Holland Houseware

Spices are absolutely essential when it comes to cooking delicious meals. The use of dried herbs in food preparation has been documented for thousands of years, in countries all over the globe. There are hundreds of herbs and spices to choose from in order to make your food taste amazing. In what ways can you spice up your cooking?

Cinnamon, pepper and cloves are used in kitchens all over the world. Imagine how your food would taste if it wasn’t prepared using herbs - both the smell and taste would be much, much weaker. You only have to walk past a kitchen where chicken curry is being prepared using spices including cinnamon or pepper, in order to truly experience the amazing effect of spices.

The amount of spice to be added to the food is more important than adding spice. There are hundreds of cooking tips which are available on the World Wide Web, but you must remember that the amount of spice to be added along with the dish must be very less. It is necessary to note that, a pinch of spice is enough to add flavor to a kilogram of chicken or meat.

Even smaller amounts are needed when you are cooking with stronger seasonings, like garlic or red pepper. In addition, the volume of your dish will be greater when you add seasonings. It is easy to spice up your cooking by using everyday spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and garlic. If you are at a loss on how to use spices, check out some online forums where they discuss a variety of cooking styles.

I have personally experienced just how difficult kitchen organization can be. Trying to keep spices in their correct position can be annoying. When you are preparing certain dishes, you need to have the correct spices available to hand. This would make sure that all meals prepared taste delicious.

Spice racks are a necessity when it comes to organizing your kitchen. This is one reason why “trudeau spice racks” are so well-known. Spice racks which come pre-loaded with spice containers are even available. Choose spice racks that will last and don’t take up too much space in your kitchen. Spice racks are perfect for your kitchen. When you have the right seasonings available, you can really spice up your cooking!

Spices are absolutely essential when it comes to cooking delicious meals. The use of dried herbs in food preparation has been documented for thousands of years, in countries all over the globe. What ways can you spice up your cooking? For kitchen organization, spice racks are a must. This is likely why Trudeau spice racks have become such a common name. Some spice racks can be purchased already including spice containers, making organization even easier. A durable and space-saving spice rack is sure to be perfect for your kitchen. By organizing your kitchen, you will definitely add some spice to your cooking.

- Robin Holland-Smith

People who would like to become great cooks, or who already are excellent in the kitchen, know that they need high-quality utensils and appliances. Wood cooking utensils, like bread boards and wood rolling pins, are popular with traditional chefs. Many of these cooks have been licking wooden spoons since they were children, and couldn’t imagine cooking without wooden implements.

Wood is both sturdy and beautiful and adds warmth to even shining and austere modern kitchen decor. You can find tea coffee sugar containers in many woods and designs, and spice, salt, and pepper mills are often wood as well. One of the makers of highest quality wooden kitchen items is the T&G Woodware Ltd. Company based in England, but increasingly popular abroad.

This company sells storage containers of fine woods such as tea coffee sugar containers, mills, bread bins, rolling pins, spoons and more. Each is designed to be easy to use and nice to look at. They combine modern expertise in wood treatment and fabrication with all the charm of an old time country kitchen.

Browse the various tea, coffee or sugar containers offered and you will find many more items from which to choose, in the same design. Outfit your kitchen with garlic bins, pasta jars and cookie jars in brightly-colored, contemporary designs. Try presenting every-day ingredients like sea salt in a small pot with a wooden scoop. This charming presentation can be more appealing than a regular sugar bowl.

Even simple wooden spoons are kicked up a notch being made from a gorgeous waxed beech. Traditional rolling pins are joined by very modern one piece marble versions in several colors. Standard mortars and pestles are offered in the traditional stone and the option of a wooden set. Some designs are company signatures like the quirky modern lines of the “sorcerer’s hat” salt and pepper mills.

The company has over 650 products in their line and more than 30 years of experience. All wood is finished with nontoxic washable lacquers and all beech items have a three year guarantee. Care and use instructions are provided on the website, which is a great convenience, and customer service online and by phone is also offered. The website also lists retailers who carry their products and dozens of online sellers.

One trustworthy source of top of the line kitchen supplies is T&G Woodware. Those who are partial to utensils and storage containers made from wood will find this to be an excellent source of products. Although their online product catalogue can make shopping for gifts a wonderful experience, there is one obstacle: choosing the perfect present without purchasing several items for yourself!

