Holland Houseware

Are you currently in the planning for a loved one’s birthday party or celebration? If you said yes, then you ought to consider spending a lot of money on a novelty bakery cake. With a specialty baking novelty cake pan, you can make a festive cake that takes less time to make yourself than putting an order in at the bakery and driving to pick it up!

A wide variety of novelty bakeware pans are now available for whatever occasion you want to celebrate. They come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you would like to celebrate a child’s birthday with a puppy, a bunny, a train, or a character cake, there is now a cake mold you can purchase. An older child or teenager might like a cake in the shape of a basketball or football, a pirate ship, a backpack, or even an MP3 player. Adults may appreciate any number of the wide variety of novelty cake molds now available.

Use a boxed cake mix or whip up your favorite cake recipe and simply pour the batter in the speciality baking cake mold. Bake as usual, and cool before frosting. Then use icing from a jar or homemade frosting and create various colors with food coloring. Frosting the novelty cake is easy - you can spread with a knife, or use a simple piping bag to pipe stars or rosettes.

One simple idea is to utilize a star tip on the piping bag and use it to pipe close rows of stars. These tips are available at any cake decoration store or craft store. As an example, pipe rows of pink or purple stars on a bunny specialty baking mold. These will look like the fur of the bunny. Then pipe white stars for the tail and ears, and a few more for eyes, paws, mouth, and nose.

The edges on cakes, made by novelty cake pans, will alert you where elements should be placed. Utilizing a basic tip you can put in white stripes as whiskers! End up the cake by piping black or white stripes around different parts of the body as specified by the edges on the cake. Another good final touch is to add icing sparkles and sprinkles.

Baking a birthday cake for someone special can be fun, easy to do, and will not break your budget. In fact, the cost of baking a cake yourself can be as little as a tenth of the cost of a cake from a bakery. Additionally, because you can bake a cake that specifically reflects the birthday person’s personality and taste, your homemade cake is bound to produce a warm reception.

You can make a festive cake yourself faster than putting an order in at the bakery and driving to pick it up! Mix up your favorite cake recipe or boxed cake mix and pour the batter into the speciality baking cake mold. Bake as you usually would, remembering to cool before frosting. Add food coloring to icing from a jar or a homemade frosting to create various colors. To frost your novelty cake, spread the icing with a knife or use a piping bag to create stars or rosettes. Novelty bakeware and cake pans will produce ridges on the cake that mark the places where details go.

- Robin Holland-Smith

For the coffee connoisseur, that ever elusive ‘perfect’ cup of coffee is quite important. You can’t be happy with the every day, ordinary canned, ground, or drip coffee, you want an elite coffee making apparatus. This article examines some tips on achieving that elusive ‘perfect’ brewing, which may turn out to be easier than you might have thought.

1. Ordinary drip coffee makers produce a bitter, weak brew, so use a gourmet coffee maker. Try to find a coffee maker with steeping time protection, thermal technology, and an insulated carafe. Stove-top espresso brewers also will work well to produce a delicious, strongly brewed cup of coffee. For the perfect cup, consider manufacturers such as Moka and Lacafetiere

2) Choose unbleached, natural paper filters or gold mesh ones. The white bleached filters can leave chemical residues in coffee that runs through them, which affects taste. The best option is the gold mesh filter, which usually comes built in to your coffee pot. If your coffee machine did not come with that type, purchase unbleached ones to retain the pure taste of your coffee.

3. Be careful with your water: most tap water is too soft for perfect brewing. In addition, it may contain minerals which will leave deposits in your coffee maker. Not only are these mineral deposits difficult to remove, but they can also leave “off” flavors in your coffee. Expert brewers filter their water or used distilled water to create the perfect cup of coffee.

4. Heat up your coffee cup: it sounds simplistic, but warming your cup prior to adding the coffee will make a big difference. Not only will you extend and maintain coffee temperature, but it will also guarantee the ideal taste, since flavor continues to intensify after pouring. Just prior to coffee time, add boiling water to your cup and churn around to warm the cup. Very warm tap water may also be used, but the effect won’t be as great.

