Sunday, September 22, 2023

Kitchen Guide Cleaning Tools

cleaning kitchen tools

Kitchen Tools Cleaning Guide

How many times have you said to yourself ‘Kitchen works is too hard for me’ or ‘I cannot clean it because I don’t want to’. Of course you will have to clean your kitchen eventually, and what better place to start then the kitchen tools themselves. There are all kinds of crazy cooking tools, but in this guide we are going to talk about the most common kitchen tools, and how to clean them properly.

Microwave

As we all know, the microwave is one of the most used kitchen devices available to the general public. The easiest way to clean your microwave oven is to keep it clean from the start, although if you did that you wouldn’t be reading this guide at all. Unfortunately, once a layer of grime has been formed, it is quite difficult to get rid of it and achieve complete microwave oven sterilization. Thus in order to secure sanitation we must insert two moistened paper towels and run the microwave for about 3-5 minutes. The water vapor will loosen up the filth, allowing you to remove the grime manually; either by using the same paper towels you used for the ‘de-griming’ or a pair of fresh ones, whatever makes you happy.

Blender

This contraption holds a whole lot of trickery and deceit, and it is very well integrated into the business of ‘smoke and mirrors’. Outside it might look innocent and docile, but once those blades start spinning, brother you are in for a surprise.

This delicate instrument is best handled by resolvable and dedicated individuals only! Start by adding about half-a-cup of warm water. Add to the mixture a dash of soap and blend. Blend for around 5 minutes before you empty the solution (empty, not drink!) and repeat for another 3-4 times. Saturated stains are best handled manually. If you blender is not one of those ‘take it apart’ kind of blenders, you can always use a toothbrush soaked in soap. Rinse and you are all set!

Cast-Iron Pan

I have been a big fan of cast-iron pans ever since I graduated from collage. My life-long dream has always been to become a Chinese cook of some sort; just so I can use cast-iron pans as much as I possibly can. During my experience with these marvels of human ingenuity, I have come to realize that they should not, under any circumstances, be treated with detergents or be scrubbed with a hard, abrasive scrubber. There is a special saturated layer of oil you see, and once that’s gone the ‘non-sticking’ abilities of the cast-iron pan would be ruined forever.

Salt is perhaps the best way to clean your cast-iron pan, without damaging its mighty surface. Just sprinkle a dash of salt and with a paper towel, give the surface of your pan a nice going over. Know that salt is famous for soaking up grease, so don’t forget to apply some cooking oil to the pan after you are done cleaning it.

Toaster

Ah, our good friend the toaster! What makes the toaster so special is that we rely on browned bred almost every morning, at least I know I am. So cleaning the toaster should be your number one priority, so I am here to tell you the exact/best way to clean it without having it catch on fire or anything like that.

Start by plugging the toaster OFF before you proceed any further. You can either go outside for this next part or spread some newspapers on the ground. Turn your already turned off toaster upside down and give it the shaking of a lifetime. I mean it, shake until your arms get tired! After you have gotten all of the bread crumbs out of there, proceed to clean the exterior of your toaster with a moistened rag. For extra safety, you can even go over your toaster with a 3% bleach solution. Remember to dry your toaster before plugging it back into the grid.

 

Author Bio:

July Minor is keen on topic about cleaning and home improvement. She currently works for a company which offers house cleaning services and thanks to that she has a lot of experience in this area. She loves to share her thoughts with the readers.

Tuesday, September 10, 2023

Top Five Things To Never Forget When You Are Organizing A Party

Organizing a Party

Organizing a Party

When you are organizing a party, you are often swept away by all the planning and forget the little details which can make or break your event. Luckily, here are a reminder of the top five things you shouldn’t forget when you are chief party planner.

 

 

Be Gracious and Warn the Neighbours

Surprisingly a large number of people forget this vital step leading to problems later on. On the whole, your neighbours are fine with you throwing a party as long as they have notice beforehand. If you think your party might be a bit noisy and last into the small hours, it is respectful to inform both of your next door neighbours. Being aware of your party means that they won’t be taken by surprise by the festivities and become aggravated. Often taking around a small peace offering, such as a bottle of wine, is all you need to do to guarantee happy neighbours!

 

 

Keep an Eye on the Weather Report and Plan Accordingly

This is essential if you are planning to have a barbecue or outdoor party as they can be very dependent on good weather conditions. If when you check the updated weather report and rain is suspected then you should think about investing in a marquee. Keeping the rain off with a marquee or canopy will stop your party from being a wash out. Even if you aren’t having an outdoor party, you could provide a covered area outside for the smokers so they don’t get soaked. Planning for any weather eventuality means that you won’t have to worry about getting caught out!

