from time to time to remove tarnish that builds up.
    February 01, 2016
  • Many people know the struggles of trying to open a bottle of wine. In many cases, a manual wine opener fails miserably. From wine corks dropping and crumbling into the wine to simply not being able to get the cork out, it is obvious that a good wine opener is essential. There are multiple types of wine openers both manual and electric. I am happy to say that many of the newer versions of manual wine openers are actually very good. They are comfortable to use and do a much better job of extracting the cork. Many of the manual versions have levelers. When you push them down, the leveler lifts the cork out more easily. This allows you to work less to get the cork out. All in all, the new manual wine openers are much better than the old ones that have the wooden handle and the corkscrew on the end. A personal favorite, however, is the electric opener. There are several manufacturers out there that are making them now and they are easy to operate. What I like about the option of the electric opener is that they have the ability to open multiple bottles within minutes. These openers work fast and they are very efficient. They are typically battery operated and some even have adapters. If you plan on having a party or opening more than one or two bottles of wine, electric openers are much more convenient and a lot faster. As with most things, it is all a matter of choice. If you don't drink wine often, maybe investing in an electric opener isn't necessary. A good manual one will do. If you do entertain a lot, then an electric opener will be optimal. One thing is for sure, no matter what your wine opener personality is, there is one on this list of the best wine openers in 2022 to suit everyone.
    January 29, 2016
  • A quality cutting board is an essential tool in every kitchen. Cutting boards provide a safe sanitary surface for cutting, chopping, slicing, and serving. Both home and professional chefs make use of cutting boards in order to protect counter tops and ensure that knives keep their sharp edges. Most cutting boards are made from either bamboo, hardwood, polypropylene plastic, or glass. Bamboo is popular because it helps to keep knife blades sharp and it's made from a renewable resource. Hardwood boards are prized for their beauty and incredible durability, even under heavy daily use. Plastic boards are some of the most commonly used cutting boards because they are easy to clean and inexpensive. Glass boards are attractive and the most sanitary surface available, though they can wear down knives. No matter what material you prefer, you'll want to choose a cutting board that is durable, well-made, and relatively easy to clean and care for. While you're shopping around, you'll also want to consider whether you need any special features on your board, such as non-slip feet, juice grooves, handles, or reversibility. Take a look at our list of the best cutting boards in 2022.
    January 29, 2016
  • Many of us can remember watching our grandmothers cooking with these massive, extremely heavy contraptions on the stove. Dutch ovens have always been synonymous with high quality, slow cooked foods. They have been around for decades and have recently undergone a stylish facelift.Crafted by some of the most trusted names in cookware, there are a few different materials you can buy them in. Cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel or nonstick are some of the more common types. They also come in a variety of sizes and are typically oval shaped or round. Companies like Le Creuset have been crafting high quality Dutch ovens for more than a century. Being an elite brand, they are very expensive.There are however more affordable choices that don't skimp on quality. With more cookware companies manufacturing excellent quality Dutch ovens, anyone can enjoy the benefits of Dutch oven cooking. Check out our list of the best dutch ovens in 2022 and choose from a variety of colors, styles to fit the way you like to cook. Considering your budget and home cooking needs, finding the right Dutch oven for you should be easy.
    January 29, 2016
  • Choosing the right cookware can be a tricky task. It all begins with knowing your needs. If you cook a lot and elaborately, then your cookware requirements will be more ambitious. If you don't cook a lot, then you may require fewer pieces and something more budget friendly. The whole idea is to have cookware that feels comfortable, is easy to use and gives you what you need. Some of the most common cookware types are cast iron, stainless steel, non-stick and anodized. Each type performs differently and can offer a number of uses. Some can go from oven to freezer while others can withstand higher cooking temperatures. Some sets can even be used on outdoor grills. No two sets are the same. They are as diverse as the manufacturer who produces them. For example, a cheaper non-stick pan may pucker and peel at high temperatures. However, a more expensive one or one with a different coating may not. From the novice cook to the super star home chef, each set on our list of the best cookware sets in 2022 is unique in its own way. How well each one performs on a variety of cook tops is also something to consider. Quality and performance is essential when selecting the right set. While buying new cookware is a small investment, don't be intimidated about the process. Looking over the details of each type and understanding what is important to you will allow you to make the best decision.
    January 29, 2016