Coffee time means you are anticipating the rich-tasting, hot brew. When you want your coffee time to be just right, take a few steps and make sure that it tastes as good as it can. Doing these simple things will ensure that your morning begins smoothly and that you are ready to accomplish your work for the rest of the day.

If you’re an authority on coffee you understand the importance and difficulty in finding the “ideal” cup of coffee. There are stove top espresso brewers, these produce a wonderfully strong and flavorful brew. Among the best choices for manufacturers of premium coffee maker products are Lacafetiere and moka. To make coffee time perfect, be sure to take a few simple steps in order to make the most delicious cup of coffee. You’ll be sure to start the day off on the right foot and look forward to what the day brings.

- Robin Holland-Smith

Quality Baking Equipment Makes Baking Easy http://tinyurl.com/ytcy3n

Microwave ovens are a necessary appliance in all of our homes. They make cooking and warming up food a snap. You must be careful, however, about the type of cookware you use when using the microwave. . If you look on the bottom, most china and cookware will say whether they can be used in the oven. Also, you can find, virtually, any style or color you want.

Microwaves excite the electrons inside foods and cause rapid vibrations. These generate heat and cook from the inside out. Speed of cooking depends on the moisture and fat content of foods, the thickness and the quantity. Microwave cookware needs to consider the special needs of this method to optimize results. Metals are mostly avoided because microwaves cannot penetrate them appropriately, and they can generate too much heat and risk burning or fire.

While some plastics are fine in the microwave, others fare somewhat less well. For example, cookware made with melamine (a type of thermosetting plastic) will tend to char. Similarly, disposable microwave cookware may perform acceptably when used for brief reheating, but can melt under the heat of extended cooking. Many such items, such as browning discs or sleeves, are meant only for one-time use and may be dangerous if reused.

When preparing food to be cooked in a microwave, cut the food to even sizes. The distribute the food evenly in the dish prior to cooking. For even cooking, choose shallow microwave cookware with straight sides. This is because is the sides of the dish slope, the food in the shallow parts will cook faster than the food in the deeper parts of the dish.

Microwave method needs special considerations for foods that cannot be stirred such as using tube shaped or ring pans for things like meatloaf or cakes. Browning elements are another example of special cookware necessary because foods do not brown in a microwave the same as the do with thermal cooking. Most browning elements need preheated before adding the food.

Other specialized microwave cookware exposes food to as much area as possible, like bacon cookers or potato chip makers. These make cooking more even and allow faster overall cooking times. Grills may have ridges for draining grease and have browning capabilities as well.

Many people are now concerned by the possibility that plastic cookware may release unwanted and even dangerous chemicals in the microwave and will prefer ceramic and glass cookware instead. These have the disadvantage of being heavy and breakable, and some types can even shatter under certain cooking conditions. For those who are cautious about plastics, these may be the preferred choice.

Choosing the proper microwave cookware is crucial for safe, convenience cooking. Cookware designed for other purposes may not be suitable for fast cooking in a microwave oven. Metals should be avoided because microwaves cannot penetrate them appropriately, and they can generate too much heat. Plastic cookware made with melamine has been known to char. Some disposable cookware for microwave ovens is designed for reheating only, and may actually melt under other conditions. There is growing concern that certain types of plastic cookware may be releasing dangerous and unwanted chemicals into food when heated in the microwave. For individuals who share these fears, ceramic or glass cookware may be preferred.

- Robin Holland-Smith

In case you are fed up of food that is not cooked optimally due to use of orthodox cooking utensils, it would make sense to go for Pyrex glassware. Pyrex has the ability to withstand high temperatures and provides for evenly cooked baked dishes. And you needn’t worry about variety; plenty of variations are available to suit all kinds of recipes and cooking methods. You will relish baked and grilled delicacies cooked in Pyrex glassware.

