Various Ways To Create A Sustainable Kitchen Design
Various Ways To Create A Sustainable Kitchen Design
There is a looming reality taking place in the society today. Increasing concerns on global warming and rising energy prices are on the loose, and so, the concept of high-performance homes and sustainable designs are considered to be urgent issues. The need for more energy-efficient utility and facility designs is inevitable.
A home’s energy and conservation points are located within the house itself. A large part of domestic costs are from maintenance, service, and energy. Reports on energy analysis have shown that homes together with buildings, commercial establishments, and facilities contribute tremendous consumption of resources especially energy, which accounts nearly 40 - 60% of the total consumption. Lighting, refrigeration, plumbing, and fire-fighting facilities represent the largest percentage of structural energy demand. Because of the impact on energy, it is important that efficient facility designs are integrated into a home or building.
These things when left unattended can wreak havoc not only to the structure’s life cycle but more importantly on its operation and maintenance cost. With this, it is not surprising why homeowners do not just entrust facilities design to ordinary contractors. They assign it to the best professionals in town who can weave in all aspects and engineer the whole into a fine working specimen that can breathe efficiently for years to come.
Considering the many parts of a home, the kitchen is considered to be one of the most important sections. This is where the family’s food are being stored, prepared, and cooked.
Hence, it is important to maintain safety and security at all times to ensure harmonious work in the area. Additionally, this is where most of the appliances are located. Hence, among all other parts in the house, the kitchen contributes almost half of the total energy consumption. With this, it is equally important to create a kitchen design that will match the requirements of integrated or sustainable design.
Why Sustainable Design?
Sustainable design, when incorporated within a home or building, triggers high performance and various advantages and keep energy consumption at a minimum. Creating sustainable kitchen design includes putting together ‘green design strategies’ into standard design criteria. With this, you may consider the following areas:
1. Lighting design
Lighting efficiency is an essential factor in developing high-performance in homes. Like HVAC, several factors are necessary to ensure sustainable development in building operations quality of lighting, aesthetics, energy efficiency, etc.
Designs that provide occupancy or light-level sensors, lighting controls, and dimming systems to determine when lights are illuminated, optimizes lighting needs, and provides homeowners with timed overrides. With advanced lighting designs, modulated lighting levels in proportion to available daylight are possible, which, in the end, saves energy. With this, you can maximize light coming from natural source. You may also use window panels that are specifically designed for optimizing the principles of sustainable development.
2. Materials
Wallpapers, table countertops, wood cabinets, carpet tiles every material used in your kitchen should be designed according to the current standards of sustainable or green design. In this way, you can be sure that whatever material you use in your kitchen, you can be sure that you do not just provide clean living to your family but you also help protect the environment.
3. Appliances
To match the sustainability of your kitchen, make it a point to use appliances that provides high energy savings and are environmentally friendly. Among all appliances being used in the kitchen, refrigerators are considered to be the most important. This is where you keep and preserve your food.
Temperature control is critical to food safety, shelf-life and quality. However, in most cases temperature control and energy consumption do not go along together. You want to keep food fresh by providing better gauge on the temperature, which will eventually put an impact on your energy consumption. Higher temperature means higher electricity bills. But with a good refrigeration design, you can be sure that you can keep these two factors working harmoniously together.
With increasing requirements for energy efficient facilities in most countries and with the growing environmental awareness, the idea of incorporating sustainable design into your kitchen will not just provide your family a better environment within your home but also offer the community a better place to live.
Jo is a writer for ‘Benchmark Interiors’ (www.benchmarkinteriors.co.uk), a UK kitchen furniture manufacturer that focuses in bespoke handmade kitchens, bedroom and home office furniture design and fabrication. If you are keen on creating a sustainablewww.benchmarkinteriors.co.uk/kitchen-design‘> kitchen design and would like it to be simple yet useful or just want to know about www.benchmarkinteriors.co.uk‘> bespoke kitchens design then you should take a look at Benchmark Interiors.