People who would like to become great cooks, or who already are excellent in the kitchen, know that they need high-quality utensils and appliances. Wood cooking utensils, like bread boards and wood rolling pins, are popular with traditional chefs. Many of these cooks have been licking wooden spoons since they were children, and couldn’t imagine cooking without wooden implements. Woods is durable and attractive, adding unique aesthetic properties to any kitchen’s decor, from the most old-fashioned to the more modern. Tea coffee sugar containers can be found with many designs in different kinds of wood, as well as wooden spice, salt, and pepper mills.

- Robin Holland-Smith

When looking at kitchen appliances you can be excited yet confused at the same time. You will need to decide which appliance you need. You also should decide if you need something or if you might not use it. Another decision to be made is if it is worth the money. Don’t buy something that will just sit in your cupboard and never be used.

One of the few small appliances that every kitchen needs to have is a slow cooker. Cooking with a slow cooker is as fast and easy as cooking gets. You can put meats and other foods into the slow cooker in the morning, allow them to cook throughout the day, and arrive at home with a hot, home-cooked meal waiting. Just one whiff of your first luscious meal will convince you that you’ve spent your money wisely.

Who wouldn’t want perfectly cooked rice? A rice cooker appliance cooks your rice for you, enabling you to continue meal preparations without having to concern yourself with tending to the rice in its pot. The rice cooker alerts you when the rice has completed the cooking cycle. Certain models may even maintain the rice on a low setting to keep it warm. With your rice cooker, your rice is ready to be added to the meal without any fuss, perfectly cooked every time.

Deep fat fryers are often left off most wish lists these days. We all know it is not very chic to fry food but we all usually eat something that is fried from time to time. The fried food we eat is usually from a fast food establishment. The food we get at these places is usually French fries that started out frozen. Having a deep fat fryer in the kitchen would allow you to enjoy a dish of hot fries that you have made from fresh potatoes at home.

You can cook many things with deep fat fryers, and some examples include potato chips, doughnuts, and tempura. Additionally, you can select any ingredients you want to use. This makes deep fat fryer cooking great for those with special dietary restrictions. It might be unsafe to eat in restaurants if you have food allergies to eggs or dairy, for instance, but you can avoid this problem by making your food at home while avoiding any risk of an emergency due to an allergic reaction.

It is important to buy the appliance that will do the best job for you and the one that is suited to your needs. Sometimes a gadget will look like it is the next best thing, but it ends up sitting on the shelf never being touched. If you only use it once of twice it really isn’t worth the money that you spend.

Few of the appliances that every kitchen should have are slow cookers, Deep fat fryers and rice cookers. Home operated fat fryers can actually lead to a lessened consumption of fried foods, since most people would much prefer a small portion of piping hot French fries made in fresh oil from fresh potatoes in their own kitchen to a large cup of mealy, previously frozen fries from a fast food chain. This is especially great if anyone in your family needs a special diet due to food allergies. It is very important when buying kitchen appliances to buy only what you will use.

- Robin Holland-Smith

The common question for those pulling ingredients out of their pantries, cold storage or cupboards is always “Is this still good?” It’s a common question for anyone who has been cooking for years, or just begun. For many people, food storage is still a mystery.

It is better to store kitchen basic such as flour and sugar in airtight containers. Bread and cereal can also be stored in such a way. Food containers for cooking have been designed specifically for this purpose and can be extremely helpful.

You should also be looking at what is being stored in your freezer. Freezer burn commonly occurs on all types of food that is stored in the freezer, from meat to breads, and fruits and vegetables as well. Improper storage is usually the culprit for freezer burn, and it can dramatically reduce the potential lifespan of such things as steaks or roasts, which can store properly for as long as a year. Containers that are not air tight (like plastic wrap or aluminum foil) greatly reduce freezer storage time.

The way you use containers for food storage influences not only the taste and consistency of the food that is being cooked. Using it incorrectly can be dangerous, since it can expose your family to bacteria through food that was not stored properly.

Now you need to ask yourself, “Is my kitchen storage keeping my family safe?” There is a wonderful brand of food storage containers that can not only help you make sure that your family’s food is safe, but also save you time and money by keeping you from replacing food that has grown stale or replacing an ingredient you thought was good that turned out not to be.

