Fall 2009

Did You Know?

What is the first known stove? The invention of the stove was directly responsible for the evolution of the kitchen.  The original known stove was called a Kamado.  Prior to the invention of the Kamado, food was prepared over an open flame of a fire pit often in the middle of the home.  Due to smoke and other dangerous factors a lot of the older kitchens were outside of the home. Until the early 20th century there are various ways that food was prepared. There were summer kitchens and generally kitchens were other places than inside the home so that the staff could prepare the meals. It wasn't until the plumbing and electric was introduced into the home that seperate spaces were created for the kitchen. The first known stove was the Franklin Stove in 1740, then the Rumford Stove in 1800. Then in 1834 the invention of the Steve Oberlin Stove was patened in the US. This stove was operated by wood or coal. Then in 1893 the first electric stove was introduced at the World's Exposition in Chicago. The electric stove did not take off until the 1930's and that is when kitchen design in the home took off!

Going Green

Energy Star Refrigerator Energy Star Refrigerators run more efficiently than their predecessors.  First, the insulation used on the green refrigerators are improving every year, increasing the refrigerators ability to hold the cold air inside.  Over the years, compressors have increasingly become more efficient largly due to government restrictions.  Most refrigerator freezers share air between the refrigerator and freezer.  Over time, automatic termperature controls have become more reined allowing better detection of the termperature in the refrigerator and freezer reducing the use of the compressor.  Some refrigerators actually have sensors that detect the cycles your refrierator runs on and readjusts the termperature control around consumers use.  Energy efficient under counter refrigeration is a great way to save energy as well.  All of these features combined have reduced the use of energy 40% by using energy efficient models. Appliance Stimulus Package should  be available soon for Energy Star Refrigerators! A $300 million dollar "cash for clunkers" program will be federally sponsored to boost sales of energy efficient home appliances starting later this fall.  These programs have been proven effective in the West and have increased energy usage by as much as 5%.  For you the consumer, there should be rebates through the government as well as the appliance manufacturer's.  We will keep you posted as we have more information!

Cleaning Tip

How to Clean A Refrigerator A frost Free refrigerator should be cleaned when dirty or at least every four to six months.  Begin by removing shelves, bins racks and trays.  Wash them in a mild soap solution and then dry thoroughly.  Wash the inside of the refrigerator with a spong soaked in vanilla extract to remove odors inside. Wipe with a wet clean cloth or use a comercial kitchen cleaner to remove heavy smudges or dirt. Rinse with clean water and dry the inside of your refrigerator before reassembling.  The exterior of your refrigerator should not be neglected either.  To give your refrigerator a good shine after cleaning smudges and dirt with commercial kitchen cleaners, gub the exterior of the refrigerator with a cloth dipped in baking soda.  Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth to a shine.  Dont forget to pull the refrigerator out to vacuum behind the unit and remove the lower grate to vacuum the unit below for the best efficiency.  To keep odors to a minimum regularly, always keep a box of baking soda inside the refrigerator.

Featured Product

The new G.E. 29 Cu. Ft. Bottom Mount Refrigerator General Electric has introduced a new stainless steel refrigerator of gigantic proportions.  The 29 Cubic Foot refrigerator comes equipped with a 7 inch Media center - full-color LCD allows you to upload pictures and provides nutrition facts, a conversion tool and a substitution feature.  There is an integrated dispenser where by you can enjoy filtered water and a fresh look with a color matched dispenser.  The ClimateKeeper system that is trade marked by General Electric with dual evaporators that create the ideal environments to maintain fresh and frozen food have been included in the design.  The LED interior lighting allows you to find exactly what you are looking for and the Freshness Center with full-width drawer maintains fresh taste in the crisper as well as in the humidity controlled crispers.  The two level Slide 'n Store system allows instant access to frozen foods in large and extra large containers.  The TurboCool and TurboFreeze settings allow the food to taste just as you expect it to no matter how many times you open and close the refrigerator.  The QuickSpace shelf allows the placement of tall items.  Beyond the great interior features, the refrigerator is quiet and the doors are self closing. Visit General Electrics website to find more information about this exciting new refrigerator www.geappliances.com.

Recipe of the Season

Easy Pumpkin Soup Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Butter 1 1/2 Cups Sliced Fresh Mushrooms 1/2 Cup Chopped Red Onion 2 Tablespoons Flour 2 Teaspoons Curry Poweder 3 Cups Canned Chicken Broth 2 Cups Canned Pumpkin 1 Tablespoon Sugar 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg 1 1/2 Cups Evaporated Milk Preperation: Melt Butter in large saucepan and cook onion and mushrooms until tender stirring often. Add flour and curry and stir well. Slowly stir in chicken broth and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in pumpkin, sugar, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add milk and cook until thoroughly heated. Serve garnished with parsley, sour cream and/or chives. Yield: 6-8 serving.