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Choosing The Best Kitchen Faucets In The Market
Choosing The Best Kitchen Faucets In The Market
In the past, kitchen faucets only served one purpose, which was to provide the supply of water. But in the recent times, they are considered as more than just functional pieces for your kitchen. Modern faucets come in different designs, sizes, finishes, and shapes. You are provided with wonderful selections to help you enhance the interior design of your kitchen. Whatever the design or architecture of your home and kitchen is, you will be able to find the most appropriate faucet design or style. What is more, you will be able to come up with the desired ambiance in this part of your home. With stylish kitchen faucets, your faucet will not only serve as the source of running water but also as aesthetic ornament.
The Factors to Consider During Faucet Buying
When you want to replace your plain-looking kitchen faucet, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of beautiful selections in the market. But with all these choices, it might be hard for you to choose. This is why before you drive out to a hardware or home depot store you have to determine your needs. This way, it will not be difficult for you to choose. One of the factors that you have to consider when buying a kitchen faucet is finding a style or design that is suitable with the faucet connection. You should also check the number of mounting holes on the countertop or sink. You have to ensure that the faucet is easy to use, after it has been mounted to your kitchen sink. Lastly, you have to opt for a faucet that has relative size to the sink.
The market is filled with kitchen faucets that are made from different materials. These include polished, brass, copper, chrome, and stainless steel. Whatever material that you want to for your faucet, you have to make sure that its body is heavy-weight and durable. This will prevent the faucet from getting destroyed easily. On the other hand, you also have to select a faucet that does not require too much maintenance. What is more, it should match your kitchen’s theme design or the color and material of the kitchen countertop. The material of the faucet should not be prone to discolorations, stains, scratches, and corrosions. Brass faucets are resistant to different conditions. Chrome-plated faucets are available in a low price.
When choosing from a lot of kitchen faucets, you also have to consider the safety of your family. Ask from the staff of the home depot store about faucet accessories. These include filters, dispensers, and filter cartridges. This will help you ensure the safety of the water that is coming out from your faucet. It is easier to control the volume and temperature of the water if the faucets consist of a single handle. On the other hand, faucets with double handles permit exact adjustment of water flow or temperature. What is more, there are separate controls for hot or cold water. Double-handled faucets have more advantages than those with single handles. Plus, they provide more style and class.
If you want to shop for
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Trendy Kitchen Redesign Ideas For Your Home
Trendy Kitchen Redesign Ideas For Your Home
No other room defines your home quite like the kitchen. If you are trying to put together a completely unique look for your home, then the kitchen is the best place to start so make sure you have a bunch of ideas ready to go. Remodeling the kitchen is not a tough job nor is it rocket science. It simply needs a little bit of hard work combined with some imagination.
Remodeling kitchen could be a difficult and strenuous task for someone lacks a creative mind and imagination. Take a walk through your local hardware store for a quick inventory of items you can use and need. From items such as a soapstone counter or soapstone stoves to a stainless steel refrigerator, the choices are almost limitless. Here are a few trends in the design world for kitchens:
Color is in - You won’t find too many all-white kitchens these days. Instead, people are decorating their kitchens with a variety of colors. Brown in particular is the hottest color right now, but grays, soapstone, blues and greens are also quite fashionable. Refacing your cabinets in a colored laminate is the most common way to incorporate this color trend. Vivid mosaic backsplashes, soapstone stoves, soapstone slabs, soapstone blocks and cork flooring are also drawing rave attention from kitchen designers.
Dramatic impact - Unique and strategically placed windows, multi-leveled center islands of soapstone slabs, open kitchen spaces with cozy adjacent sitting nooks, a soapstone stove, built-in seating areas, and environmentally-friendly kitchens are all the rage right now in kitchen trends.
Pantries should be seen - That formerly kitchen eyesore is now becoming a focal feature. If you need lots of storage space, think about a walk-in pantry. If space is something you don’t have a lot of, a built-in pantry may be a better option for your needs.
Sophisticated touches - Beamed ceilings, soapstone decorative items, impact-adding molding, dramatic lighting, soapstone slabs, soapstone blocks and porcelain backsplashes can add a major wow to your kitchen.
Decorate around a central theme - Keep things realistic by designing your kitchen around a feature authentic to your home’s age such as building upon an old soapstone stove. More and more people are bringing back the centuries-old trend that revolves around the energy-enhancing arrangement of its furniture pieces.
