Home & Garden Blog » Cutlery

Recipe Spotlight: Make your own Chocolate

colleen — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:49:28 +0000

We all have food cravings. Sometimes, it’s for something super salty, sometimes super sweet: whatever is going on biologically doesn’t concern me, it’s how you best manage your craving to do the least amount of damage to your waistline, and still feel satisfied.

For me, it’s all about the chocolate. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, there’s nothing I’m more excited to do that bake some delicious desserts for me and my loved one. My favorite website for delicious, decadent desserts is Williams-Sonoma’s recipe site. They have some outrageous recipes and never cut corners, which can be a good and bad thing.

If you want to go more basic, though, you can always make chocolate truffles with this simple recipe from Essortment.com: All you need is eight ounces semi-sweet chocolate, three-fourths cups of heavy whipping cream, one-half of a stick of unsalted butter, one-half of a cup of cocoa powder (or as much as needed to coat truffles), and optional fillings. Check out the rest of the recipe for more detailed instructions.

Beyond the recipe and the ingredients, you need the machinery to make the chocolate! Fondue pots are perfect for melting chocolate without burning it. To make the bite-sized chocolate truffles, you are going to need a melon baller.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/41954547@N04/4226993126

Creative Date Ideas: Have a Great Night

colleen — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:04:22 +0000

Did the recession ruin your plans? Is your bank account a little tight from the holidays? Try some of these thrifty at home date ideas to keep your love life flowing without having to spend the big bucks on a night on the town.

A glowing, candlelight dinner at the swankiest new restaurant in town is impressive, but it’s also a big hit on your budget, with dinner plates that can range from $40-60 and wine bottles sometimes hitting $100. Not to mention, you’ll have to leave your waiter a big tip for the “wonderful evening” with your beau.

A candlelight dinner for two at home can be just what you need. Cook some tapas for appetizers, a beef bourgignon or some sort of delicious Julia Child’s recipe (check out her cookbook or other selected home cookbooks) for the main course, and don’t forget the chocolate fondue for dessert!

You’ll need decorations to set the mood: wine charms, candles, and sophisticated serving bowls are always a step in the right direction.

Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Set: $54.95-69.95

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1: $19.00-$40.00

Riedel ‘Wine’ Series Syrah Set of 4 Glasses: $49.00

Seasonal Spotlight: Turkey Dinnerware

colleen — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:46:50 +0000

Thanksgiving is literally tingling in our stomachs, filling the air with anticipations of wonderful smells, tastes, and appetites. I imagine turkey basting smells a lot like happiness, or laughter, or warmth and cheer. There’s nothing like the pairing of a warm butternut squash soup with some pumpkin pie and cranberry stuffing. The plate and palate just ooze sumptuous colors, delightful smells, and tantalizing tastes for all to enjoy. What I love most about Thanksgiving is the warmth and comfort, both in the food and the tradition that all you have to do is eat and sleep. The closest holiday we get to hibernation is Thanksgiving, and I want to know why we don’t have it more often!

Thanksgiving isn’t all about the food, it’s about the details: the candlelight, the chandelier, the festive wreath that hangs on the door. And it’s also about the presentation of the food, the type of silverware and dinnerware you use from everything from the butter knife to the serving spoon to make your dinner even more delightful. I recommend looking for especially festive and themed napkins if you don’t want to invest in specific Thanksgiving dinnerware. But if you do want to go all out and invest in some timeless Thanksgiving dinnerware, here are some wonderful options:

His Majesty Dinnerware Collection : $119.00

Marked down from $540.00 A 32-piece dinner set that is sure to please, and at what a price!

Woodland Dinnerware 4 piece set from Horchow.com: $134.90

Made of the finest China with a special British design, this is stately and elegant for decorative and functional use.

Killer Kitchen Knives!! Go get em’

evette — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:31:53 +0000

The shower scene from Hitchcock’s classic “Psycho” is arguably one of the most famous cinematic scenes in movie history.

Plus let me tell you the whole thing still gives me the hibby jeevies, shudders. Well as luck would have it I caught the classic flick on cable last night, and it inspired me to post about .. KNIVES!

Maybe it’s the chill in the air, or the foilage turning but I am in a morbid mood so shopping for killer cutlery suits my needs perfectly.

Here are some awesome killer knives:

1. Henckels Four Star 8 inch Wide Chef’s Knife

Knives should be affordable and durable, well with a brand like Henckels you know you are buying quality. Instead of buying a bunch of cheaper less quality knife you should really consider investing in quality killer kitchen knives like Henckels Chef’ Knife. You really do end up saving money in the long run, plus it is exactly the type of blade I would reach for if I ever hear a strange noise in the middle of the night!

Compare prices but the lowest price is from Abes of Maine for $79.00

Click on the image or link to purchase the Henckels Chef Knife!

2. Global 11 inch Heavy Weight Forged Chef’s Knife

Global knives are manufactured by Yoshikin in Niigata, Japan. Designed in 1985 by Komin Yamada. Global knives singular edge and balance makes them unique and ones of the best in the world.

I personally like the durability and aesthetic of a single sharpened piece of cutlery. Seems very refined, sharp and clean. Plus let’s face it, Japan is renowned for their high standards and razor sharp cutlery.

Price $141.95

If your interested in purchasing the Global Heavy Duty Chef Knife, click here or above.

Now go out there and buy your killer knives!