Glass Pyrex cookware has many versatile benefits compared to other metal cooking appliances on the market. Pyrex is also free of any chemical coating so there is no need for special kinds of utensils to use on the Pyrex cookware’s non-stick surface, so food easily melts away. This makes cooking cleanup with Pyrex easier, without all that extra scrubbing. Unlike other types of cookware Pyrex keeps up its appearance over time without becoming discolored.

When baking cookies, breads, or rolls Pyrex cookware needs only a light coat of non-stick spray because of natural non-stick properties. This means less cleaning and more beautiful looking foods because the food will come off clean. Using a Pyrex casserole dish causes messy, sticky foods like lasagna to come of the the pan perfectly.

Helping to protect your food from overcooking, undercooking, and burning, Pyrex Cookware heats perfectly, slowly browning your baked goods and even reducing the time they need to be in the oven. Perfect for the busy cook, Pyrex Cookware can even eliminate many problems caused by other, inferior cookware, such as uneven cooking or fallen crusts.

Traditional materials such as ceramic and plastic simply cannot deal with heating and cooling as well as Pyrex, often warping or becoming brittle. As such, Pyrex tableware, such as plates, bowls, and serving dishes, is the clear winner in this area. Additionally, Pyrex tableware looks attractive and is available in a wide range of colors to match any home decor.

If you are tired of foods that do not cook properly or of serving dishes that could be wrecked when overheated, you might want to use Pyrex. This product involves a special type of heat-resistant glass, and is liked because it can slowly and evenly heat foods slowly, producing a beautiful brown crust time after time.

Unlike aluminum and other metal cookware, Pyrex cookware is simple to care for because it will never rust. There is no need for any kind of chemical coating that can be scratched away over time because glass is naturally non-stick. Using a Pyrex casserole dish causes messy, sticky foods like lasagna to come of the the pan perfectly. Pyrex tableware, such as plates, bowls, and serving dishes, are also tough to beat. Traditional materials such as ceramic and plastic just cannot deal with heat as well as Pyrex does. If you are tired of foods that do not cook properly, you might want to use Pyrex.

- Robin Holland-Smith

If you ever watch those cooking competitions on television you will have noticed that one thing all professional chefs have is a set of exceptional knives that they bring to wherever they cook. A home chef is no less dependent on having great knives to do great cooking. Fortunately, there are knives that are affordable than can do a professional job.

Some knife brands are developed and sponsored by professional chefs and the Stellar James Martin knives are one of those, and one to check if you need kitchen knives for great cooking. Chef Martin’s line of cutlery is made of tough molybdenum steel and come with a very desirable lifetime guarantee. They come in sets or individual knives for customizing your selection.

Most cooks can tell you that just letting your good knives rattle around in a drawer damages the cutting edge. They prefer wood block knife storage, because it protects the edges of their knives. Some of the best buys offered by James Martin are sets which come in their own custom wood blocks, although you can also purchase a large assortment of individual knives and cutting tools. Whatever you choose, make sure your knives are completely dry before you put them away.

It’s very difficult to beat the Kitchen Devil knives line in terms of performance, quality and value. These lightweight, but very functional knives can often be found online at bargain prices. Like the Martin knives, you may buy them as individual items, or you can buy the entire set and be prepared for every need. Kitchen Devil knives are very light, yet have a very professional appearance, and this may appeal to many home cooks.

Kitchen Devil knives are made with durable molybdenum steel, which is designed to create a sharper edge than stainless steel blades. As a result, Kitchen Devil knives are not only dishwasher safe but also retain excellent cutting ability.

Another feature of the line of Kitchen Devil knives is a beautifully designed comfort handle for a grip that is sure and pleasant to the hands as well. Each knife or tool will thus be easy to use and more likely to be put to more applications than a very expensive knife that just doesn’t feel good to hold. They come with a 10 year warranty to protect your investment.