Lock & Lock containers are designed to be airtight. This will prolong the life of any of your food whether you use them to store meats in the freezer or leftovers in the fridge. Their specially locking design also gives you peace of mind against spillage. Feel free to store that left over stew in the refrigerator or send a container of chicken soup to a sick friend. Your food stays where you put it.

This container brand is good for other reasons also. Not only do they keep you food fresher with a fresher lock on all sides, but they also store neatly, which saves you space. Lock & Lock containers are safe for use in your freezer, dishwasher, or microwave, as well as being resistant to staining. These containers will last your for a long time, and they are very fairly priced.

Airtight containers are the best way to store your most basic ingredients, such as sugar or flour. Food containers for cooking are these containers designed specifically for that purpose in mind. Now you need to ask yourself, “Is my kitchen storage keeping my family safe?” There is a wonderful brand of food storage containers that can not only help you make sure that your family’s food is safe, but also save you time and money by keeping you from replacing food that has grown stale or replacing an ingredient you thought was good that turned out not to be.

- Robin Holland-Smith

You can save money on cookware if you buy them by set. Know your requirements before you start buying your pots and pans. When you buy individual pieces, you will end up paying more. The commonly available sets contain nonstick cookware as well uncoated ones. Judge non-stick sets are easy to clean and they need only little oil for cooking. This will reduce your intake of fat. But they get scratched easily and foods may not get brown well in these non-stick utensils.

Saucepans, skillets, and stockpot are typical items in many household kitchens. The makers of judge non-stick sets separate lids from pieces in sets. Lids that fit saucepans or stockpots are comparable to sized skillets. All sets usually include large and small pans and skillets. More pieces, however, don’t mean better value; especially if the set comes with items you don’t use but have to find extra space to store them.

Even though it is easy to buy your cookware online, it is a good idea to go to a local retailer and view the cookware in person. Be sure to check the weight of each pot. Imagine how heavy the pot will feel when it’s full if it is also heavy when empty. Another thing to inspect is the comfort of the handle and how the pot balances when holding it by the handle. The handles on good cookware should feel tightly attached and very sturdy. Also, read the instructions carefully to see if the cookware is dishwasher safe.

Stainless steel cookware is easy to use and is also very attractive in appearance. Nowadays pots and pans come in various shapes and sizes. When you are out shopping for economical sets, it would be wise to purchase at least three of different sizes. One has to be small, one medium and the third large. A wise option would be choosing stellar stainless steel.

Stainless steel is the perfect choice for those who want something that is easy to use, easy to clean and is sturdy. These pieces work well on the oven as well as off the oven. These stainless steel pieces do not flake or warp after lots of use either, as lower quality pots and pans do. They are easily stored and are dishwasher safe. To this end, stainless steel pots and pans are the most cost efficient way to cook.

Pots with self draining lids are a great way to steam a variety of foods, including both vegetables and seafood. Basic pots have a removable screen insert, that is fitted in the pot to hold the food that will be steamed. The liquid steams at the bottom of the pan, never touching the food, and once the food is ready all you do is hold the lid to drain the liquid through an opening that is specially created for the purpose of draining.

Selecting the most economical and efficient cookware is all about the product. Almost all sets have nonstick pieces. Judge non-stick sets usually contain large and small pans and skillets. Many people use skillets, a large pot and smaller saucepans in their kitchen. When choosing cookware stainless steel is a great choice. Stellar stainless steel pans are very durable and distribute heat evenly at high temperatures. Pots with self draining lids are great for steaming food. The basic pot is fitted with a removable insert which holds the food to be steamed. Liquid is therefore kept separate from the food and is drained away through the specially designed opening following cooking.

- 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.

Many knife brands have celebrity and professional chefs that endorse that particular brand. Stellar James Martin is one such brand. If you need kitchen knives for great cooking, be sure to check them out. The Chef Martin line of cutlery is composed of toughened molybdenum steel and have a lifetime guarantee. Available as individual knives or in a set, they are the perfect type to match your specific needs.

James Martin has a huge selection of knives and other cutting tools that you can buy by the individual piece. But sometimes the best values are found in cutlery sets. These come in a wood block that is very efficient for countertop storage. The wood block also keeps you safe instead of having to store knives loose in a drawer. Storing them in a block also helps protect the sharp edges. All that’s required is to make sure your knives are dry before you put them in the block.