Every kitchen, big and small, has unique characteristics. It’s true that every kitchen requires some changes here and there, like that soapstone counter you’ve always dreamed about. Yours is no different. These changes cannot be started until you know the actual style and trend which will be useful and functional to make this room the most elegant kitchen it could be.
Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with soapstone. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using a soapstone stove and soapstone slabs.
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The Different Types Of Kitchens
The Different Types Of Kitchens
The kitchen is a very important room when building or renovating a home or a restaurant. That is because the kitchen is used almost every single day. So everything in the kitchen will have to be as perfect as possible so as to avoid future inconveniences. If you are requesting a quotation for a kitchen, perhaps it falls into one of these categories.
Home kitchen.
A quotation for the home kitchen is most commonly seen. There are many different types of styles you can choose for your home kitchen. Some examples include country style, contemporary style (most popular), English style, etc. The choice of style depends on one’s personal preferences, and several other factors.
Other components to consider for the home kitchen include the size of the kitchen, the cabinets, the cooking equipment, and the flooring. Of all these different components, perhaps you will be spending the most time on choosing the right type of cooking equipment.
Home cooking equipment can include many items. You may need to decide whether you want a built-in oven or a standalone one; or whether you need a high powered cooker hob. The type of equipment you choose depends on cooking habits and the number of people that you will be cooking for.
A gourmet kitchen.
A gourmet kitchen can also be appropriate for your home. But how is it different from an ordinary kitchen? For sure, to cook gourmet, a larger kitchen is required, since gourmet cooking requires more space. The type of cooking equipment and utensils are also different.
In other words, a gourmet kitchen is expected to be bigger and better furnished than an ordinary home kitchen. You can expect a gourmet kitchen to have multiple ovens and high tech dishwashers. As it is much better equipped, a gourmet kitchen is more suitable for cooking different types of gourmet dishes. It is also more suitable for a larger family.
Restaurant kitchens.
Restaurant kitchens are drastically different from home or gourmet kitchens. Since they are meant for business, a lot of cost considerations have to be taken into account. For example, how many customers are expected on a daily basis? And what type of equipment will be suitable for catering to this quantity of customers.
Since restaurant cooking equipment are used for many hours a day, they are expected to be more heavy duty and durable. Most industrial level cooking equipment have better heating technology so that the cooking is more consistent. They are also much bigger, allowing you to cook a lot more in a shorter period of time. However, they may come at four to five times the price of ordinary cooking equipment.
For all three types of kitchens, perhaps the biggest concern is price. And price is dependent largely on the type of cooking equipment you choose for your kitchen. So be clear about the type of kitchen you want before asking for quotes.
If you are thinking of getting a kitchen fitted, visit Local Quoter to find a local supplier who can offer you a cheap quote. Local Quoter finds the kitchen quotes so you don’t have to.
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New Kitchen Appliances Shops Available Online
New Kitchen Appliances Shops Available Online
Searching for best and latest kitchen appliances and home appliances in the Market like coffee makers, mixer, grinders, mixers, toasters, casseroles, electric cookers, rice cookers, water coolers, hand blenders, gas stoves, food processors, cooking ranges and many more? Stop your searching and select the one from the best deals given below:
(1). Coffee Maker - Panasonic Thermopot Model No: NC-TWS22
Features:
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Group & Global Headquarters, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. based in Osaka, Japan is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. In India, Panasonic Sales & Services India Pvt. Ltd. is responsible for the sales and marketing of mass consumer products.
Hot water round the clock, Keep Warm function
2.2L Capacity , Stainless Steel inner container, Floating ball level indicator
Push button dispenser, Child Lock, Available in Pink & Grey colours
(2). Inalsa hand Blender cum Mixer - Multimix
Features
Beater/Whisker/Blender, 5 Speed, Powerful turbo function
Accessories rack
Safety locking system for separate operation of mixer and stick blender
Technical Specifications:
Model: Multimix, Voltage: 230 Volts. 50 Hz, AC, Power: 300 Watts
Nos Of Speeds: 5 Speed & Turbo Function, Safety Locking: Provided
Warranty: 2 Years Manufacturers Warranty
(3). Panasonic Rice Cooker Model No: SR-TEG10A
Features:
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Group & Global Headquarters, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. based in Osaka, Japan is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. In India, Panasonic Sales & Services India Pvt. Ltd. is responsible for the sales and marketing of mass consumer products.