Molybdenum steel knives are better equipped for rough home use than many significantly more expensive professional knives. Chefs commonly spend large amounts of money on their knives, and treat them with great care, but at home, you will likely be less cautious about caring for and maintaining your knives. Unlike many high-end professional knives, both Kitchen Devil and Stellar knives can even be put into the dishwasher. With just a little care, these knives may even outlast you!

One thing all good chefs have in common, and this is obvious on any cooking competition TV show you may watch, is a great set of knives. In order to do a good job, a chef at home, needs a good set of knives just the same as any other chef. Thankfully, for an affordable price, you can get stellar james maritin knives. Kitchen Devil knives are made with durable molybdenum steel, which is designed to create a sharper edge than stainless steel blades. As a result, kitchen knives for great cooking are not only dishwasher safe but also retain excellent cutting ability.

- Robin Holland-Smith

We are looking at kitchen gadgets this month. Of all the brands out there, the one that has really shown itself to be superior is the Oxo Good Grips line. This line of advanced kitchen utensils sport rubberized grips, easy to use designs, and are highly functional. We found them so easy and wonderful to use that we put together the top five Oxo Good Grips products for you in a list.

1. Angled measuring cups: These things are ingenious because they let you check the accuracy of your measurement just by looking straight down into the cup. The innovative angled design and the clear and bright measurement marks inside the cup make it a breeze to use. Not only that, they also look great in your kitchen.

2. Snap-lock can opener: this can opener is extremely functional as well as easy on the hands. To start opening your can, squeeze the opener, and it will lock onto the can with a snap. When you’ve finished, a gentle press on the lock will open the can opener with another snap. We had a lot of fun using this can opener and think that you’ll enjoy it, too. Plus, if you’re a person with small hands or arthritis and have always struggled to keep a conventional can opener closed, the snap-lock can opener might be an appealing option.

A fat separator looks like a measuring cup, but its real job is to separate fat from liquids. Hot liquids do not pose a problem, as the fat separator is resistant to heat. Fat is kept away from the spout’s top by a a rubber stopper, and a strainer keeps food particles out of your gravy, soup, or other separated liquids.

4. Folding cutting boards: these fantastic cutting boards from Oxo Good Grips are made of heat-resistant polypropylene which folds up in a snap for quick and easy storage. Rubberized side panels prevent the cutting boards from slipping or moving at all, regardless of how vigorously you chop or cut meats, fruits, or vegetables.

5. Hand held slicers: these slicers, available in either mandolin or julienne, are easy to grip thanks to their great handles, and will prepare thinly sliced fruits or vegetables in an instant. The surface surrounding the blade is clear so that you can see exactly what you are cutting. You can either slice over a flat surface or hook the slicer over a bowl.

We are looking at super tools for the kitchen this month. Of all the brands out there, the one that has really shown itself to be superior is the Oxo Good Grips line. They are readily gripped because they possess great handles. This line of advanced kitchen utensils sport rubberized grips, easy to use designs, and are highly functional. They will prepare thinly cut fruit or vegetables very quickly. The area around the blade is transparent allowing you to see precisely what is being cut. One has the choice of slicing on a flat surface or hooking the slicer over a dish.

- Robin Holland-Smith

When reviewing this month’s super tools for the kitchen, the Oxo Good Grips line grabbed our attention as top-of-the-line kitchen tools. Oxo tools are innovative in design and include such features as soft rubber grips, user-friendly design, and a great deal of functionality. We enjoyed using these products so much in our own kitchens that we’ve listed our top five Oxo Good Grips products in this article to share with you.

1. Angled measuring cups: Simple and practical! These measuring cups allow accurate measurement with the ease of viewing by looking straight down into the cup. The measurement ticks on the side of the cup are clear and easily distinguishable and the innovative design is practical and easy to use. It also is visually stimulating and an attractive addition to any kitchen.