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.

How a knife feels in the user’s hand is an important feature to look for in kitchen knives. People just aren’t as likely to use knives that don’t feel good to hold, no matter how expensive the knives. Kitchen Devil has produced an excellent line of knives which feature handles designed for comfort. A knife that feels good to hold will end up being well-used in any kitchen.

These molybdenum steel knives make them better able to take the rougher handling at home than even some much more expensive professional knives. Chefs carry their very pricey knives in special cases and no one touches another chef’s knives, but at home, the use is more casual and often not as careful. Putting those in a dishwasher would be unthinkable, but both Kitchen Devil and Stellar give you this option. With a little care, these knives may outlast you!

One thing all good chefs have in common is a great set of kitchen knives for great cooking. Stellar James Maritin Knives are developed by professional chefs, and are really excellent for all kinds of cooking. Kitchen Devil Knives are top-of-the-line when it comes to performance, quality, and value. These knives are especially appealing to home cooks, because they are both extremely lightweight and functional. Chefs carry their knives in special cases and no one touches another chef’s knives, but at home knife use is more casual. These knives also come with a warranty that lasts for ten years, a good protection on your investment.

- Robin Holland-Smith

This month, we’re reviewing super tools for the kitchen. One of the brands that really popped out at us during the reviewing process is the Oxo Good Grips line. These innovative kitchen tools feature soft rubber grips, ergonomic design, and tons of functionality. They are such a joy to use in the kitchen that we’ve compiled a list of our top five Oxo Good Grips products.

1. Angled measuring cups: these ingenious measuring cups let you check your measurement by looking down into the cup instead of having to squat to look at the calibration written on the side. The measurement marks in the cups are printed clearly and plainly for easy observation. The angled design of these cups is user-friendly as well as being an attractive addition to your 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. 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

If you are wanting to get the perfect gift for that person who seems to have everything, why not consider specialty cookware. Gift cookware sets are available in a wide variety of styles, and make an excellent gift for that person who loves to cook and dine. The price point is just right for birthdays, Christmas gifts, or for a wedding or an anniversary.

A basic specialty gift cookware set is a pasta pot set. Anyone who loves delicious, perfectly-cooked pasta will love this gift set. It includes a set of pasta pots specially designed to cook pasta right to the al dente stage (but not beyond). Even better, pasta pots contain strainers that are built right in to the pots, making preparation a breeze.

More adventurous cooks should consider adding a paella pan to their kitchen. It is designed to evenly conduct heat and distribute liquid. Using paella pan will help you create the perfect paella, but don’t stop there. It can be used for other dishes as well.

Alternative gifts for anyone who really enjoys their food are Judge Asparagus Steamers. The steamer is designed to held the asparagus stems in the right position during the cooking process, with the thick stems closest to the heat, and the tender tips further away, so they don’t overcook. Thanks to the removable insert, Judge Asparagus Steamers can also be used to cook other vegetables to perfection, too.

Another great gift to take into consideration would be a fondue pot. Anyone who loves cheese will love a fondue pot, and it is also a great center point for parties, while it can also be a great appetizer for just two. It utilizes either a candle, or other low-temperature heating element, that slowly heat up the pot to the temperature necessary for perfect fondue.

A wonderful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth is a chocolate melting pot or even a chocolate fountain. Chocolate pots slowly melt chocolate using a low and even temperature, preparing the chocolate for dipping and moulding. Chocolate fountains are great for parties and small get-togethers, the chocolate pours from the top, allowing the guests to hold their fruits, pretzels, and other goodies under the flow of chocolate, coating them evenly.

If you are wanting to get the perfect gift for that person who seems to have everything, why not consider specialty cookware. For the cook in your life a pasta pot set is a terrific cookware gift. Pasta pots help achieve perfectly cooked pasta much more easily than traditional boiling. Paella pans are specialty cookware which is designed to evenly conduct heat and distribute liquid evenly while cooking. Alternative gifts for anyone who really enjoys their food are Judge Aparagus Steamers. A chocolate melting pot or the chocolate fountain are a great gift the the sweet lover in your life.

