Cool Range Find a Home
Long Branch beach had put me in the mood for a little an extended break and I returned to find myself smack in the middle of a house move and a kitchen makeover, plus two kids I can no longer afford to have away at summer camp!
It’s been fun picking out bits and pieces for my (hopefully) exciting new kitchen. One of the toughest decisions, though, was deciding on a free-standing range or stove.
I needed something practical, easy to clean, with a great oven and both a low-heat simmer burner (so I no longer have to use a bain-marie, or double boiler, for melting chocolate) as well as fast-boil super-BTU’d burner (so I don’t have to twiddle thumbs for too long for my umpteenth cup of tea). Did I mention the range also had to be good looking? (more…)
The Zen Way to Keep Stainless Steel Spotless
Little did I imagine when I hankered after a kitchen with sparkling stainless steel appliances what a herculean task it would be to keep them glitzy and fingerprint free. In fact, I pin all blame for my recent absence from this blog on this time-consuming conundrum.
Over the years, I have tried glass cleaner, special sprays for stainless steel appliances, a ludicrous array of lint-free cloths, and was just about to throw in the non-proverbial towel, when I discovered the answer right there in my larder.
For those of you who aren’t visited on a regular basis by the chirpy cleansing crew known as Merry Maids, this might prove your salvation too.
All you need is straight-up vinegar, some inoffensive smelling oil, kitchen paper and a soft buffing cloth.
- First, wipe the surface thoroughly with a jay cloth or kitchen paper dipped in a bowl of vinegar. This will eradicate any kitchen grease. The task will smell pretty rotten but it should open up your sinuses and it beats having streaks and fingerprints all over your fridge.
- Then, pour a little oil (canola is scent-free and works beautifully) into a small bowl. Into this bowl, dip a clean sheet of kitchen paper and wipe the surface again – and thoroughly.
- Before your eyes, stains will disappear, the sheen will reappear, your sanity will be restored, and your fridge will thank you for the absence of trans fat and cholesterol in the canola oil.
- Polish with the buffing cloth and pour yourself a martini
- Call your friends and have a dinner party before those mysterious fingerprints reappear!
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