2. Snap-lock can opener: we really enjoyed using this unique can opener. To begin opening a can, just gently squeeze the opener - with a snap, it locks onto the can. After you’re done, just press the lock and it will open with a second snap. Not only is this can opener functional and fun to use, but it also is a boon to anyone (such as people with arthritis or with small hands) who struggles to have a tight enough grip to keep a can opener closed.

3. Fat separator: separates fat from any liquid, using a devices that looks like a measuring cup. Heat-resistant,, the fat separator can easily de-grease gravy and hot soups. The device has a rubber stopper on the spout that prevents fat from leaking out the spout’s top. It also includes a strainer to catch food particles that you’d also like to keep out of the final product.

4. Folding cutting boards. Oxo Good Grips presents this handy new innovation. It’s made of polypropylene to withstand higher temperatures. But the best part is you can fold it up so it takes up less storage space! And for safety, it includes rubber panels on the sides so it doesn’t move or slip while you prepare foods.

5. Manual slicers are available in either the mandolin or julienne varieties. They are readily gripped because they possess excellent handles. They will prepare thinly cut fruit or vegetables very quickly. The area around the blade is transparent allowing you to see precisely what is being cut. One has the choice of slicing on a flat surface or hooking the slicer over a dish.

We are looking at super tools for the kitchen this month. Of all the brands out there, the one that has really shown itself to be superior is the Oxo Good Grips line. The angled design of these cups is user-friendly as well as being an attractive addition to your kitchen. Manual slicers are available in either the mandolin or julienne varieties. They are readily gripped because they possess Great Handles. They will prepare thinly cut fruit or vegetables very quickly. The area around the blade is transparent allowing you to see precisely what is being cut.

- Robin Holland-Smith

If you’re a baker, you know what a difference having the right equipment can make to ensure your finished product is perfect. But what exactly is the right equipment? In this article, we discuss the most common types of bakeware and their pros and cons so that you can be as well informed as possible when you next walk into your local quality baking equipment store or purchase bakeware online.

The most common type of quality baking equipment is aluminium bakeware. Aluminium conducts heat well, which means that your baked products cook up evenly; however, some baked products may not brown as well as you might like. Aluminium bakeware is good for just about any type of food, except for foods with a high acid content (i.e., tomato-based foods or foods with a large amount of citrus juice).

Another popular material for quality baking equipment is glass. Glass is a good conductor of heat but, unlike aluminium, it allows food to brown completely and can be used to prepare acidic foods. Do keep in mind that, since glass heats up fast, you will have to reduce some baking temperatures by about 25 degrees.

Using silicone as a bakeware material is a fairly new development, but comes with many things in its favor; it’s flexible, adaptable, can be used in any temperature, and doesn’t stick. You can even fold silicone bakeware for convenient storage. Foods cooked in silicone non stick bakeware warm well, brown evenly, and best yet, the food stops cooking as it’s removed from the oven.

Tinned steel is also a good choice for bakeware. It is made with steel coated with tin. It conducts heat well, cooks food evenly, and allows for good browning. Over time, tin plate bakeware may darken slightly, which will not effect its baking ability. Make sure to dry your tinned steel bakeware completely after washing so that it does not rust.

Insulated bakeware is another option. Its composition of 2 metal layers with a thin layer of air in between allows for even baking and good browning. A wonderful benefit to using insulated bakeware is that food cooked in it is able to resist burning. The insulation results in slightly lowered heat, so it is possible that you might have to bake your food slightly longer to compensate for that.

If you bake regularly, you know that having a good equipment can help to ensure that your creation is exactly what you intended it to be. Here, we’ll talk about common baking equipment so that you can be well informed when you go shopping for quality baking equipment. Using silicone as a tin plate bakeware material is a fairly new development, but comes with many things in its favour; it’s flexible, adaptable, can be used in any temperature, and doesn’t stick. Foods cooked in silicone non stick bakeware warm well, brown evenly, and best yet, the food stops cooking as it’s removed from the oven.

- Robin Holland-Smith