- Robin Holland-Smith

A pot with self-draining properties is a great tool for steaming many foods, including seafood and vegetables. The basic pot is equipped with a removable screen insert. This insert fits inside the pot and holds the food to be steamed. The steaming liquid, usually water or broth, is in the bottom of the pot and does not touch the food. When the food is sufficiently steamed all you have to do is hold the lid and drain the liquid through the special opening designed for this purpose.

Judge self draining lids have been shown to be safe in the dishwasher. The Judge Vista five piece stainless steel set with draining lids has five saucepans with pouring lips and glass lids. The sizes are as follows: 14cm/1.2lt, 16cm/1.8lt, 18cm/2.4lt, 20cm/3.3lt and a 24cm saute pan with lid. There are also built in draining holes. These are suitable for all uses including induction. They are guaranteed for 25 years.

It is essential to buy a similar cookware if a person has bought a new ceramic hob. The quality of judge self draining lids is very good and a person can purchase a stainless steel Judge self draining lids non-stick cookware. It is surprising to know from the instructions when it is read that salt should not be added to cold water when kept in a pan but should be done once the water was boiling. It is easy cooking as the information is convincing.

The 5-quart Dutch oven contains a self-draining lid, which prevents liquid from boiling over the side. If the liquid boils to high it is sent down the lid’s sloping side and drained back into the pot. The Dutch ovens are usually made of aluminum with sturdy non-stick exterior and interior. Only nylon utensils should be used on the interior non-stick surface. Do not use wooden or plastic utensils. Handles stay cool to the touch. The pots are dishwasher safe but most people prefer to hand wash them.

Using this 5-quart Dutch oven allows you to boil water all the time without the risk of spillovers. The pot is made of sturdy aluminum, which conducts heat evenly. The interior has a multi-layer nonstick coating for ease of cleaning and boasts a handle that always stays cool to touch. The Dutch oven has a flared rim all around which enables pouring without drips.

The finely crafted spiral groove bottom distributes heat evenly. In addition to keeping water in the pan, the No Boil Over lid locks in place and can be used to drain water from cooked food. The glass cover can be used on top of the pan or turned upside down for use as an attractive serving bowl or to store leftovers. All no boil over cookware is covered by a five-year warranty and is oven-safe to 350 degrees F.

Try purchasing a new stainless steel Judge self draining lids non-stick cookware. The instruction manual of such cookware states that salt has to be added only after the water in the pan starts boiling. It is very convincing as it is easy cooking. The liquid boils up, flows down lid’s slope, drains back into pan. They are normally aluminum constructed with durable nonstick interior and exterior. The handles are cool to touch. They are dishwasher safe but people recommend washing them with hands. One should use nylon, wooden or plastic utensils on the nonstick surface.

- Robin Holland-Smith

If you’re sick and tired of the burned, undercooked, or unevenly baked breads, cookies, and rolls that you cook in your traditional metal cookware, it might be time to think about pyrex. Pyrex is a special type of heat-resistant glass that is used by expert cooks all over the world to produce perfect baked goods. It comes in a variety of different types of cookware, such as casserole dishes, cake pans and loaf pans of every size and description.

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.

Pyrex cookware has natural non-stick properties and only needs a light coat of non-stick spray when baking. Foods slide off easily, meaning no scrubbing and attractive food. Sticky baked goods, such as caramel rolls or lasagna come out of the pan perfectly when baked in a Pyrex casserole dish.

Need cookware that heats evenly and perfectly, Pyrex cookware is your choice. Baked goods brown slowly and evenly, which shortens baking time. Baked goods won’t burn easily, nor will they over or under cook. Problems experienced with aluminum cookware are a thing of the past. No more uneven cooking or fallen crusts with Pyrex cookware.

Pyrex tableware is also a good choice for use in the microwave. Plates, bowls and serving dishes made from Pyrex are very attractive and can be found in almost any style and color. In addition, Pyrex tableware is much better able to withstand high temperatures than plastic and ceramic.

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.

You will relish baked and grilled delicacies cooked in Pyrex glassware. Pyrex has the ability to withstand high temperatures and provides for evenly cooked baked dishes. Unlike aluminum and other metal cookware, Pyrex cookware is simple to care for because it will never rust. Cleaning a Pyrex casserole dish requires no scrubbing or elbow grease because food easily flakes away. Unlike other forms of cooking on the market, Pyrex tableware and cookware is stain resistant and will never discolor over time. 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.

- Robin Holland-Smith