Electric Jar Cooker (1.0 L), 5hrs Keep Warm, Steaming Basket
Concave Lid, Prevents over boiling
Water droplets prevention Prevents water droplets from dripping onto cooked rice, keeping rice warm and fluffy.
Smart Cap - Prevents over boiling, Prevents boiling over during rice cooking process.
Steam basket available, Non stick inner pan.
Author suggests you to buy food processor from homeshop18 in India.
Brendon Long offers you the latest and best information to buy electric cookers and fruit juicers in India.
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Without A Kitchen Water Filter - Can’t Say You Are The Good Chef
Without A Kitchen Water Filter - Can’t Say You Are The Good Chef
In this modern world nowadays, cooking is not only about producing tasty foods but it must be a healthy diet as well. Top chefs in all 5 star restaurants only use filtered clean water for their cooking and hence able to preserve the original taste of the recipe. Using unfiltered water, the chlorine presence can really spoil the taste of the foods even how great is your cooking skill. The chlorine is commonly use to kill and curb organic growth in the water, imagine what can the chlorine do to our foods which are all organic. Will you still be able to maintain the original flavor of the foods and produce a tasty recipe out of it?
A simple test to begin with is to prepare 2 equal portion of vegetables and soak the vegetables separately in filtered and unfiltered water for 5 minutes. Simply boil the vegetables separately using filtered and unfiltered water, of course without adding any flavor or seasoning to both. This can be done exactly the same to prawn or poultry as well. I am very sure you can tell the different in taste in between the twos. Soaking and cooking the foods using filtered water are definitely taste better, especially the color of vegetables will look brighter and more appetizing. Unfiltered water which contain chlorine will produce yellowish vegetables as chlorine is known to be used as bleaching agent.
A good kitchen water filter will be able to take away chlorine from our tap water, thus improve the taste of our foods and beverages. Studies had shown chlorine caused cancer, affect the immune and respiratory systems, and your family health is at stake!
The constant exposure to chlorine can cause chest pain, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, tooth corrosion or excess fluid in the lungs. Chlorine can really do severe damage to the human organs if consumed regularly. Proven medical finding said it will increase 21% in the risk of contracting bladder cancer and a 38% increase in the risk of rectal cancer. Even you only use unfiltered water for washing dishes and kitchen utensils, the chlorine cause your skin, especially the hands to dry and crack, worst if it causes your skin to develop skin allergy problems.
A good kitchen water filter must be able to take out the harmful contaminants which are generally being classified into 2 categories. Fine particles, sand, mud, silt, bacteria, carpospores, asbestos and other undissolved contaminants make up the this category. Sediment filters like polyester, fibre or porous ceramic materials are best at taking out these category.
When come to dissolved contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals, copper, lead, mercury, synthetic chemicals, chlorine and pharmaceuticals drugs, a special activated carbon kitchen water filter is required to absorb and remove them from the water. Kitchen water filters which are made of carbon block, granular carbon or improved carbon kitchen water filter which have incorporated KDF-55D; an alloy made of zinc and copper, are all activated carbon kitchen water filters.
If you are really serious in improving the taste of your foods and beverages, I would strongly advise you to have a kitchen water filter installed. By using the kitchen water filter, the health hazards of chlorinated water will be eliminated, all other harmful contaminants will be trapped by these kitchen water filters, the taste of your food and beverages will be greatly improved and you can enjoy your meals in a true "tasty and healthy" sense.
Alvyn Khoo is a health researcher on water purification issues. He helped 2 teams of people promoting home water purifier from 2 reputable companies in Asia but later decided to stay independent and neutral on his patient in home water purifiers system. Visit his site now at www.absolute-filtered-water-site.com to get the facts on how to choose the best water purification system.
