Page 6 - Allisons Newsletter, Lakewood Edge - Jan 2019 Issue

accessories for the house
IN THE HOME
8 HELPFUL SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES

by Kathryn Weber TOASTER OVEN fashioned, but if you’re tired dressing, pies and rolls to blender. Better still, some
Far from their older of cleaning up your stove’s cook, your oven can run low wand blenders come with
here’s no question versions, toaster ovens today nooks and crannies, and the on space. Counter top roaster attachments that will quickly
that large kitchen can do more than just brown grates, these workhorses can ovens are terrific for holidays whiz up a batch of salad
Tappliances get the job bread. Toaster ovens can save you time and cleaning. when you need extra oven dressing or tartar sauce, or
done. But when you need defrost and broil as well. If An electric skillet can be space. Plus, they’re not as chop up onions, parsley or
something done quickly or your toaster oven simply toasts placed on a counter to drying as a standard oven garlic in small quantities in
efficiently, sometimes it’s and reheats, it might be time brown or sear food before giving you moister results. seconds.
the little devices that offer to get more versatility with a going into the slow cooker
big benefits. Here are eight replacement that can help you or make a meal that requires PANINI PRESS ELECTRIC KETTLE
that can help your kitchen bake a quick batch of cookies a skillet and do it with fast If you think these are Whether it’s a cup of
efficiency and make meals quickly or broil a steak. cleaning. just for sandwiches, think instant noodles, a warm
faster and easier to get on again. Panini presses can be mug of hot chocolate or hot
the table, with less clean up ELECTRIC SKILLET ROASTER OVEN used to cook bacon quickly, water for your French press
to boot. They may seem old- When you have a turkey, cook crispy hash brown coffeemaker, an electric kettle
servings, create flatbreads, will get it all done fast. Maybe
grill chicken paillards, or you like a three-minute egg
whip up an oozy, cheesy hot in the morning or need to
sandwich. make some hard cooked eggs
quickly. Add your eggs to
RICE MAKER your water kettle, and cook to
Tired of eating desired consistency.
undercooked or mushy rice?
Try a rice cooker. It’s a small SLOW COOKER
appliance that can whip up a Nothing beats coming
batch of rice that’s perfectly home from work with dinner
steamed every time. To ready and waiting. The slow
give your rice maker more cooker has been around for
versatility, get one with a decades, but recently more
vegetable steamer basket; then celebrity chefs have been
you’ll have two sides made in embracing their versatility and
one appliance. how they can have a ready-
to-eat meal. From cooking
WAND BLENDER up pulled pork sandwiches to
Nothing beats a cup of creamy mac and cheese, slow
soup on a winter day, and cookers are a must for busy
with just some vegetables home chefs. n
and broth, you can whip up
a cream of spinach, potato ©2018 Kathryn Weber
or broccoli soup in a snap Distributed by Tribune
with your wand or immersion Content Agency, LLC.

by Kathryn Weber

here’s no doubt how the
eat-in kitchen has changed.
TOnce large enough to
accommodate a full table, kitchens
now are outfitted with islands,
countertop eating or dining bars.
These new uses are great for space
saving, but they need the right
seating, which means selecting the
right bar stool that fits your needs
and style.

HEIGHT FIRST
When selecting a bar stool,
finding the correct height is critical.
Too high, and your legs will hit
the counter. Too low, and you’ll
find yourself eating with your arms
raised. You’ll be both uncomfortable
and your bar stool won’t look right.
Start by measuring from the
floor to the top of the counter.
Standard counters are 36 inches
high. This is often the height of
a kitchen island. This will require
a 24- to 26-inch stool. If this is
for occasional use, choose one that
doesn’t have a back and you may be
barstool that’s 30 inches tall will fit HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BAR STOOL
able to store it under the counter.
For a tall dining bar that’s about
42 inches high, a traditional tall

the bill.
but they enable you to turn and with pneumatic height adjustment, are wonderful for those sitting for bar stools. You’ll find stools in wood,
OPTIONS view the TV or for guests to interact something that’s nice for family longer periods of time. However, metal and rattan, as well as stool seats
You’ll have a variety of choices. with those in the living room. members of varying heights. having arms on your bar stools will covered in fabric. Acrylic is another
Start first with how you’ll use the Think about who will be Another consideration is take up more space, so measure the chic and trendy choice that looks
chair. If you’ll only be using it at using the stools as well. For young whether you want your stool to be width of your counters stools, and fresh and updated. Look for these in
the counter and not to interact with children or older guests, take weight backless. These are usually slim and allow for space between the stools. It backless, armless and armed styles,
others in the room, then a stationary into consideration. If the chair is streamlined, but they can become may be better to have one less stool and with gold or silver accents. n
bar stool will do. For kitchens that too heavy, they could topple and uncomfortable after sitting for than have them too crowded.
are part of a larger living space, you hurt a child or may be too heavy for prolonged periods of time; though ©2018 Kathryn Weber
may want a bar stool that swivels. younger or older family members they often store easily. Arms are STYLE Distributed by Tribune Content
These might be a bit more costly, to move easily. Some also come another choice in bar stools. These There is a wide range of styles in Agency, LLC.
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