 

 

Stick to a Budget

Although it is tempting to go all out but you can still throw a memorable party within a reasonable budget. Most guests don’t need flash and pomp. Guests will be happy with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly company. Sticking to a budget can make you more creative with your money and actually provide more interesting decoration than store bought tatt.

 

 

Enough of Everything

Firstly make sure you have enough food and drink to feed and water more people than your invite. Guests will eat and drink much more than you will expect so it advisable to buy a little too much. Ending up with surplus the next day is much better than guests leaving early because the party has run dry. Make sure you don’t forget the little things! Plastic cups, plates and cutlery are essentials. There is no point preparing an amazing buffet of food if there won’t be anything to eat it on and with. A last thing to make sure you never forget is toilet roll! Often overlooked, this is the most essential little item you will need.

 

 

Music

Lastly, and most importantly, you will need music! Early arriving guests will mix better with background music than a quiet, early atmosphere. If you have the time prepare several playlists for your party to cater to the stages. Initially you will need light music to encourage conversation but as the party gets into full swing change to music that is fun to dance to. A variety of music will please your guests as there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Corinne Kemp – Lifestyle Writer for Props and Frocks

Thursday, September 05, 2023

How To Make A Patterned Isomalt Butterfly

How To Make A Patterned Isomalt Butterfly

butterfly8

I’ve just returned from the ICES (International Cake Exploration Societe’) Convention in Lexington, KY where cake business vendors display their goods and offer demonstrations. This is an event where new techniques are demonstrated to illustrate the multiple uses of vendors’ products. This Isomalt butterfly was demonstrated by the 18 year old, Sidney Galpern, an up-and-coming cake artist from Florida. She uses silicone molds, Isomalt and printed icing sheets to create a butterfly that can be used to decorate the side of a cake, become part of a cake topper or decorate a larger sugar sculpture. Here are the steps to make it yourself at home:

You Will Need:

  • Pre-cooked Isomalt
  • Microwave
  • Silicone bowl
  • Silicone butterfly mold*
  • Printed icing sheet
  • Scissors
  • Blow torch

 

*Silicone molds can tolerate the high heat of the melted sugar. Plastic molds will melt. The flexibility of silicone also helps the sugar piece to pop out of the mold easily.

 

 
1. Place the pre-cooked Isomalt into the silicone bowl and melt in the microwave until liquid. Heat at 30 second intervals, stir and reheat until completely melted. (Don’t heat for longer intervals as the center of the sugar will be hotter and if it burns, you will have to discard it).

 

 

2. When you take the Isomalt out of the microwave, swirl the bowl in your hand to distribute the heat and help the air bubbles rise to the surface.

butterfly1
3. Pour the Isomalt into the silicone mold. Be careful! It’s hot enough to give you a nasty burn.

butterfly2

 

 

 

4. Cut a piece of printed icing sheet large enough to fit over the butterfly. Peel off the protective plastic backing.

 
5. Place the cut icing sheet with the design face down over the poured sugar and press down into the mold with your fingers to make it stick all around the mold.

butterfly3

 
6. Allow the sugar to cool for 5 minutes before unmolding. Thicker molds will require longer cooling times.

 

 

7. Turn the mold over into the palm of your hand and flex the mold to release the sugar piece in your hand.

butterfly5

 
8. Use the scissors to trim off the excess icing sheet all around the shape of the butterfly.

butterfly6

 
9. The surface of the butterfly will be cloudy from the accumulation of air bubbles. Torching it will shine it up.

 

 

10. Turn the torch on and quickly move back and forth across the surface of the butterfly sugar piece but do not hold it in any one spot or the sugar will lose the definition created by the mold. Note that a small flame should come from the torch – not some long blaring flame that will ruin your sugar piece. Be sure to adjust the torch accordingly before you start using it on the sugar.

butterfly7

 

 

 

Your final product:
butterfly8

 

 

 

Now the Isomalt butterfly is ready to use any way you want. If you would like to put it on the side of a cake, you can turn the butterfly over, dab some of the liquid Isomalt on the back of the butterfly and hold the butterfly in place for about 30 seconds until the sugar sets.

 

 

 

Theresa Happe is a cake decorator and owner of Cake-decorating-corner.com and CakesWeBake.com. You can follow her on Google+.

 

 

 

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Theresa Happe is a cake decorator and owner of Cake-decorating-corner.com and CakesWeBake.com. You can follow her on Google+.