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Trends In Kitchen Wall Decoration
Trends In Kitchen Wall Decoration
The kitchen is a woman’s territory, no doubt, but there are some men who can cook too. That said, a woman tends to imbue her personality in her kitchen, modeling it to suit her aesthetic tastes. Some prefer country or feminine themes, while others like to go modern or minimalist. Interior details and trends for the kitchen may have changed as the years pass but the fact remains that women still want their kitchen to reflect themselves.
Women think highly of how people see their kitchens, which sometimes drives women to be meticulous in giving their kitchen a certain feel with the use of appliances paired with themed decorations, kitchen wallpapers, wallpaper borders, and whatnot.
Most women today still go for kitchens that radiate the classic yet cozy country atmosphere. Wallpaper that possesses the warm countryside vibe includes toile wallpaper and borders that display fruit and vegetable patterns. Images like apples in a box or baskets, grapes and berries, and green vines are great options for country wallpaper border. Other great country-inspired wallpaper border designs have images of farm animals, bottles and jars, herbs, teacups, silver and cooking ware, and various fruits and vegetables.
Another wallpaper trend that best fits the kitchen are toile wallpaper designs with Vintage, French, and Victorian themes. Vintage wallpaper borders that show scenes from the olden days provide your kitchen with an antique look and feel. Checkered French wallpaper border with French recipes is also a pleasing choice for kitchen walls.
Modern kitchens meanwhile, require a taste of modernity. No other kitchen wallpaper displays modernity than the Harlequin. Harlequin kitchen wallpapers are the preferred choice by interior designers who remodel contemporary and sophisticated kitchens. It is very easy to manipulate Harlequin wallpapers to suit any theme as they can be custom-made. Brush strokes, medallions, leaves, circles, squares and abstract shapes are also great designs for contemporary, modern wallpaper.
A trend that has made some waves in interior design is faux finishing. While most faux finishes only appear in dens and living rooms, one can employ a faux finishing job on kitchen walls too. Though an actual faux finish painting may look good, kitchen wallpaper with faux finish details is also aesthetically pleasing. In addition, kitchen counters, table tops, cupboards, and other kitchen fixtures can be pasted with a faux finish detail to incorporate a similar theme. Faux designs that can enhance any kitchen are stucco and marbleized finishes.
Kitchen wallpaper is a great and inexpensive alternative to completely remodeling a kitchen. To make kitchen wallpaper and borders create the best of effects, it must go well with the other decorations, fixtures, and lights of the kitchen they are installed in. A harmonious synchrony among these decorative elements can give any kitchen a robust feel and a truly inviting atmosphere.
By: Tammy Billings
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Tammy Billings is the owner of USA Wallpaper, an online retailer of designer wallpaper borders and wall murals. Her knowledge of the wallpaper industry, from manufacturing to installation makes her a valuable home and interior design resource. With a variety of bedroom, bathroom and kitchen wallpaper designs, Tammy has put USA Wallpaper at the forefront of online wallpaper companies.
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Water Filtration Faucet To Add Value To Your Conceptual Kitchen Design
Water Filtration Faucet To Add Value To Your Conceptual Kitchen Design
Installing a water filtration system which is able to eliminate effectively all the harmful contaminants is still the main purpose for most households but having limited choices of water filtration faucet that do not fit perfectly into your kitchen design or color scheme could be quite an eye sore problem. Especially if the water filtration faucet is not flexible enough to suit the existing setting of your kitchen appliances and fittings. Besides spending on the water filtration unit itself, you still need to cough out a huge sum of money to modify your kitchen to suit the water filtration faucet. Should the cost of modification is more than the water filter itself, will you proceed to buy the water filter?
A thoughtful manufacturer of good water filter who keep up to the consumer lifestyle nowadays, should foresee this problem and provide a range of accessories that are able to fit into various design. For example; brushed nickel and brushed chrome finishes for contemporary kitchen design, antique brass or copper and polished brass for classical kitchen design, and glossy black or white for modern high tech kitchen design.
