CCW’S Holiday Wish List: Kitchen

Yesterday our designers shared what they wanted this holiday season for their living rooms. Today, see what they want in the kitchen!

LLumar Windows

When it’s winter, the sun sets early, the winds are cold. There are days when you just want to be snuggle under a blanket indoors. However, we all still crave natural lighting and lots of it! With LLumar Windows you can keep your home lit naturally and safely. Their products block more than 99% of all UV rays which helps preserve the color of your furnishings, fabrics, curtains and other materials. Also, you’ll save up to 40% on your energy bills while enjoying the outdoor views.

Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Bread

Is there anything better than the smell of fresh baked bread throughout your home? Here’s a tasty recipe from Epicurious that will put any fruitcake to shame. This bread is the perfect combination of flavors for the holidays. It’s even better when you share with your friends and neighbors!

Vintage Kitchen Aid Mixer

Has there ever been a better kitchen appliance for the home? These rare, yet exquisite, vintage mixers from Kitchen Aid are built to last. They’re the perfect tool for baking cookies, cakes and more. With its strong motor and classic beehive glass bowl, this mixer looks great in either an industrial or farmhouse kitchen.

Liebherr SBS 246 Refrigerator

Innovative is the word to describe this refrigerator. Liebherr is recognized worldwide for their refrigeration and freezer technology. From its stainless steel finish to LED lighting, this model sports features that will have you staying in your kitchen more often! Our team loved the built-in wine cooler for storing our favorite Pinots and Chardonnays.You’ll enjoy the Biofresh feature that provides the perfect climate for keeping foods fresher while retaining more of their nutritional value. Food can actually last up to three days longer. What makes this appliance even better is that it is Energy Star efficient!

Happy Thanksgiving

It feels like yesterday I was roasting last year’s turkey and cannot believe the holiday season is here again. This Thanksgiving, we hope you enjoy spending time with those you love and building memories that you will never forget. I have a hunch that many memories this season will take place in the kitchen.

From everyone here at CCW, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

-Laura

Your Cookware Guide to a Better Kitchen

Being a good cook takes more than just delicious recipes. Homeowners need to be certain they have the right equipment. I personally enjoy using nonstick pots and pans in my home, and would recommend Calphalon or Anolon types. Before you make your final decision, take a look at the numerous cookware products many stores offer.

Copper

Copper is a very luxurious kitchen product that heats quickly and evenly. Before you consider this elegant cookware, be aware that copper may be hard to handle and is high-maintenance. Frequent polishing is needed to keep it looking pristine, and regular use will eventually cause the tin lining to wear through, leaving you susceptible to copper poisoning. To avoid that, the worn pan will have to be re-tinned by a craftsman.

Nonstick

Nonstick pans are easy to clean, but will be damaged when used over heat that is too high. Overheating may also release toxins. I highly recommend not to clean these with abrasives You should also avoid metal utensils, which can scratch.

Cast Iron

Whether the cookware is enameled or not, iron warms slowly but distributes heat evenly. I love how cast iron lasts forever. But keep in mind that it’s quite heavy and that non-enamaled pieces need to be regularly “seasoned” with cooking oil to control rust and provide a nonstick cooking surface.

Aluminum

Aluminum heats well and resists corrosion. The material is also lightweight. If you choose to go with aluminum, make sure you buy pots and pans with a protective anodized coating. Uncoated aluminum reacts with acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes and peppers, which will pit the metal that may seep aluminum into your food.

Clad Stainless

Clad stainless steel is a layer of heat-conducting copper or aluminum coated with stainless steel. It’s one of the easiest cookware materials to care for. Another plus is that many manufacturers now make dishwasher-safe pieces.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel, which is often used for woks, heats very quickly. Unlike cast iron, it needs to be seasoned to reduce sticking.

Enameled Steel

Enameled steel is lighter than enameled cast iron, however, it is not ovenproof. The material is also easy to clean, resistant to sticking, and heats quickly and evenly.

-Laura