Ideas & Tips — Stainless Steel

Nothing is lovelier or more durable than stainless steel. Food-safe, aesthetically pleasing and strong, there are many reasons for its enduring popularity in the finest homes. Have you ever wondered how best to care for your stainless steel? You can use a variety of different solutions:  Baking soda: Combine a little baking soda with warm water and you can quickly and inexpensively clean any and all of your stainless steel products. Be sure to use a non-scratching cloth! Dishwasher: Unlike some plastic materials, stainless steel that  has been through a dishwasher is still safe to use because it doesn't contain potentially harmful chemicals...

Do you ever find yourself tasting a meal you've prepared and realizing it just doesn't have enough flavor? Do you dump loads of grocery store spices into your dishes, only to be put off by their bland, vague taste? It may be time to look into grinding your own spices, which is easy to do if you have the right equipment. Spices begin to lose their flavor as soon as they're ground, so when you buy prepackaged spices in the supermarket, they're already starting to go south, flavor-wise. Home-ground spices are obviously the right choice in terms of flavor, but...

Summer is the perfect season for low-fuss, no-cook food preparation. We love to assemble an elegant cheese plate, which is the perfect party hors d'oeuvres or even simple supper. (We also offer a scaled-down version for your smaller cheese assortments.) Here are our top tips for putting together the perfect arrangement of fromage:  Choose a flavorful cheese: Food Network recommends choosing at least one cheese that packs a big punch in terms of flavor. If you're wary of very strong cheeses, try Manchego, a tasty yet relatively mild option. Spread it with a little honey or served with dried figs...