Not only the finishes of these water filtration faucets is carefully chosen, the physical outlook of the faucets must be practical and versatile to suit all conceptual design. The dimension of other mounting accessories is flexibly designed so it will firmly and safely hold the faucet and able to fix into different thickness of kitchen top. Making use of the provision by standard kitchen ware manufacturers like fitting into holes for sprayer, soap dispenser, or a plug which may already exist.
We should never neglect the internal mechanism of these faucet; such as the internal valve for smooth, effortless, on/off motion. If a high-grade porcelain internal valve is being used, we can be sure of a long lasting life span of this faucet. Thus less maintenance or replacement involved, no o-rings or washers to be replaced and no mineral build-up problems. The internal parts should not use lead components as the constant movement or wear and tear process might cause lead to mix into water supply, which was originally what we intend to filter.
Try to avoid some water filtration unit where you are required to attach the filter to your kitchen faucet. Not only it takes up prime space on the kitchen top, it also collect dirt and stain, making cleaning of the kitchen top a more tedious and frequent chore.
Installation is another aspect that we should not take it lightly even the installation tools come within the package If the installation tools are being provided, it not only add on to the actual water filter unit cost, replacement might be another problem that you need to deal with. I always prefer using the easily available tools like pliers and a screw driver, and installation should be ideally around 30 minutes, can do it yourself and not incurring additional plumbing cost.
I have got to remind you again, the only periodical replacement cost you should incur is the filter cartridges, not on water filtration faucet or the fitting accessories, nor the cost of installing the water filtration itself. On top of that, you should never decide on a water filtration system on the attractive out look alone. It should work well to effectively removing all harmful contaminants, leaving the trace of minerals, and offer a wide range of faucets that suit your kitchen design practically and tastefully.
Alvyn Khoo is an avid health researcher on water purification issues. He strongly believe no human being should be deprived of good quality water. Please visit www.absolute-filtered-water-site.com for more free information.
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Keep These Baking Supplies In The Kitchen
Keep These Baking Supplies In The Kitchen
Are you a serious baker? Do you love trying new cake and cookie recipes? Do you need or want to reduce sugar in your cooking?
If you would like to be able to try new recipes when you find them without having to run out to the supermarket for supplies, you need to put some thought into keeping a well-stocked pantry. Here is a list of important baking supplies to keep in the kitchen, especially if you are cooking with reduced sugar or sugar substitutes. Keep these baking supplies on hand and you will always be ready to try that great recipe you just found online.
It is important to note that there are different types of flour, including unbleached all-purpose flour, cake flour, rye flour and whole wheat flour. Each kind of flour has slightly different properties and flavors, and the more you look the more you will find recipes that call for specific types of flour when you use sugar substitutes.
A variety of sugar substitutes may be used in different recipes. Each of the most common sugar substitutes has specific properties when it comes to baking. Some will be good for baking; others better for use in cold desserts. In a nutshell, these are the most common sweeteners and their distinguishing characteristics:
Sweet One (Acesulfame-k) does not lose sweetness in baking. One packet has the sweetening power of two teaspoons of sugar, and about 4 calories. Twelve packets is the equivalent of one cup of sugar.
Equal (aspartame) loses sweetness when baked at high temperatures for long periods. It can be added at the end of cooking, in stir fries or in cold desserts. Equal has four calories per packet, and twenty four packets are the equivalent of one cup of sugar. You can also use Equal Spoonful which can be used spoon for spoon to replace sugar in recipes that are not heated at high temperatures.
Splenda (sucralose) has no calories and can be used spoon for spoon just like sugar. However, it may not do well in recipes that rely on sugar for structure. It will be fine in most cold desserts or used as a sweetener in dressings, sauces and fruit dishes.
Sweet ‘N’ Low (saccharin) can be used spoon for spoon just like sugar and does not lose sweetness when subjected to high temperatures. It has approximately four calories per packet.
Brown Sweet ‘N’ Low has twenty calories per teaspoon and can be used in place of brown sugar. It will not break down or lose sweetness when baked.
Other common ingredients for recipes should also be kept in your kitchen for use at a moments notice. All of the following items can add tasty flavor and texture to your regular and reduced-sugar dishes.
Spices are among the most important ingredients to keep on hand when you’re cutting back on sugar in your baking. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice are the bare minimum for sweet cooking, but don’t overlook savory spices in dessert. Dried herbs like peppermint are another staple for your no-added-sugar cupboard.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a good staple to keep in your kitchen cupboard. It is a great way to add and enhance flavors in cakes, cookies and other recipes. Instant coffee granules are another important flavor enhancer. Use instant coffee to enhance the flavor of chocolate, especially when you reduce the sugar used in baking.
Vanilla extract is not the only liquid extract you should have on hand when baking with low sugar. Vanilla heightens sweetness, so it is a great addition to cake and cookie recipes when you want to make them seem sweeter. Other extracts that enhance sweetness include almond, orange and lemon extracts.
Honey, molasses and corn syrup can be used in moderation to sweeten recipes, but keep in mind that they have very different properties and flavors in baking. Honey and molasses also add a distinctive flavor to recipes.
Unsweetened fruit juices, including apple juice, prune juice, pineapple juice and grape juice can replace some of the water called for in many recipes and reduce the amount of sugar required at the same time.
Applesauce is an absolute must in your sugar-free baking pantry. It can replace both part of the sugar and part of the fat in many fruit bread and cake recipes. Canned pumpkin, squash and sweet potato puree can be used in the same way as applesauce in many recipes that call for sugar and fat. Surprisingly, they blend well with many flavors.
Evaporated skim milk makes a quick substitute for whipped cream with far less fat. Chill well, add sugar substitute and whip it until spoonable.
Dried fruits, raisins and prunes are great additions to cakes and breads, and can add sweetness and flavor when you cut back on sugar. Similarly, peanut butter, almond paste, sunflower seeds, tahini, walnuts and almonds can add flavor and texture to all of your recipes.
As you get more experienced in baking with low sugar and reduced fat, you will start finding your own combinations and substitutes. Before you know it, you will be converting recipes without even thinking about it.
By: Suzanne Bradley
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
About Author:
Suzanne Bradley is a freelance writer who focuses on topics concerning cooking, health and exercise, often discussing specific products such as Splenda.
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The Blaggers Guide To Kitchen Knives
The Blagger’s Guide To Kitchen Knives
As you might have guessed, in England a blagger is someone who comes across as far more knowledgeable than is the reality - a useful skill sometimes. Anyway, here are a few esoteric facts to keep up your sleeve for when a ‘knife geek’ gets within talking distance!
Japanese knives are sharpened to an angle of 15 degrees from vertical or less (12 degrees min.). Use diamond or ceramic sharpeners, as metal steels will damage Japanese knife blades.
The ‘neb’ is a rounded downturn at the rear of a knife handle and still features on many European knives such as Wusthof’s Classic range. These can be seen on the Wusthof pages at the Cooks&Kitchens website.
Like fish, many traditional knives have ’scales’! They’re the black plastic or wooden sides of a riveted handle.
Many Japanese knife companies are releasing new models with ’scalloped edges’, notably Global. This very effective way of reducing the sticking of food to the blade actually originates back in the mists (or smog!) of Nineteenth Century Sheffield when William Grant invented his ’scallop’ for ham slicing and named it the Granton edge after his knife company. Many European makers still use this name today.
No high-quality knife should be put in a dishwasher. Although it may describe itself as stainless steel, this is not terribly accurate - good knives have c. 5 times the carbon level of ‘ordinary’ stainless steel and this is degraded by dishwasher solutions.
The mist-like layering of top Japanese knives is the result of continuous folding of layers of steel around a very hard central layer. This process is also called Damascening - a reference to its origins in Syria. Good examples of this process can be seen at the Cooks&Kitchens website in the Tojiro section. In the Nineteenth Century, acid-etching was often used to create the appearance of layering on standard pocket knife blades.
A bolster is the ‘chunk’ of metal that lies between the blade and handle on traditional knives and contributes to the knife’s balance and heft. Many modern knives, particularly from Japan , have dispensed with these in order to reduce weight and rely on seamless welds between blade and handle.
Article provided by www.cooksandkitchens.co.uk as an expert guide to the detailed side of kitchen knives as illustrated at www.cooksandkitchens.co.uk/knives.asp
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